I have always been a strong supporter of education.
Hosting students from Westside Elementary
My Priorities
• Empower informed parental choice
• Support core ideals and community values
• Trust school boards to represent parents
• Ensure sustainable and flexible funding
• Encourage educational innovation
Reps. Marsha Judkins & Norm Thurston
My Record
• Advocated for increased flexible local funding
• Supported state-wide equal funding to benefit Provo and Nebo School Districts
• Helped remove wasteful “strings attached” and pet project spending
• Supported efforts to get the government OUT of the classroom and let the teachers teach!
Educators and Parents’ Support
Rep. Thurston & Mayor Michelle Kaufusi
Michelle Kaufusi, Provo mayor and former school board president
“I’m grateful for Norm Thurston’s service for Provo and District 64. When Provo School District needs help at the legislature, Norm is always willing to help and be a champion for education. As mayor, I’ve seen him do the same for Provo City.”
Superintendent Rick Nielsen & Nebo District Board of Education, letter dated 6/11/18
“We are grateful to have a man of your caliber representing us in the legislature…. We are sincerely grateful for your willingness to ask for and listen to our perspectives concerning legislation related to public education policy, funding, and governance.”
McKay Jensen, Provo School Board president
“It has been a pleasure to work with Norm at the state capitol. I have always found him to be readily accessible and responsive to local needs. I truly appreciate how he listens and understands what local districts need to succeed and his support of local control and flexibility.”
Anna Lea & Brian Cannon, Educators
“Norm’s approach to education empowers parents, teachers and locally elected school boards to innovate and act in the best interest of Utah’s children and communities. He is approachable and willing to look at issues from many different angles.”
Rep. Marsha Judkins, former school board member
“Norm is available to listen to our ideas and concerns. He is a strong advocate for local control.”
Carolyn Wright, former school board member
“Norm is such a great support of public education! He listens to local leaders and teachers, parents, and students. He effectively advocates for additional funding, local control, and flexibility. I am glad to have Norm in the House.”
Elizabeth Molinaro, parent-volunteer
“As a neighbor of Norm’s, I noted his commitment to education long before he entered public service. His family embraces education personally and professionally with his wife working for Provo School District for decades. He frequently attends fundraisers at our school and possesses a sincere and long term interest in our student body and faculty. This is one of the many reasons I supported his initial run to represent me and choose to continue doing so this election.”
Katie Steed, former special ed. professor
“Norm really understands the needs of the education system. He listened to my concerns and took action which led to needed change.”
Dr. Jerry Jaccard, retired education professor
“Norm knows education. He is that rare kind of legislator who has personally experienced how teachers are burdened by national, state and local agendas that diminish their effectiveness in the classroom. I fully support Norm’s continuing advocacy to enable teachers to do their best and for educational sustems to hire, develop, and retain the best teaching professionals.”
