2024-25 Utah PTA Legislative Priorities
EDUCATION. Support an adequately funded public school system by funding a 3% Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) increase over and above growth and inflation; implement policies to increase proficiency levels by improving attendance, reducing class sizes, and supporting teachers; increase academic excellence for all Utah students; and prioritize local control to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and individual schools.
HEALTH: Support legislative action that focuses on the diverse mental health needs of Utah’s students and families, with a focus on promoting protective factors. This includes increasing public knowledge and understanding of mental health concerns throughout the state, access to resources, as well as providing funding for proactive prevention, timely interventions, and community-based initiatives utilizing evidence-based methods.
SAFETY: Support funding to strengthen school safety and security measures, to ensure a physical, academic, social, and emotional safe school community for all This includes but is not limited to school infrastructure, comprehensive safety training, community violence and bullying intervention and reduction, mental health training and resources as well as the education to families and communities on school safety protocols, children's online security, and the assessment of digital threats posed to schools across Utah.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social, emotional and physical learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms, while also increasing constructive family engagement with schools and the community and promote positive parental involvement across the state of Utah.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT: Support programs and policies that promote constructive civic engagement and citizenship, positive character development, and strengthen individual students.