Legislature Approves $25 Million for Teacher Incentives

Mar 06, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Following a final hour submission by the Utah Senate, lawmakers approved a measure to provide $25 million in additional compensation to the state's teachers.

The House passed First Substitute Senate Bill 281, taking $25 million from a State Office of Education rainy-day fund. But first it removed a portion of the bill that provided a $1 million grant for a merit-pay program offered by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, which rewards teachers based on student performance. The substitute bill gives $5 million toward signing bonuses for new teachers, and the remaining $20 million to school districts to design performance-pay programs.

The Senate had been pushing for the American Board Distinguished Teacher certification program and initially refused to concur with the change. The body later relented when it became clear passage of the measure was at risk.

The House passed the measure with a 58-13 vote. The Senate eventually concurred 25-2. It's now up to Governor Jon Huntsman to give final approval to the measure.

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