Utah’s House Bill 215, which establishes the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, passed in the Senate on Thursday with enough majority that it is essentially impossible for voters to overturn or the Governor to successfully veto. While concern and opposition have been widely expressed, there is a large group in support as well. A local example of this support came from the students of White House Academy in Vernal who traveled to the State Capitol this week and attended the Student Choice Rally while there. Principal Annaliese White explains that the older students visit the Capitol each year as part of their leadership and government class. This trip was especially impactful as they were able to watch and support HB215, which directly affects them, and be part of the political process on a very real level. During the trip they also met with Representative Scott Chew and learned more about the legislative process. Principal White, whose service at the White House Academy is on a full-time volunteer basis, says that HB215 is about creating choices for families and is not aimed at hurting public schools. Rather, it allows families to choose an option of education that works best for their child and she feels it will serve to relieve crowding in public school classrooms.
