[{"_1":2,"_117":-5,"_118":-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",[32,75,86,97,107],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6531708,"mediaKeyId","3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03","parentId",3478437,"title","USBE outlines 2026 education budget: WPU up 4%, MSP funding rises about 6% to $8.6 billion","audioSeconds",13,"startMs",13785,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03&start=13&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03/thumbnail_13785.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6531708/Utah/USBE-outlines-2026-education-budget-WPU-up-4-MSP-funding-rises-about-6-to-86-billion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531708-5de644a932bf1cc875df48879c91d680/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508786&Signature=cuMUV6U0rSi-xLb--qQVYEU7d4UvZp~9Ikwk7a462lgwXFoytZMIwyWCudaDStyLoAEF6V80Qnn7IxiS-q9AkwLV4tVgw1Qdua8XQh50LFgiqjKUtQiw6DaWkJ4kR89AvkN6TMfaOLFdY08pgzG9Vb1lv9zlm1KZ0xD4Tin8rduWkKL3q6826hOtp-I0rTzuyBoPhwIns7h-QXoxkuuWxcUzCyEHLSKmUxlDDgOXbMxu43zeS~2h122IDo6PqTIVFKBCJd-093MY2H6eolcrlVIHwT3-GKtWTTXfNuf6x-4agfEILXCyfVmdhuFHg33dxJ-CbAedeqV8BxLjg~aB-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-24T01:05:58.863Z","article","The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) told district and charter finance officers that the 2025 legislative session produced a $8.6 billion public education budget for fiscal 2026, with the weighted pupil unit (WPU) increased by 4% and total MSP funding up roughly 6%.

USBE school finance director Sam Yuri said the agency published a legislative \"bill book\" summarizing every education bill that passed and urged LEAs to review it with leadership teams. \"The WPU value, the weighted pupil unit, was increased by 4%... Our overall MSP funding went up by 6%, and the total public ed budget this year is $8,600,000,000,\" Yuri said.

Why it matters: the WPU increase changes base calculations used to allocate per-student funding across dozens of MSP line items, and the legislature also moved significant one-time and recurring dollars into new or revised programs. USBE staff emphasized that local budget officers must ensure board-adopted budgets cover expenditures and that budgets be amended during the fiscal year to avoid audit findings.

Key changes and dollars
- WPU and MSP: WPU +4%; MSP funding + ~6%; public education budget $8.6 billion for FY26. (USBE legislative summary.)
- One-time appropriations and reallocations include funding for a catalyst center program ($65 million, public ed fund), school safety and support grants ($25 million one-time), first credential program ($29 million), and other targeted program allocations. Some capital programs (enrollment growth) were eliminated.
- The legislature added a standing flexible allocation that consolidated prior teacher-supplement dollars (see separate item), and set aside mid-/final-year balancing funds to manage unanticipated midyear needs.

What USBE recommends
- Review the USBE bill book and the State Auditor reporting requirements posted on the auditor's website. Yuri reminded budget officers of Utah Code 53G-7-307: a budget officer \"may not draw warrants except in accordance with and within the limits of the budget passed by the LEA governing board.\" He said that failing to amend budgets when needed is a common audit finding.
- Expect common use of one-time funds for program launches and rulemaking this summer; USBE will post guidance and program codes ahead of FY26 reporting.

Background and next steps
USBE staff will post the FY26 chart of accounts and new program codes before the new fiscal year and are coordinating updates to UPEFS and the UCIMS reporting platform. LEAs were told to prepare to record several new program codes and to watch for guidance on how to report new grants and allocations. USBE also signaled there will be midyear monitoring and reminded LEAs about the state compliance audit guide and fraud risk assessment requirements.

Ending note: USBE finance staff said the agency will send the bill book and briefings to LEAs, post PowerPoints and recordings, and remain available for technical assistance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","50250505 2025 Spring School Finance Training (Drafted by NG)","oneSentenceSummary","The Utah State Board of Education told district and charter finance officers that the 2025 legislative session produced an FY26 public education budget of $8.6 billion, with the weighted pupil unit (WPU) increased 4% and overall Minimum School Program (MSP) funding up about 6%.","taxTitle","USBE Financial Operations, Utah State Board of Education, Utah Government Divisions, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",75985,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6531698,"Lawmakers restrict school fees, require no-fee graduation pathways and new notices; USBE and monitors outline compliance steps",7339,7339215,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03&start=7339&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03/thumbnail_7339215.jpg","/articles/6531698/Utah/Lawmakers-restrict-school-fees-require-no-fee-graduation-pathways-and-new-notices-USBE-and-monitors-outline-compliance-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531698-391f541bffe4d3b37b9a891f7d4a5c23/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508786&Signature=ZmJvGYt5CJrFcAjg9kV6WQ6SeJnwS4V200IW1WDxqyP49nF4Q3Nq7Qe~OhinUTAFN4B7Xu9X6DjpTtCiUXgsUC6yuPJW4V4qNGUnNmTifhaXVToyMq-mrp6N8ntzI51KNuCn387pd9Q87yUSPM01~q1kIQt5ItlswekjHcSO~7WlrDiO0ARcOfDHnMofGjZKZtmGYPyFcvRlHa-LEpCqAPzjTADwyHADzlinYUFjUIbiDVuB7IP0V40nkOTW646XIUXGMvE8klSMb7aVbOVPYOsjRgYJDxTas4ztLkRl2TrIfLEFuLC6AIPp00dfhE4-plsZPxmp4SLuEzcnS6IBXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utah school-fees framework changed in the 2025 legislative session. USBE school-fees staff Scott Crapo and Gina Smith briefed LEA finance and administrative staff on the practical implications for fee schedules, allowable charges and site-level practice.

Major changes required by law
- Elimination of \"general fees\": fees that are charged to all students but do not provide a direct, specific benefit are no longer allowable. Fees must be directly related to the expense of a particular activity, course or program and may not subsidize otherwise-prohibited charges or normal instructional costs.
- Fee-free graduation pathway: starting with school year 2026-27, any LEA that awards graduation credit must offer at least one option for each graduation requirement that does not require a fee or fee waiver (for example, offering an art-appreciation course as a no-fee option where a paid studio art course is available).
- Elementary supply lists: supplies lists for elementary students must include notice language that items on the list \"will be used during the regular school day, may be brought from home on a voluntary basis. Otherwise, they will be furnished by the school.\" School fees staff said this language must appear on all elementary supply lists.
- Annual board approval cycle: fee schedules and fee policies must be approved by the local governing board. The approval deadline was moved to June 1 (beginning FY27) to allow time for legislative changes to be integrated before board action.

What can still be charged
USBE outlined categories that remain chargeable for secondary students where appropriate: instructional equipment (items that become student property on course exit), instructional supplies (consumables necessary for a course), school trips/field trips, activity clothing, discretionary projects (optional student projects that exceed required competencies), competency remediation, AP/IB/concurrent-enrollment exam or credit fees, certain extracurricular activity fees, and specified application processing fees.

Fee waivers and accounting
USBE described new accounting guidance and the phased replacement revenue distribution that addresses lost fee revenue from prior rules. The agency is updating chart-of-accounts guidance for FY26 reporting and will publish journal-entry examples. School-fees staff reminded LEAs that fee waivers should be tracked; if a LEA elects to supplement foregone fees from other unrestricted funds, they should use the appropriate supplement code that USBE will publish in the FY26 chart of accounts.

Monitoring and compliance
Crapo and Smith said USBE continues fiscal monitoring and can require repayment for improperly charged fees. If LEAs do not respond to monitor requests, USBE has statutory remedies that include withholding state funds or suspending fee-authority, though staff said those measures are a last resort.

Next steps for LEAs
- Review and revise fee schedules and board policies before the June 1 board approval deadline for FY27.
- Ensure elementary supply lists include the statutory notice text.
- Update accounting and reporting per forthcoming FY26 chart-of-accounts guidance and reach out to the school-fees team for review in advance of monitoring visits.","House Bill 344 (2025) restricts many school fees, requires at least one fee-free option for each graduation requirement starting school year 2026-27, and moves annual board approval of fee schedules to June 1 to allow LEAs time to incorporate legislative changes.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6531703,"Legislature creates SHINE teacher supplement and $1,000 school-based classified stipend; USBE outlines reporting and timing",0,1022340,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03&start=1022&end=1022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03/thumbnail_1022340.jpg","/articles/6531703/Utah/Legislature-creates-SHINE-teacher-supplement-and-1000-school-based-classified-stipend-USBE-outlines-reporting-and-timing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531703-4a0deb733e80b8c914fd11f2ed1a4df6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508786&Signature=gOLMHThR2K4yPiScdNEijD1BpFmtTDCG1RInAHUSlpjMjyqvW0bPH3LJIN9~j1L90F9JkGijxYfm679gucwSuCi1nvsg5~hRO9pr-Bd-V0D-t8XFxLfQxXLNqPYz5Lv3HyemXgiFv1EapRpvMwtQ~SU5BBH8GOzogScGLrzhEhoExAdC72W5AT0nqAM~aMjnyiqsmPLgqsdwpcPm9RrKVfG8fEWsYs1cBzJWWlBokh6EYinSb-pgFq6zft7H1hV5dwyjcIW58huaYMNuM0LF27CbQOzkkfxpJnOQNqZsyi7Pj-nBho0Sbu1qziFXYSblgMdAWOCrov8ydCLRwiWHUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Utah State Board of Education staff told LEA finance and HR contacts that the 2025 legislature restructured teacher supplements and added a new $1,000 stipend for school-based classified personnel for FY26.

Sam Yuri said the Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP) has been reworked and renamed SHINE (Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators). \"SHINE replaces the teacher salary supplement program,\" Yuri said, and USBE will continue to use the same program code for carryforwards. LEAs must adopt a local policy identifying high-need assignments and a method for prorating when appropriate, staff said.

Classified school-based stipend: eligibility and timing
The legislature appropriated a one-time $1,000 supplemental stipend per full-time equivalent (plus benefits) for school-based nonlicensed staff (\"education support professionals\"), including bus drivers and school nutrition staff who work at school sites. Yuri said employees must be employed as of September 1 to qualify; USBE plans to collect employee and benefits data through a survey or the Utah Grants/Qualtrics process so the agency can calculate exact allotments and avoid invoicing LEAs. USBE expects to distribute allotments so LEAs can pay staff by November; the stipend is intended to be a lump-sum payment rather than monthly.

Reporting and coding
- SHINE teacher supplements will be recorded in Cactus with a checkbox and an eligible-teacher roster due to USBE by Sept. 15; reporting in Cactus will be due by Oct. 13. Yuri said the licensing division is training HR staff on processes and provided a guidance spreadsheet. LEAs must publish a local policy describing how SHINE awards are determined and prorated.
- Classified stipend reporting: USBE will collect benefits and FTE information to calculate each LEA's allotment; details on format (Qualtrics vs. Utah Grants) and exact due dates will be posted ahead of the fall collection window.

What counts, and common questions
USBE staff clarified examples during Q&A: the stipend covers school-based employees whose regular duties include on-site student interaction; central-office business administrators, HR staff and the like generally are not eligible unless they are substantially assigned at a school site. Part-time workers are prorated (for example, a half-time para receives $500). LEAs will provide benefits-loading information so USBE can send a total lump-sum amount that includes associated benefits.

Next steps
USBE staff said they will post SHINE guidance, sample spreadsheets, and the reporting checklist and will accept questions via schoolfinance@schools.utah.gov. The agency also cautioned LEAs to include stipends and supplements on their budgets and to watch for the final chart-of-accounts and program codes for FY26.","USBE explained how the new SHINE program replaces the Teacher Salary Supplement Program and how the $1,000 per-FTE classified (school-based education support professional) stipend will be administered, including reporting dates and eligibility rules.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":89,"_43":100,"_45":100,"_47":101,"_49":102,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6531688,"USBE to publish FY26 chart of accounts; UCIMS transition and indirect-cost trainings announced",4394125,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03&start=4394&end=4394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03/thumbnail_4394125.jpg","/articles/6531688/Utah/USBE-to-publish-FY26-chart-of-accounts-UCIMS-transition-and-indirect-cost-trainings-announced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531688-cc5aa56b58b57a87f36a3f579e3af270/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508786&Signature=D3is-lR~CgDwtD4GTDVswcN60u0IZ56PxeLdz1EKl~5rkCi-ETZ3pcNP3JTNYxQ65oxGouz6Zq~rQOzco~Oj6mHH-qK6D2Wal0MzF-gr7xT8AuBj4WaqUWmtuSYCuNMVKaq9F7Qrld2WEKZhBm~xW8LnfoYNTK1TKgrhcC2du~CvbEDxHlREm0PfCv5dtf5zsQWiCcEvp7oUzm8mrv8eRFGtD8C27ExV4ibNOd~096GzfOid0MGqhFwRdG13bC1KLTk0yFf6YhCQDTFW-vgO42DYjVNVZ27xgPTwPmv-Iq1F2Y0z-~WMbYfE4xHokgDXM7gMJeM5tGsID38SCMIC9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John Palmer, USBE's financial reporting manager, summarized FY26 chart-of-accounts work and the agency's multi-year transition from UPEFS to UCIMS for financial reporting.

Chart of accounts and NCES changes
Palmer said the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is updating account definitions for FY26 and USBE will post a finalized FY26 chart of accounts soon. Changes are expected to be minimal\bnew account definitions and a few new accounts to match NCES revisions. USBE also announced new program codes for FY26 to account for recently authorized state programs (for example, emergency ELL funding program, first credential program and catalyst center grants) and a rural school sports facilities program.

UCIMS and vendor integrations
Palmer outlined ongoing UCIMS development: the goal is to enable API-based data transfers from vendor finance systems (Link, Polaris, PowerSchool, Tyler, Skyward, Sage, Harris) into UCIMS rather than uploads to UPEFS. USBE will pilot the FY26 actual reporting in USIMS with a test LEA in parallel with UPEFS and target full transition to UCIMS for FY27. Palmer encouraged LEAs to notify USBE if they use other vendor systems so USBE can plan integration work and funding options.

Indirect cost trainings and reporting reminders
USBE will offer two indirect-cost trainings (tentative dates Aug. 21 and Nov. 20) to review pools, denominators and the adjustment tabs for rate proposals. Palmer urged that submitters and certifiers of indirect cost rate proposals attend.

Deadlines and guidance
Palmer reiterated budget-adopt and filing deadlines (tentative budget before June 1; governing board adoption by June 30; file a copy within 30 days of adoption) and reminded LEAs to consult the State Auditor's forms and guides. He said a FY26 chart of accounts posting is imminent and USBE will distribute coding guidance and sample journal entries for new programs and the school-fees replacement revenue.","USBE financial reporting staff previewed FY26 chart-of-accounts changes tied to NCES updates, new program codes for recently authorized programs, and the move from UPEFS to UCIMS with API connections to major finance vendors. Two indirect-cost trainings were announced for August and November.",{"_33":108,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":109,"_41":89,"_43":110,"_45":110,"_47":111,"_49":112,"_51":113,"_53":114,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":115,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":116,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6531693,"Utah Grants moves to consolidated federal pre-application for titles I, II, III, IV and IDEA; transfer rules managed inside system",4579000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03&start=4579&end=4579","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3478437-acd7f79f4df2c3f88c15a48055b56d03/thumbnail_4579000.jpg","/articles/6531693/Utah/Utah-Grants-moves-to-consolidated-federal-pre-application-for-titles-I-II-III-IV-and-IDEA-transfer-rules-managed-inside-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531693-1d8a1cf23eaa1edd9237881838d784a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508786&Signature=R30dxAsxr5yXtf8uMNdipE2mW0iBAYlpC4zbG5e3R54r-mivKZYmRjhPz~d4FPEgeZkmEJ4YGDp0AElhcXMutiFxfO8PMtqQZfyYRCJ7PIS771QUv6JW8em5BORnFt9yFyHwSDS6oBOrN0vmrjW7jk5PrONAWmVMND87TKgRG-2sfosm9o-nC40BSJjpNZt57OUiX-AadymUeBcr~IQZkZA-QEH33FfmhX5V0bOz-j325SFyUy2hOz6Ewn~mhUPd27fgKZloNDTs~6GDBOpyXMdMXj6O3ApRYsJpyVyd6r-OagHOcfREtP8q3FSwQxIHMMfawRI~9BpLdaWZ94N3QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","USBE grants staff described a new consolidated federal pre-application that combines intent-to-participate, GEPA assurances and transferability choices for six federal programs (Title I, II, III, IV, IDEA and IDEA preschool). The change is intended to reduce application burden and permit earlier substantially approvable dates that allow LEAs to obligate federal funds earlier in the fiscal year.

Sarah Harvard (USBE grants compliance officer) said a LEA's \"substantially approvable date\" is the date the agency has completed the required assurances and certifications; federal rules treat that date as the date an LEA may begin to obligate federal program funds. Previously USBE used an annual LEA assurance to meet that date; this year the consolidated pre-application will be used for the six listed programs.

Key features
- One consolidated pre-application will collect intent-to-participate, the GEPA and the consolidated ESEA/IDEA assurances so one substantially approvable date applies to the six programs. USBE will publish the pre-application in Utah Grants and the plan is to have pre-applications due by June 15 so USBE can review before July 1.
- Transferability: LEAs can indicate transfers among the covered programs (for example, transferring Title II funds into Title I where statute allows) inside Utah Grants. If a LEA transfers the full allocation from one program into another in the pre-application, the transferring program will not generate a full application; funds will appear as part of the receiving program award instead.
- Peer review and program tagging: Utah Grants will support internal peer reviewers and a program-tagging feature so specific users in an LEA receive notifications only for relevant programs.

Why it matters
Consolidating the assurances and transfer choices aims to reduce duplicate work and to make applications available earlier in the fiscal year; it also moves transfer workflow into Utah Grants so LEAs avoid having to manage separate transfer awards in the system.

Timeline and support
USBE piloted the pre-application with 10 LEAs and plans a full rollout on May 15 with pre-applications due June 15. USBE will post step-by-step PDF instructions and short video recordings and will offer Zoom trainings. Utah Grants help is available via a statewide help desk and schoolgrants@schools.utah.gov.

Technical note: program codes
Staff said that once an LEA selects to transfer funds, Utah Grants will create the appropriate budgeting structure so the receiving award includes combined funds; the system will continue to track original funding sources for USBE internal drawdown and audit reporting but not force LEAs to manage multiple awards.","USBE's Utah Grants team explained a new consolidated pre-application that will collect intent-to-participate, assurances and transfer decisions for Title I, II, III, IV and IDEA programs and will allow certain allowable transfers to be executed inside Utah Grants rather than with separate awards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

USBE outlines 2026 education budget: WPU up 4%, MSP funding rises about 6% to $8.6 billion

Lawmakers restrict school fees, require no-fee graduation pathways and new notices; USBE and monitors outline compliance steps

Legislature creates SHINE teacher supplement and $1,000 school-based classified stipend; USBE outlines reporting and timing

USBE to publish FY26 chart of accounts; UCIMS transition and indirect-cost trainings announced

Utah Grants moves to consolidated federal pre-application for titles I, II, III, IV and IDEA; transfer rules managed inside system