During his opening address, House Speaker Mike Schultz highlighted the transformative work happening at the Davis Catalyst Center, where public high school students gain real-world experience and leave with job offers in hand.
“This wasn’t a traditional school environment—it was a launchpad for futures being built in real-time,” Schultz said. “It was a powerful reminder that education is not one-size-fits-all.”
Schultz refers to the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, which gives $80 million of taxpayer money to private religious school vouchers. A proposal to increase public funding for vouchers is expected to be discussed by lawmakers.
“This session, we have a chance to expand opportunities, giving students the tools they need to succeed in a world that values practical skills and innovative thinking,” Schultz said.
What Schultz failed to mention: the Davis Catalyst Center is a public school.
Schultz’s indirect praise of this public education innovation underscores a truth we’ve always known: when local public schools are adequately funded, students thrive.
The Davis Catalyst Center is a shining example of what’s possible when public education is prioritized and supported. It demonstrates the power of giving students diverse, high-quality learning opportunities tailored to their needs and aspirations. This is public education at its finest—equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s world.
Imagine what could be achieved if every public school had the funding, resources, and support to replicate such innovation. Rather than diverting even more public funds to private, religious school vouchers, we urge the legislature to double down on investing in the very system Speaker Schultz celebrated during his opening address.
Educators across Utah stand ready to deliver the kind of exceptional outcomes seen when public schools are prioritized. But this can only happen if public education is fully funded and valued as the foundation of our state’s success.
Let’s follow the example of the Davis Catalyst Center—not by siphoning funds to private interests, but by empowering every public school to innovate, inspire, and lead.
The students of Utah deserve nothing less. Let’s put public education first.
Read the Full Address
