Dear Voter,
Thank you for reading my thoughts regarding the Republican Primary Election for the Utah State Board of Education, District 3. I am now in my 4th year of service on the board.
As I listened to delegates, at the Davis County Convention, it became clear that many still had concerns/fears regarding what is happening in public schools. I heard both delegates and my opponent speak about divisive ideologies and pornography being allowed to infiltrate our schools. This accusation is incorrect. I can attest that whenever the Utah State Board of Education has identified a problem it has always sought solutions in alignment with Utah values.
Recently, a delegation of Egyptian Education Leaders visited Utah. Their purpose was to study our Career and Technical Education system. I asked, what was the most impressive thing you observed about our education system in Utah. Without hesitation the response was; “The quality of education that is provided to all students.” Former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass stated, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
At this time, when there are many challenges facing our education system, we do not need someone with a flashlight ready to expose problems but offering ZERO solutions. We need someone with PROVEN public school experience. Someone WILLING to roll up his sleeves and get to work. Someone who KNOWS how to fix the issues our schools are facing. I AM THAT PERSON.
Problem: Parents were concerned about their children being indoctrinated, and teachers were left vulnerable without clear neutrality standards.
Solution: I pushed to update the professional standards rule and provide training that ensures neutrality in the classroom and alleviates parental concerns about what is being taught in schools.
Problem: Disruptive student behavior.
Solution: I worked with two legislators on policies that have become law to support students, families, and teachers with increased training, better support systems, and effective response protocols. No student has the right to disrupt another student's right to learn.
Problem: Paid professional time was eliminated Solution: I recommended and promoted the draft legislation that eventually led to legislative action giving teachers 32 hours of flexible professional paid time. An additional 10 million dollars will be added for the upcoming year.
Problem: CRT (Critical Race Theory) Solution: Set clear Utah standards. A legislative audit found zero instances of CRT while I was on the Standards and Assessment Committee. I was also one of only three members who drafted a Rule requiring all teachers to be explicitly trained that they could not teach all five tenets of CRT in code. Then I was one of only six members who aligned that training with the most recent DEI “prohibited practices”.
Overall, how do Utah parents feel about public education? In 2023 the Deseret News reported that 84% of parents were satisfied with their neighborhood school, and of those, 43% were “extremely satisfied”. However, when problems arise, Schools don’t need empty rhetorical spotlights. They need solutions, and I have the knowledge, tools, time, and proven public school experience to continue to get the job done. My name is Brent Strate and I ask for your vote for Utah State Board of Education.
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