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Show Speak out on state education By GOV. SCOTT M. MATHESON Educating the youth of this state has been a priority for Utahns since the early settlements. This year, however, has produced an unprecedented un-precedented amount of interest in ! education, both in Utah and in the nation. Over 100 reports have swept the nation this year bringing with them hundreds of recommendations for I improving the quality of education, j Although these reports have merit, the final decision on whether and 1 how education will be improved I must come from those who will be affected the most - the public. The Utah Education Reform I Steering Committee, which I ap- ! pointed in June, 1983, has just i completed their report: "Education ! - in Utah: A Call To Action." ! Their report, released last ! Friday, outlines problems unique to Utah and proposes solutions to those problems. Along with changes in the system itself, the report recommends recom-mends a major tax increase to support both education reform and the needs created by our unparalleled un-paralleled growth in student enrollment. Although money alone is not the answer to the shortcomings of our educational system, we must assume that additional money is a necessary component in the solution. The challenge will be to convince the majority of Utahns that the recommended reforms will ensure high quality education and that those reforms are worth the price. Because this issue will touch virtually every citizen in Utah, I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to comment com-ment on the recommendations and make their own suggestions. In order to facilitate public comment, town meetings have been scheduled in nine locations throughout the state for Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. Meetings will be held simultaneously in Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo, Vernal, Price, Moab, Cedar City and Richfield. I hope that citizens of Utah will actively participate in the committee's com-mittee's hearings throughout the state and make their own assessment of this prescription for improving education. The committee com-mittee is actively soliciting those, views for possible revision of its own proposals and for transmission to the legislature for the January budget session. Copies of the report will be available at your public library or local school district office. I encourage en-courage you to read the report and attend the meeting in your area. If you are unable to attend a public meeting, please send your comments com-ments to the Education Reform Steering Committee, 6136 State Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, or call 533-4675. The cornerstone of Utah's economic growth is a quality education system. We've found that businesses place a premium on a well-educated work force and a quality public school system. Reformation of our present school system will take time, money and cooperation from every sector of the state. This report is just a beginning. It is now up to you to add your suggestions and comments so that Utah's educational system can more effectively prepare our citizens to fully participate in tomorrow's economy. |