Mayor Becker Welcomes Teachers Back to School

Aug 22, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) Mayor Ralph Becker was warmly received by 800 teachers at a back to school assembly held at Highland High School this morning. Becker repeated his campaign promise to support local schools.

"Some of my critics and opponents said, ‘Oh, you know, that's ridiculous, that's not the role of the city,'" Becker says. "And after spending 11 years at the legislature, I am convinced that as a mayor, and as a city administration, and as a city, we needed to pick up and supply some of the gap that I felt the legislature has not done a good job of."

Becker says the state's commitment to education has lagged, citing the state's status of spending the least per student in the nation, and having the largest class sizes.

While the city can't afford to support Salt Lake city schools monetarily, Becker again affirmed the city's willingness to help in other ways. He's promised to hold education summits. He's also promised to reach out to business leaders to create mentor and internship programs for students, to round-up volunteers and help raise funds for classroom supplies.

"Less than a month ago, working with Lowe's, we had a ground breaking for what will be the first of many greenhouses in our elementary schools. Well, that's the kind of project, and the kind of effort that we need to do a lot of," Becker says. "We have a very willing community. They need to be asked, and that's something I don't mind doing. I've learned how to do that a lot in campaigning and in my own business over the years."

Becker created a new position in his cabinet for education director Joanne Milner. She is coordinating with educators to ensure the city doesn't duplicate programs already in place. Becker also announced the first Salt Lake City education summit is scheduled for November 13.

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