Utah schools chief apologizes for crying teachers comment
People gather during the stand up for public education rally at the Utah State Capitol Monday, March 9, 2015, in Salt Lake City. Hundreds of parents, students, teachers, school employees, business leaders and others from across Utah gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to support public education. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
SALT LAKE CITY >> Utah’s schools superintendent is saying sorry for comparing teachers to crying children.
Superintendent Brad C. Smith issued an apology to educators on Wednesday.
He said he was tired and frustrated at the end of the legislative session in March when he commented on teachers rallying for more school funding.
Smith was talking to The Salt Lake Tribune when he said: “It reminded me of when my kid was 3 years old and they started crying on Christmas morning because they didn’t get one more thing.”
Smith said the comment was unacceptable in the apology posted on the Utah State Office of Education website.
He said the gaffe has teachers believing that he doesn’t support them but he praised educators as diligent and conscientious people who should get paid better.
