YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED ON Senate Bill 55, Authorization of Charter Schools By Higher Education Institutions

We need you to contact all members of the House Education Standing Committee today and Monday and ask them to vote YES in support of this bill. Your calls and emails will make a difference!

Senate Bill 55 has already passed through the Senate with a vote of 28 in favor and only one opposed. It now moves on to the House Education Committee where it must pass out with a favorable recommendation in order to be voted on by the House of Representatives. The bill is on the committee agenda for Monday, February 22, at 4:10 pm. We need you to contact committee members today and Monday!


Below you will find a summary of the bill.

        ACTION ITEM         

CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE TODAY!
Ask them to vote YES on Senate Bill 55

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.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

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