According to the Utah Foundation, rural teachers make up to 40 percent less than comparable teachers in urban districts.
And while it’s risky to draw bright lines connecting school funding with success, it’s probably safe to say that those lower salaries contribute to lower test scores among rural students.
As Utah focuses on trying to bring the rural economy up to something approaching the high-flying Wasatch Front, it’s worth remembering that quality education is always key to any longterm economic development strategy. That is particularly true as rural Utah tries to move from low-tech mining and agriculture to more information-driven jobs.
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