Buttars Modifies Plan to Scrap 12th Grade

02.09.2010 by Elizabeth Ziegler

Senator Chris Buttars

(KCPW News) The Utah Legislature’s public education budget committee heard from eight people yesterday about proposals to cut the 12th grade and school buses to help bridge the state’s $102 million shortfall for education spending. Most of them supported the ideas, including Janalee Tobias, who lives in the Jordan School District.

“I’ve got to tell you, I am so happy to hear about this idea, if this does not mean a tax increase,” she said.  “We got killed last year with a 20 percent tax increase. There’s already rumblings of  maybe  another tax increase because they can’t find the money. I went to those tax hearings, and I’ve got to tell you: People are hurting with taxes.”

Senator Chris Buttars’ plan is to incentivize half the state’s seniors to graduate early. He says this could save $60 million. Another $7.5 million could come from cutting about half of high school bus routes.

Some members of the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee seem to be warming to that idea. And there was some support for trimming the 12th grade, but others strongly disagree. In fact, there’s already a program in place that gives high school students $1,000 to graduate after their junior year. And it doesn’t attract many students, says Brenda Hales, associate superintendent for student achievement and school success.

“Most students actually enjoy going their senior year of high school,” said Hales.  “My experience has been with both family members and other students that I know, that they enjoy the opportunities they have in their senior year.  They still take core classes, but in addition to that, some of them have the opportunity to take career exploration classes.”

Senator Buttars says he’s opened a bill file for both of his proposals regarding buses and the 12th grade.