Utah State Constitution
According to our State Constitution, parents have the primary right and responsibility to direct the education of their children. Karianne believes, with our Republican party platform, that parents should be able to choose which educational model best meets the needs of their children, including public, public charter, private and homeschooling.
Local Control
Local control in education is key. Parental involvement has a much greater impact on our children’s school performance than any other factor. Another primary positive factor for children’s learning is a high quality teacher.
Local School Boards make local budgeting decisions – like teacher salary levels. Our teachers are the “boots on the ground” and our funding should reflect that. The legislature has consistently appropriated new funding to our schools. Karianne has consistently supported these responsible funding increases.
Our children are performing well. However, there is always room for improvement. The preferred process for achieving future improvement in education has been a source of contention for many years. Karianne believes local decisions and innovation will better address the needs of individual children.
State Board of Education
The Utah State Constitution establishes a system of public education and a State Board of Education charged with its general oversight and supervision. Karianne understands that the Legislature holds the purse strings and should demand reasonable accountability for taxpayer dollars. The legislature must also provide flexibility in funding and regulations to allow for educational innovation that addresses the diverse learning styles of our children and emerging options in curriculum delivery.
Curriculum, and Teaching & Testing Methods & Materials
Karianne opposes relinquishing Utah’s ability to choose its curriculum, teaching methods, testing methods or materials.
Private Information
Finally, Karianne opposes sharing our student’s personally identifying information with the federal government or private businesses.