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House approves tuition-waiver program for teachers after debate over grade and repayment rules
Summary
The Utah House passed House Bill 211 on Feb. 6, 2001, creating a tuition-waiver reimbursement program for teachers (50% general; 100% in targeted fields). Lawmakers debated grade standards and repayment requirements; an amendment raising the minimum reimbursable grade from C to B passed before the House approved the bill, 72-1.
Representative Wayne A. Harper, sponsor of House Bill 211, told the House the measure would create a reimbursable tuition-waiver program intended to train and retain teachers and address subject shortages. "If it's in a targeted area, it's 100%. If it's a non-targeted, it is 50%," Harper said while outlining eligible programs and the program's funding mechanism.
The bill would let the state reimburse teachers for coursework needed for certification and recertification. Harper said the program would be funded through the legislature's annual appropriations process, not by taking money from individual school budgets.
Debate centered on academic standards and enforcement. Representative Ferri proposed changing the minimum reimbursable grade from C to B, arguing that reimbursement should demand a higher standard and discourage grade inflation: "I do not believe a C is an accessible grade in a situation where we are reimbursing them for their course work." Opponents, including Representatives Tyler and Cox, warned that raising the standard could prompt grade inflation or make the program less fair to participants; Representative Tyler said raising the bar historically encourages grade inflation at some institutions.
Lawmakers also discussed the bill's repayment clause. The bill requires teachers who leave the state or leave teaching within a three-year period to reimburse the state for the waiver; sponsors said existing collection mechanisms could be used. Representative Harper said the state office of education would manage collections.
After amendments and further debate on funding and scope, the House voted to pass HB 211, 72-1. The bill, as amended, will be referred to the Senate for consideration.
