Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Teacher Pay Performance Data topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances substitute for teacher incentive program, funds data tool and adjusts appropriation
Summary
The committee recommended first substitute SB 99, which rightsizes the appropriation for the Excellence in Education and Leadership grant, implements a statewide data tool to measure teacher impact, and continues a local option performance-pay pilot that can award up to $20,000 per year to high-performing teachers.
The Senate Education Standing Committee voted to recommend first substitute Senate Bill 99, an amendment that adjusts funding for the existing Excellence in Education and Leadership program and directs development of a statewide data tool to measure teacher impact.
Sponsor Sen. Fillmore said the substitute "trues up the appropriation" after 17 school districts and 38 charter schools declared intent to participate. He described the program as offering additional compensation for a period of three years to teachers "who are among the highest performing teachers in the state," and said the additional compensation "can be up to $20,000 a year" for top-performing teachers serving students with the greatest need.
The substitute also directs the creation of a measurement tool, based on models used elsewhere, that aggregates existing student- and teacher-level data so districts and teachers can compare year-over-year student growth. Fillmore told the committee the tool "does not collect new data" but synthesizes data the state already collects and can disaggregate by economic disadvantage, English-language learners and students with disabilities.
Public commenters raised concerns about competition among teachers, data ownership, and privacy. Melanie Mortensen (Utah Parents United) warned about the potential for the program to disrupt collaborative teacher cultures and urged parental notice on data collection. Julie Jackson (Granite School Board, speaking for herself) said local experience showed surprising growth patterns and urged caution. Lexi Cunningham (representing USSA and USBA) said local education associations and districts have engaged with the Center for the School of the Future and that feedback has been provided to program designers.
During committee debate Sen. Riebe said she could not support the bill, citing attendance and staffing pressures in local schools and concerns that performance pay "pits teachers against other teachers." The chair ruled the motion to send the first substitute out with a favorable recommendation passed with four in favor and one opposed; the transcript notes Senator Riebe as the dissenting vote.
