Karen Decker

The board discussed preparations for the EM campus ribbon cutting, including contingency plans for weather and scheduling adjustments. Finance, SPED, and marketing reports were presented, covering budget status, IEP statistics, and student reading proficiency. Operational and outreach updates were provided, along with plans for an upcoming Halloween event and future enrollment strategies. The board adopted a definition for at-risk students, approved four LEA license requests, and reviewed several policies, including the Dispensing of Medication Policy and the Absenteeism and Truancy Prevention Policy. Additionally, the board discussed future training requirements regarding School Land Trust funds and conflict of interest forms.

The meeting focused on budget priorities, specifically reviewing actions and processes stemming from Public Education Appropriations (PEA) subcommittee meetings concerning proposed 5% reductions. Key discussions covered the recommendations for increases to public education funding, totaling over $72.79 million to the state portion of the budget, and the prioritization of board requests such as early literacy pair of professionals and AT RISK student funding. Furthermore, the board reviewed recommended reductions, including an ongoing reduction of $300,000 for early learning training and assessment, and the elimination of a vacant Financial Operations FTE position. Board members raised concerns regarding the need for certain programs and requested visibility into legislative funding requests and their fiscal notes.

This document provides an update on the implementation of the Utah State Board of Education's Strategic Plan, which serves as an essential roadmap for the organization. The plan is recognized for its ambitious, targeted goals across primary areas, guiding staff with high-leverage strategies focused on core beliefs such as early learning and teaching excellence. This proactive approach aims to drive work and make a significant difference in student outcomes, with metrics scheduled for review by board members in 2022.

The Law and Licensing Committee addressed several agenda items, including the approval of two charter school applications (Leap Academy and Lakeview Academy) following review of staff reports and stakeholder feedback. Significant discussion centered on educator licensing provisions 277.501 and 277.502. Provision 277.501 required a future dedicated discussion. Provision 277.502 was approved on second and final reading with amendments, following debate regarding its rollout timeline. The committee also approved continued work on rule 277.508 regarding substitute teachers, addressing concerns about the definition of 'student aid' and background checks. Rule 277.609 concerning discipline plans and emergency safety interventions was approved, involving discussion on the removal and later reintroduction of 'harassment' alongside bullying and hazing, based on legislative code changes consolidating terms. Additionally, Board Policy 1002 rulemaking procedures were approved, and a motion was passed to bring the medical examiner data sharing agreement back for discussion in March if legislation was not resolved.

The Finance Committee meeting agenda covered several substantive items. Key discussions included considering the addition of two additional representatives from the district back to the YOU CASS board, following requests from various entities. The committee unanimously approved the YOU CASS expansion request, recognizing the school's successful partnership and high performance metrics. The renewal of the five-year agreement for the Gang Prevention Intervention Programs (Code 277436) was approved, specifically approving Draft Two which defined 'gang prevention'. The committee also reviewed the State Fiscal Year 2019 Base Budget, approving allocations totaling $700,000 from unrestricted funds to Information Technology ($500,000) and Student Advocacy Services ($200,000). An additional allocation of $110,000 was moved within the budget for future board compensation costs. Discussions also touched upon updates regarding the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Grant, funding for necessarily existent small schools, and pupil transportation funding. Furthermore, the committee addressed the liquidation process for the Kairos Charter School assets and noted a fiscal dispute resolution process underway with Ascend Academy Charter School regarding federal expenditures.