Utah Education Association outlines 2025 priorities: 3% WPU increase, more paid professional hours, school meals and safety funding

Renee Pinkney, a 30‑year veteran social studies teacher speaking on behalf of the Utah Education Association, outlined the association’s legislative priorities for the 2025 Utah legislative session and urged collaboration with the State Board of Education and legislators.

Pinkney said the UEA seeks at least a 3% increase to the state’s Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) in addition to inflationary adjustments and enrollment growth, expanded paid professional hours for licensed educators, continued funding for stipends in the future educators pilot program to support student teachers, and broader access to no‑cost school meals through the healthy school meals initiative.

She also asked for “a sustainable and growing long‑term revenue source” for K‑12 public education and for increased resources for school safety and student well‑being, including improvements to physical facilities and more school psychologists, social workers and counselors.

“We believe that by working closely with you, with legislators, educators, parents, and stakeholders, we can champion initiatives that address critical needs such as classroom funding, teacher retention, and equitable access to quality education,” Pinkney said.

Her remarks came during the public comment period (agenda item 4.1). Pinkney did not present a formal motion to the board; she listed UEA priorities for the upcoming legislative session and asked the board to consider them as it engages with lawmakers.