DAVIS COUNTY -- Utahns for Public Schools and other supporters began their broad outreach effort Wednesday to inform voters why they should vote against "Referendum One," the school voucher bill, on the ballot November 6.

Wednesday featured a daylong school bus tour covering multiple counties including Davis, and key stops were made at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City and in front of North Ogden Junior High to announce the campaign kick-off.

"I value all children and seek the best possible education for all children," said Utah State Board of Education Chairman Kim Burningham.

"I think this was a wonderful idea to help people understand the importance of public schools."

Teachers of the year, parents, legislators and education advocates participating from around the state included Burningham himself, Joan Heap, Utah Teacher of the Year from Ogden, Holly Langton, Utah PTA Education Commissioner, Lisa Johnson from Utahns for Public Schools, Virginia Ellison, SLTA President, Rep. Steven Mascaro, West Jordan, Vern Alan Wood, Beaver District Teacher of the Year, Marsha Forsgren, Uintah County teacher, Brenda Haight, Iron County District Teacher of the Year and Jolene Jameson, Uintah County Tea-cher of the Year.

For further information on Utahns for Public Schools, visit utahnsforpublicschools.org.

dradunich@davisclipper.com