This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Speaking of the need to reform education, Gov. Gary Herbert told Western governors: "We can't be doing the same old, same old and expect different and better results" ("Governors see need to reform education, health care," Tribune, June 30).

Herbert should look in the mirror while saying this and think of the debased attention and funding of our public schools year after year (being very last in per-pupil funding for years).

For an example, Herbert then said: "A teacher could have gone to sleep 100 years ago, come back 100 years later and felt very comfortable in the classroom — because nothing has changed."

This is an outrageous statement. Our educators are well-trained and keep up with changes in technology.

Herbert's comment is an insult to all educators. He should publicly apologize to teachers, students and parents. If our system were truly 100 years behind, Utah would be last in business as well.

I invite the governor to spend three days each year in schools, as a substitute teacher for a full day at an elementary school, middle school and high school. I challenge every legislator to do the same.

And, please, do not forget the apology.

Sharon Forbes

Bountiful