The two candidates for District 10 of the Utah State Board of Education – Molly Hart and David Linford – kicked off the 2020 primary debate series this week.

Voters deserve as much information as possible about the candidates that may represent them, which is why such a broad range of organizations is hosting this series. The Utah Education Debate Coalition is made up of the United Ways of Utah, Hinckley Institute, Deseret News, Sutherland Institute and Utah Association of Public Charter Schools.

The Utah State Board of Education is a key education policymaking entity in the state. For more information, check out Sutherland Institute’s FAQ on the state board.

What did District 10 candidates have to say?

This week, candidates for District 10 responded to questions about the future of assessments after the pandemic suspended this year’s tests; how to support online education next fall; the role of the board in current police and race issues; comprehensive sex education; whether and how to work with the U.S. Department of Education; accountability measures for charter schools and district schools; and more.

Budget cuts:

When it comes to budget cuts, Hart said, “We have to look and reassess our priorities and look at where our cuts will hurt the least. I’m really concerned that our teachers have the tools that they need to teach in a digital universe, because we need to be prepared for that.”

Linford said about budget cuts, “The decisions on where to budget money should be decided locally. And maybe that decision is to go with technology, maybe that decision is to go with more teachers, maybe that decision is to ramp up who knows what. In fact, I don’t know, but I know that principals do know, and I want to trust them with those decisions.”

Assessments:

In response to how the board should approach state standards and assessments, Linford said those should be decided locally. He said, “The state school board needs to stay as much as possible out of standards and assessments.”

Hart said she had a bit of a different take. “You can’t move an entire state forward and make sure that you’re utilizing your tax dollars and your resources effectively without some sort of roadmap, some sort of guidance.”

Appointed vs. elected:

When it comes to recent discussions as to whether the state board ought to be elected or appointed by the governor, both ultimately said they preferred an elected board.

Linford said, “If you’re appointed, then you’re accountable to the governor. As an elected person, I am accountable to the same people that I think should be having accountability.”

Hart said, “I like the people having the voice.”

Watch this week’s debate

For those who missed this week’s debate, you can watch it here. District 10 covers Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Solitude, Brighton, Alta, Draper and Granite. You can find out what Utah State Board of Education district you reside in by typing in your address here.

Send in your questions during next week’s debates

Debates for District 13 and 15 will be held next week. We invite Utahns to tune in and ask questions during the public question segment.  See below for next week’s schedule.

June 16 from 7 to 8 p.m.

District 13

Candidates: Allyson Williams and Randy Boothe

Cities covered: Provo, Spanish Fork, Mapleton, Springville

June 17 from 7 to 8 p.m.

District 15

Candidates: Scott Smith and Kristan Norton
Cities covered: St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, Parowan, Enoch, Springdale, Enterprise, Lund, Beryl, Modena