Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Teacher Pay topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves expansion of teacher merit-pay program amid debate over classroom funding
Summary
The Senate approved a first-substitute to SB 99 to expand an education 'excellence and leadership' supplement and fund a statewide data tool; supporters said the program lets top teachers earn more, while critics argued the money does not go directly into classrooms. Vote: 24–5.
Senator Stuart Fillmore moved and the Senate approved first-substitute Senate Bill 99, which expands the Excellence in Education and Leadership supplement and authorizes the State Board of Education to develop a data tool to support performance-based awards. The measure passed third reading by roll call with 24 yea votes and 5 nay votes.
Supporters said the bill helps retain and reward high-performing teachers. "This allows the best teachers in our state to be able to earn six figures a year by using their talents to help benefit the kids that are most in need," Senator Fillmore said, describing the program's intent to target awards to teachers whose students show stronger median gains.
Fillmore told the Senate about uptake so far: "About 40% of LEAs have opted into this program," and he said a list of 55 participating local education agencies is posted online. The bill also funds a tool that the sponsor said will allow statewide access to existing student-performance data for the center that awards the performance grants.
Opponents cautioned the program could divert attention and dollars from classrooms. "I'm voting no because this money doesn't put money into the classroom with the teachers and the students," Senator Reby said during explanation of her vote, arguing the state should prioritize direct classroom funding rather than layered programs with additional administration.
Senators asked how specialized institutions would be treated. Senator Escamilla asked whether the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind could meaningfully compete for performance measures; Fillmore said the inclusion was a technical correction and that each local education agency creates its own measures, noting the program is not a state mandate and that participating LEAs design appropriate standards for their settings.
Senators also asked whether the performance data would be publicly accessible. Fillmore said the State Board’s public dashboard will include a form of the data and that teachers could see their classroom results; the center administering awards will also have access.
The sponsor moved the bill to third reading and it passed on the floor; Cullimore later recognized Canyon School District officials attending the session. The bill will proceed to the House for consideration.
The most immediate procedural step is transmittal to the House; details on final appropriation and the 55-LEA participation list are available on the State Board/center websites referenced by the sponsor.
