Mayoral candidate Ralph Becker announced today an innovative plan that calls for a partnership between the mayor’s office and the public education system in Salt Lake City. Becker’s Education Blueprint is a detailed, seven-point plan to foster a world-class education system in Salt Lake City.
“Building up Salt Lake City schools will be my top priority as mayor. A key part of becoming a Great American City depends on educating our kids,” Ralph Becker said. “My Education Blueprint is a groundbreaking commitment from the Mayor’s office, connecting our education system with city policy, civic life, the business community, the University of Utah, and other higher-education entities.”
The Education Blueprint is a centerpiece of Becker’s campaign. As he walks door to door and also meets with diverse interest groups, Ralph consistently speaks to the critical responsibility for educating its citizens that the city must embrace. “Salt Lake City must aim for nothing short of a superior education system,” Becker said, “and the mayor’s office will play a very central role in making that happen.”
The Blueprint includes a proposal to create a senior-level position called the Education Partnership Coordinator, whose sole responsibility will be to work every day with education institutions, businesses, the non-profit sector, and government to support and enhance Salt Lake City education.
Business leaders, educators, public officials, and community activists praise Becker’s Blueprint.
“Ralph Becker has been a powerful advocate for public education during his years in the Utah House of Representatives,” said Doug Nelson, current Chair of the Salt Lake City School District Board. “I think the ideas contained in Ralph Becker’s Education Blueprint will benefit all who call our city home, and help our society be better prepared for the future.”
Former First Lady Norma Matheson agrees: “Ralph Becker’s education platform will enhance the role of city leadership in supporting and expanding the educational opportunities in our Salt Lake City schools.”
To read the entire Blueprint, click here.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:12 am
Dear Ralph,
As I’m sure you are aware, many Salt Lake City’s families need and rely on child care so that they can work and support their families. It is important to parents that there is sufficient access to affordable, high quality care. Utah does provide subsidies to low-income families to offset some of the cost of child care but the eligibility cut-off for this program is $35,400 for a family of four (171% of the federal poverty level). This is roughly 10% of a family’s income that is put towards child care. A family of four earning $36,000 is not eligible for assistance. Research has shown that quality of care in Utah is adequate at best, and State needs assessments show a lack of availability of slots. During the 2007 General Session the Utah Legislature gave increased funding towards the Child Care and Development Block grants which is a federal/state match. This was the first time in many years that the legislature appropriated state money for subsidized child care. While this was a positive move to support working families in Utah we are still lacking in adequate support to assist families in maintaining employment and moving off of all public assistance.
Secondly, there has been extensive research done on the benefits of high quality education on young children, as well as long-term studies that show the return on investment from improving early learning opportunities. Not only do early experiences of a child have a long-term impact on learning, behavior, and health, but investments in early education pay huge dividends as children perform better in school, get into college, and become productive members of the workforce. Utah saw some advancement in this area with the expansion of extended-day kindergarten for Title I schools but as a whole Utah is far behind other states in its investment in young children.
Should you become Mayor, I was wondering what thoughts you have related to 1) affordable, accessible quality child care for Salt Lake’s working families, and 2) your ideas for a city level early education initiative, early learning office, or the like.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Robyn,
Thank you for your detailed presentation of information and suggestion. I am with you 100% and as mayor would look for ways to assist with affordable child care and early education from the City.
I think these concepts are the types of initiatives that help establish SLC as a child-friendly community and may offset some of the higher costs of housing we have in much of the City.
Best regards,
Ralph