[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6253190,"mediaKeyId","3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795","parentId",3182855,"title","Board approves Primary Class (Odyssey) contract to run scholarship program amid transition questions","audioSeconds",837,"startMs",5523000,"endMs",6360000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795&start=5523&end=6360","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795/thumbnail_5523000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6253190/Utah/Board-approves-Primary-Class-Odyssey-contract-to-run-scholarship-program-amid-transition-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253190-1a2c209f7299214884e97731e4b5ab52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011955&Signature=FfbAw2ElFU13JKtDyRi5DVkvQ0LVVcX7IZpsDirthZrxNsdis3d0r-MXnR4OC1mSQv3xqAAYfp0SGj88Psx~-h-N0juumsYV6uAQfM~1nQlYrkEpjeNtP85ZwRtFPvf0rYbyYz4hn8mImd5cCkorrL~XsdFdk4PXUymF~XofpBRJkt4MDzzmQNNxG0phOiOrq1qI0OvukYuQ7qjDUk~x5OLyDYtsUEpuLHQlY5KT24xe8PbC0D~sbqWbZB-sbsSufP42-0Kdok4AzvXCYpCEenzkdDvbdwuhCmztdtEtPUn16hr8GsRNr6PiH41Ro0CsFZJF~Cbh35H~Z3LaeVQDkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Financial Operations","date","2025-05-02T23:30:02.973Z","article","The Utah State Board of Education approved a contract on Wednesday for Primary Class, doing business as Odyssey, to administer the state’s Universal Family Allowance (ACE) scholarship program. The vote was 12 in favor, 1 opposed (Member Boggess). The contract is a two‑year award with options for renewal; USBE staff described the shorter initial term as appropriate given the program’s complexity and the statutory changes that led to a procurement this year.

Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones told trustees staff conducted due diligence, contacted other states that had used Odyssey and requested clarifications about implementation experiences in Idaho, Iowa and Missouri. Board Member Booth summarized concerns she had heard from Idaho officials — including early implementation challenges — and asked staff to ensure Odyssey and USBE would communicate clearly during the transition and to confirm that the company would assign adequate personnel to Utah’s account.

Trustees also debated operational questions about applicant reimbursements and the handling of interest on previously collected funds. Jones said the contract and state law require returns and accounting for transferred funds and that staff had procedures in place to reconcile transfers from the prior vendor and to ensure funds are used per statute. He told the board that, in practice, the new vendor will be responsible for direct parent communications and for administering reimbursements under the law, with USBE enforcing contract compliance.

Board Member Boggess voted against the contract and raised concerns about implementation experience and unresolved operational questions such as interest accrued on past dollars while funds were held by the previous vendor. Jones said that the law governs the return of interest to the state and that reconciliation processes are being finalized as part of the vendor transition.

Numerous board members emphasized that Odyssey must own parent communication and casework once the transition is complete; several members pressed staff to ensure service levels, timely reimbursements and clear appeals processes for families whose applications were pending.

The board also approved the remainder of the consent calendar, including other procurement items. Staff will proceed to finalize and sign the Odyssey contract and oversee the vendor transition; board members asked for reporting on transition status and outstanding reimbursement cases.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","20250502 May 2, 2025 USDB Meeting - Study Session - Possible Unfinished Business (Live)","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a contract with Primary Class (doing business as Odyssey) to administer the Universal Family Allowance/ACE scholarship program; trustees debated vendor performance in other states, reimbursement timing, and treatment of interest on transferred funds before passing the contract 12–1.","taxTitle","Financial Operations , Utah Board of Education, Offices, Departments, and Divisions, Organizations, Utah Executive Branch, Utah","taxId",67095,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6253196,"Board approves 19‑member USDB working group; adds parents after debate",1168,4162000,5330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795&start=4162&end=5330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795/thumbnail_4162000.jpg","/articles/6253196/Utah/Board-approves-19member-USDB-working-group-adds-parents-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253196-b9e0b274416dd1e238cfd37650cdc80b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011955&Signature=SfWridP7Z7WBpvpsrOiaJR0cD80uYBeas4W8MLhQoYdjdDvjndqtsMog-sbmb4GfoIAesViFmOUA~Ru0WRgZ3YpIUfDMZsD6e~IUqkixQD8zNql0c~R9bWtCP0~GGO2fgAGHUKWquhHm1LkrM97u4P90m9pzG9K~yucE5ub7Do3Ina886YPi9GOF5lGQFYpfr5W0-1nbUutHN-pNAMdaNmYlXckF08nzKq0kuS3vIa2vd1gJ2Ne19sW864Ki-E~LkJcoGHY1aG2y8FUGBDRmorWu5nrZb4WWUAiZ9cuAExRwPPyqYt9MK5ITbJArHiLhnQVRjmg7~Dc05SEOcupTHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah State Board of Education voted to create a 19‑member working group to study governance, the role and scope of USDB outreach services, and facility needs. Vice Chair Wood moved the original membership makeup, which included USBE board members, superintendents, LEA special education directors, legislative members, USBE and USDB staff, a RISEA representative and other stakeholders.

During debate, Board Member Carrie asked why parents were not explicitly included; members discussed the tradeoffs between a smaller, technical working group and broader parental representation. Board Member Carrie moved an amendment to add two parents — one with a student served through outreach and one with a student on campus. Board Member Earl clarified that the proposed parents should represent the two service models. The amendment passed in a recorded vote; the final approval of the working group, with the two parent seats included, passed on the full board voice and roll‑call vote.

Deputy Superintendent Tanner and Associate Superintendent Coleman explained that the advisory council already includes parent representation and that the working group could solicit broader parental input using surveys or focus groups. Several board members said they preferred a concise working group but that formal and informal mechanisms should ensure parent voices are heard. The final tally on the working‑group motion was recorded in the meeting minutes as 9 in favor, 3 opposed and 1 abstention; earlier roll calls on the amendment showed a closer split during deliberations.

Board members directed staff to return the working‑group charter with finalized member names, a facilitator from USBE and a fall reporting timeline to legislative committees (PEA and EAC). Members asked that the working group use surveys or focus groups to gather broader parental input beyond the two parent seats.

","The board approved a 19‑member working group to examine USDB governance, outreach scope and facility needs and, after an amendment and vote, added two parent members (one outreach, one campus) to the group.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6253201,"Board removes clause allowing closed discussion of appropriations in USDB standing committee bylaws",1088,3057000,4145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795&start=3057&end=4145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795/thumbnail_3057000.jpg","/articles/6253201/Utah/Board-removes-clause-allowing-closed-discussion-of-appropriations-in-USDB-standing-committee-bylaws","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253201-e16cf917892321ee91e0922aca2bae9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011955&Signature=UeWffj6h0PU7UCPiN6P51s5~cfH3rsxAU7wqRIejBiAxFfqb9xJBpBmB-wCAn1cxzXobheiF7Uiq9Dc~cKb6a1bxbcD1-L63c9ZgJDY02fjg7KdirjGBqFoHwZfH6CQuX~jEb8r2uWiUhOJ~UUjHYct~bI~bCt5zn1mXeCFl1WzH27qV56TTZuafBE1KAelhS5W7ufGadDZzPhks8CmxOEsp4IpwyjPuY6B12dsWDyXB8jtHrBiqJziIY5g5C8353zM2W8eLkTp~JI9wjPpKMFGMDR50~UoNLKrl4DzZVv-SwxGgke~0oiBatLzdoGes0ERPJTnvw8uPBVxQm8oTQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah State Board of Education voted to remove language in a draft of board bylaws (Article 8, draft 1) that would have allowed the USDB standing committee to go into closed session to discuss matters that might affect specific individuals or appropriations. The motion to strike the clause was offered by Board Member Hart and carried on a roll call vote.

Board members debated whether standing committees are subject to the state Open and Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and whether a bylaw should permit closed deliberations on budgetary matters. Vice Chair Wood argued the draft bylaw sought to allow closed sessions only for personally identified student matters (for example, IEPs) but not for appropriations; Board counsel clarified that standing committees are not strictly subject to OPMA but that the board’s bylaws had explicitly required standing committees to be open to the public. Several members said transparency should be the default unless law or explicit exceptions require otherwise.

The motion to strike the contested provision passed by voice and roll call; the chair recorded the result as 13 in favor with two members absent. The board then approved the full bylaws draft 1 as amended; the final motion to approve the bylaws as amended passed with members Davis and Boggess absent.

Board members said they wanted committees and staff to err on the side of openness. “Everything should be in the sunshine unless there’s a reason for it,” said Board Member Hart during debate, arguing that budgeting and appropriations are public matters.

The board directed staff and its general counsel to produce the final ordinance text reflecting the amendment and to ensure committee procedures comply with state law.

","The board voted to strike a provision from proposed bylaws Article 8 that would have allowed the standing committee to discuss appropriations in closed session; members debated openness under the Open and Public Meetings Act before approving the amendment and the bylaws as amended.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6253207,"USDB reports balanced cash position; board begins multi‑month budget formulation process",956,2444000,3400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795&start=2444&end=3400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795/thumbnail_2444000.jpg","/articles/6253207/Utah/USDB-reports-balanced-cash-position-board-begins-multimonth-budget-formulation-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253207-5568417df89515289e48e5cf907aaee3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011955&Signature=MrOoN6l739OmF8Ad4lsruqov2hJ4jke~vYmFBt3lt7UbaSnLYDqnhSDUr-TikGliUF27lLTzah5D6PAEbbXotGTRL2hMtZeA4Ckq42rvvoJS1xFFEwFoKQDnlA-VWnRd8s9gs5Z0PSWxNNqV9LpukA-t2sosd5ozhe4cMeDZK64AoaTbE1kKhnanohjhOBRzefS7mJCmNtOPhceK-kz77SxBoZ9Exd-CH-aBJFAu~SQoTRSf0tFtn8kwont0zYCugIGgC7FQzQjOZ9t1mSDFdvDyVwdc~vWsWkOhrqn9a8O9y3G~OXx~RyXi2UgRK-wWdmq0PdMfuLmJvaio8WwNMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vicky Summers, financial manager for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB), told the board that, through the nine periods ending March 31, the agency reported revenues of $44.8 million and expenditures of $46.1 million but that transfers of about $1.5 million had been received in the final payroll period to correct the deficit for April reports.

“We do have sufficient cash on hand to meet USDB’s obligations and payments,” Summers said, and she listed the enrichment fund ($766,547), donated funds ($279,620) and an education foundation balance (about $1.2 million). Summers said she would “round the numbers” in the oral briefing and directed board members to the packet for full figures.

The board then held a study session led by Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones on the budget formulation process required by the Budgetary Procedures Act and the board’s timeline for producing a governor’s submission in October. Jones emphasized that the process is board‑driven but requires staff to prepare option papers, cost estimates and bill books for board deliberation. He asked the board to treat the finance committee’s May work as the start of a months‑long formulation period that culminates in an October submission and then legislative negotiations in the winter session.

“We want to make sure that it is the board that is leading in all things budget related,” Jones told trustees. He summarized five‑year funding trends, noting that recent years saw variable ongoing and one‑time funding, and described Amendment G’s inflationary WPU (weighted pupil unit) adjustments. Jones and board members discussed how revenue uncertainty — and late revenue estimates from the executive and legislative budgeting process in December — has historically narrowed what the board can realistically seek in the session.

Board members asked how non‑finance‑committee trustees could influence priorities; Jones said trustees should provide suggestions to finance committee members and that June is the key month for submitting proposals for staff to develop. Several board members said they wanted budget requests to be more data driven so the board can justify priorities on student outcomes rather than broad “wish lists.” Deputy Superintendent Leah Voorhees and other staff described how USBE and USDB track program and federal grant lines such as IDEA and Title III.

Jones also reviewed the “bill book,” which summarizes bills and budget impacts, and said finance committee motions made that day will come to the full board in June for formal ratification. He and staff committed to continuing work with legislative fiscal staff and the governor’s office to test “what‑if” revenue scenarios.

No formal board appropriation votes were taken during the study session; the finance committee’s motions are scheduled for the board’s June meeting.

","USDB financial manager reported revenues and expenditures through March 31 and the board’s finance study session reviewed timeline and approach for next year’s budget formulation under the Budgetary Procedures Act.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6253212,"USDB students describe sustained cultural, historical learning from Japan trip",1745,480000,2225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795&start=480&end=2225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182855-9f76199e56ad9dbd2216bdb49ff84795/thumbnail_480000.jpg","/articles/6253212/Utah/USDB-students-describe-sustained-cultural-historical-learning-from-Japan-trip","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253212-fd40f826176d658595e86f3288f1be44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011955&Signature=Mpjkmi6SAl6TStwlOP2~90XTwa9TvhSYoS0~J50eqb5Sm38lYw~WvfTgMW6IjIhPpxzH6Y-~Lh5gxovYDuBoRebGn~M0Ut0rTWOF4F8BOa1SaKvX9Tjsa5COvYCg~4Rc9UzHjuRvAUxHD8QQ6A1~ZXpBfBA0CTYMxPDjjVR1Ff-wFy02vL4bzFjajrpDMeh5oa58w58sGSix7RT6L7GVtTpDQr-TaW40jgOPrUbOsCFr0m4QnKl4Pmq7sUGwkJRUaZR3v9TBzyKtJvyCjLwUwKbSojK0KcN8gH6XkvHqotsUUfoRJjL-wxaHgF1OfNg5GAHNJmSnMGWkCjfJar3DWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) told the Utah State Board of Education on Wednesday that a recent educational trip to Japan gave them sustained, real‑world learning experiences that classrooms alone could not provide. The presentation included first‑hand accounts of visits to Hiroshima’s Peace Museum, the Torii gate on Miyajima Island, Nara Park, and encounters with deaf and deaf‑owned businesses.

Board members and USDB leaders said the trip illustrated the value of project‑based learning for students who experience limited incidental learning because of sensory differences. “This is why this event for them … is the crowning event where they go and they realize what they learned in school really is intended to make them more successful, happy, and helped them thrive,” said Superintendent Coleman, who introduced the students and staff.

During the roughly 20‑minute student presentation, seniors and juniors recounted travel logistics (customs and trains), cultural observations (the Shibuya crossing, okonomiyaki food, Torii gates), and personal history encounters in Hiroshima. Student Eliza Dietz described the visit to the Peace Museum as “so impactful” and said hearing survivors’ perspectives changed how she thought about the bombing’s long‑term effects. Jackson Fowler and other students spoke about interactions with Japanese deaf high‑school students and guides who used Japanese Sign Language; students said they learned many JSL signs and compared them with American Sign Language.

USDB program director Adam Billings accompanied the trip and later presented research on why project‑based international experiences are important for deaf and blind students, who often miss incidental learning opportunities available to hearing or sighted peers. Board members asked questions about logistics and access; Vice Chair Wood encouraged trustees to view the presentation as an example of how experiential learning ties to broader educational outcomes.

USDB leadership said the trip was funded from board‑approved enrichment funds and that remaining enrichment balances will help fund upcoming summer camps. Board members thanked the students and staff for the presentation and said they were pleased to hear concrete examples of student growth outside the classroom.

The presentation appeared during agenda item 5; board members noted the trip was an annual type of experience funded through USDB enrichment projects and requested continued reporting on student outcomes tied to such opportunities.

","Students from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind presented to the board about a recent trip to Japan, describing visits to Hiroshima, Miyajima and other sites; staff and the board said the trip reinforced project-based learning for deaf and blind students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves Primary Class (Odyssey) contract to run scholarship program amid transition questions

Board approves 19‑member USDB working group; adds parents after debate

Board removes clause allowing closed discussion of appropriations in USDB standing committee bylaws

USDB reports balanced cash position; board begins multi‑month budget formulation process

USDB students describe sustained cultural, historical learning from Japan trip