Most school children in our area are now back in session. This is naturally the time of year when education becomes front of mind, including how schools are operated, what is taught, and how we pay for it all.
Since I joined the Legislature in 2015, I have been a strong advocate for improving both policy and funding mechanisms for public education. Here are some of my thoughts and positions when it comes to our Kindergarten through 12th grade system.
- Parents – It is important that we respect the fundamental right and responsibility that parents have for the education of their children. Parents should have a voice in what is taught and how that is done, including the possibility of choosing the setting that works best for their children – district schools, charter schools, magnet schools, or home schools.
- Teachers – Teachers are trained professionals and need to be respected as such. The best outcomes occur when teachers can work with parents to meet the needs of the children they teach. Too often, teachers are burdened by national, state, and other agendas and we need to get government out of the classroom and let them do what they are trained to do – teach.
- Funding – The state constitution requires the legislature to ensure a free education for each child in the state. We do that primarily through the collection of the state income tax on families and businesses. I support formulas that allocated those funds to local schools primarily based on the number of students, but adjusted for unique circumstances, such as added funding to help rural schools pay for transportation or to help pay the extra costs associated with educating children with disabilities. In general, funding should be provided with no strings attached.
- Local School Boards – Local school board members are elected by parents and other taxpayers in their communities. The best decisions about education policy and funding will be made at the level closest to the citizens. Local control is critical for education policy.
My Record of Support for Education
As your representative, I have a strong record on these and similar issues.
- I have continually advocated for increased funding, that is flexible for local needs and comes without strings attached.
- I supported statewide equal funding formulas that benefit Provo and Nebo School Districts.
- I have helped eliminate pet project and wasteful spending approaches that come with strings attached.
- I supported efforts to get the government out of the classroom and let the teachers teach.
What do educators and parents have to say about Norm?
“I am grateful to have someone with Norm’s caliber representing us in the Legislature. He is always willing to listen to our perspectives concerning public education policy, funding, and governance.”
Shauna Warnick, Nebo School Board
“Norm is very responsive and really accessible. I appreciate his support of Provo’s students through strong state funding of the Weighted Pupil Unit.”
Rebecca Nielsen, Provo School District Board of Education, Vice President
“Norm Thurston has been a strong advocate for increased flexible funding for our schools. He trusts that educators, not government, know how to best use funds for their individual classrooms.
“He has continually supported efforts to give the power back to the teachers within their own classrooms and let them do what they are trained to do- teach. His approach to education is to allow local schools to make decisions based on the best interests of their own students within the communities in which they live.”
Kathy Mesenbrink, Provo School District, Elementary School Teacher
“Rep. Thurston does an incredible job advocating for children with disabilities. He made us feel heard and valued, and he played a helpful role in getting us access to additional resources for our disabled son. He does a great job representing Utah families. He gets stuff done!”
Brian and Jennifer Miller, Parents of a child with disabilities
“Norm really understands the needs of the education system. He listened to my concerns and took action which led to needed change.”
Katie Steed, former special ed. professor
“Norm knows how teachers are burdened by national, state and local agendas. I fully support his advocacy to enable teachers to do
Dr. Jerry Jaccard, retired education professor
their best.”
“Norm listens to local leaders and teachers, parents, and students. He effectively advocates for additional funding, local control, and flexibility.”
Carolyn Wright, former school board member
“Norm frequently attends our fundraisers and has a sincere interest in our students and faculty.”
Elizabeth Molinaro, parent and admin assistant, Dixon Middle School
