Statement on Utah Voucher Defeat By Brenda Welburn, NASBE Executive Director

Brenda Welburn, executive director of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), issued the following statement regarding the defeat of the Utah private school voucher referendum on Tuesday.

“Utah voters have once again reaffirmed their confidence in their public schools by decisively rejecting the state referendum on private school vouchers. The 2-1 margin against vouchers is testament to the satisfaction Utah families, educators, and the public have with their schools.

Whenever the issue of vouchers has been put before the public for a vote, vouchers have lost overwhelmingly. The public–in states ranging from California to Michigan and now Utah–inherently understands the community benefits of public education. No matter how many millions in advertising voucher proponents buy to try to convince them to the contrary, voters are able to see through the false promises of vouchers and disregard the scurrilous attacks on their public schools.

I also want to commend Kim Burningham, chairman of the Utah State Board of Education, for his leadership role in support of public education. Kim’s energy, vision, and eloquence, were a source of inspiration and confidence to many during this election campaign. Utahns are fortunate to have a state education leader of Kim Burningham’s commitment and passion working on behalf of their schoolchildren, and I am certain that Kim will continue his tireless efforts to implement real reforms that, unlike vouchers, are proven and effective to improve Utah’s public schools for all its children.”