From Lisa Johnson's Blog: Think the voucher fight is over? Think again!

If you’re like most people, you probably assume that elections for the state school board are run pretty much like other elections, minus the partisan element. Most Utahns aren’t aware of the complicated process by which state school board candidates are selected—and how easily that process can be manipulated by anti-public education activists. The events of this week are a strong reminder of the reasons that the citizens who oppose vouchers—62% of Utah voters—cannot let their guard down.

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Wimmer’s bill is a solution in search of a problem

"Rep. Carl Wimmer is floating a bill that would increase the size of the State Board of Education from its current 15 members to 29 members. It would model the 29 board positions on the current 29 state senate districts. Worst of all, it would require candidates for the State Board of Education to declare party affiliations and subject these candidates to the political convention process (and ultimately straight party ticket voting)."

Read Senator Scott McCoy's entire post, Politicizing the State Board of Education is a Bad Idea at UTAH SENATE DEMOCRATS.

How do you really feel, anonymous???

"Politizing the state school board is one of the best things that the legislature can do for the state Utah.

By having candidates accountable to political parties and to voters, we can be assured of a school board that is accountable and law abiding, i.e. Listening to the attorney general.

Rather than having these hipping thinking, granola eating, al gore eco nut sun worshipers – who support educrats and unions sitting on the state school board – we can have a proactive citizens who obey the law, and respect the wishes of the voters of this state and the political parties that they represent and support parents – not those ingrained in the educational bureaucracy."

- Posted by anonymous on the Utah Amicus

nuf said.

Yes they can, and they did!

(Deseret News)"The State Board of Education cannot refuse to talk to us," said Senate President John L. Valentine, R-Orem, following a meeting Tuesday afternoon of top-level legislative bosses — the Executive Appropriations Committee.

But GOP legislative leaders decided to try to carry a big stick and talk softly to the 15-member, independently elected state school board, Valentine said. That decision came in a private meeting between Senate and House Republican leaders before the Executive Appropriations hearing, causing a public meeting to start 90 minutes late."

It looks like they can refuse to talk to you President Valentine, and for good reason. Not only has Republican leadership brought this voucher curse on the people of Utah at an inappropriate time, but they have also become jealous of their power, and cannot be trusted with the public education system in Utah. Thank goodness we reelected Chairman Burningham, a true public education hero.