Finance committee approves use of FY2025 carryforward; board reallocates funds for USDB, operational contingencies and other items

The State Board of Education’s finance report approved the use of fiscal year 2025 carryforward balances for use in FY2026 and took several allocation votes across carryforward and discretionary funding.

Deborah Jacobson, assistant superintendent of operations, told the board the agency closed FY2025 with “close to $500,000,000 in carry forward this year. That’s about 7%,” and that roughly $35,000,000 of that figure requires board approval for specific spending plans. Jacobson said $7,200,000 was identified in closing as candidates to return to the Legislature or to be reallocated after further review.

On formal votes, the board approved using the FY2025 carryforward balances for use in FY2026 (unanimous vote). The board also approved several repurposing motions and discretionary allocations during the same meeting.

Key allocations and procedural outcomes included:

- Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB): The board approved repurposing $1,600,000 from FY2025 carryforward balances to address a budget deficit at USDB, and establishing a $3,000,000 contingency for USDB for the current year. Member Booth moved the measure; the motion passed 14–1 with Member Longacre opposed. Staff said the contingency is intended to keep USDB operational while longer-term budget solutions are developed and that any unused contingency funds would be returned to carryforward for reallocation.

- Attendance campaign: Member Kelly moved to repurpose $150,000 from carryforward…