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Tuesday - February 23, 2010

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YOUR ACTION MADE A DIFFERENCE!

Senate Bill 55, Authorization of Charter Schools By Higher Education Institutions Passed the Committee Hearing!

In case you have not heard yet, Senate Bill 55 passed out of committee unanimously with a favorable recommendation! The vote count was 9 in favor, 0 opposed, and 6 absent. (Go HERE for the bill status.)

Your calls and emails definitely made a difference. Several committee members referenced the number of communications they received from citizens asking them to support this bill. If you have time, be sure to send a follow up email or call to those committee members in attendance at the hearing and thank them for voting yes (
see HERE).

The bill now moves to the House floor to be voted on. We will send out another action alert once it has moved up the reading calendar and is close to being heard by the House body (go
HERE to follow the bill). In the meantime, you can contact your Senator and Representative (find HERE) and ask them to support Senate Bill 55.

Thank you for working to ensure that every child has equal access to a quality
education!


Below you will find a summary of the bill.

        ACTION ITEM         



MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Thank them for voting YES on SB55


Rep. Gregory H. Hughes (CHAIR)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-572-5305 Work Phone: 801-548-2922

Rep. Kenneth W. Sumsion (VICE-CHAIR)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-368-8299 Cell Phone: 801-368-8299

Rep. Johnny Anderson
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-988-4383

Rep. Laura Black
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-561-8433 Cell Phone: 801-231-6538

Rep. Brad L. Dee
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-479-5495 Work Phone: 801-399-8623

Rep. Rebecca P. Edwards
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Cell Phone: 801-554-1968

Rep. Craig A. Frank
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-785-6652 Work Phone: 801-362-3171 Cell Phone: 801-362-3171

Rep. Don L. Ipson
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 435-673-8216 Work Phone: 435-674-6301

Rep. Bradley G. Last
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 435-635-7334 Work Phone: 435-673-8666

Rep. Carol Spackman Moss
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-272-6507 Cell Phone: 801-647-8764

Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-254-0142

Rep. Marie H. Poulson
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-942-5390

Rep. Kraig Powell
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Work Phone: 435-654-1550

Rep. Mark A. Wheatley
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Home Phone: 801-264-8844

Rep. Carl Wimmer
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it » Cell Phone: 801-608-4763



House of Representatives: (801) 538-1029
You can call the House Chamber number and leave a message
that will betaken directly to the legislator.

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Remember, when contacting elected officials,
it's appropriate to be firm, but always  be respectful.


Senate Bill 55 Summary - AUTHORIZATION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS BY HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Chief Sponsor: Stuart Adams
House Sponsor: Greg Hughes

Passed the Senate 28-1-0

This bill is being supported by such groups as the Board of Regents,
Utah Technology Council, Utah Taxpayers Association,
UVU President Matthew Holland and Weber State President Ann Millner.


Allows a board of trustees of a higher education institution to authorize the establishment and operation of a charter school.

Bill Highlights
  • Subject to approval by the State Board of Education, allows a board of trustees of a higher education institution to enter into an agreement with certain individuals or entities to establish and operate a charter school;
  • Specifies procedures for applying for authorization of a charter school by a board of trustees of a higher education institution;
  • Specifies the responsibilities of a board of trustees of a higher education institution that authorizes a charter school;
  • Allows a board of trustees of a higher education Institution as a Chartering Entity to charge an annual fee of a value not to exceed 1% of each WPU for oversight and technical support to a charter school.

Benefits from Having an Additional Partner in Charter Authorizing
  • Multiple authorizers broaden the opportunity for innovation and enhance quality and accountability
  • This will provide more options for Utah parents and students
  • We expect that a high percentage of these charter graduates will go on to higher education, providing a strong avenue to bridge the gap between high school and higher learning and strengthening the K-16 Alliance   
  • We expect this option will provide a strong environment to motivate at-risk student populations to seek a degree in higher education
  • We expect many of these charters will be focused on missions specific to their institution of higher learning such as STEM curriculum, providing a strong partnership for workforce quality
  • Higher Education Institutions have strong resources; including considerable education expertise, access to university resources and partnerships, and research capabilities that may lead to innovation and best practices
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