Finance committee backs $50,000 federal mineral-lease grant for Utah Community Math Initiative, asks staff to check with Ogden district

The Utah State Board of Education finance committee recommended that the full board approve $50,000 in federal mineral lease funds to support the Utah Community Math Initiative, a workshop and research pilot designed to reduce math anxiety and increase family and teacher capacity to support students.

Bonnie Jones, who described herself as a math teacher and researcher, told the committee that a summer pilot of the workshop showed gains in students’ confidence and in parents’ conceptual understanding. “By combining what we know from the science of learned helplessness and cognitive load with hands-on modeling and play, participants were able to reframe their past experiences and gain new confidence in making sense of math,” Jones said during the two-minute public comment period.

Deputy superintendent Scott Jones and committee members noted the program’s focus on family engagement and teacher supports. Chair Heimas moved the recommendation; the committee approved the motion by voice vote with Member Christy Boggess recording opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to direct staff to contact Ogden School District and report district feedback at the November board meeting before the full board takes action.

Committee members said they supported funding a research pilot but wanted confirmation that local districts — particularly Ogden School District, the program’s local site — would be willing to host and help recruit participants. Staff confirmed the requested $50,000 is an allowable use of federal mineral lease funds for a research and pilot program, and the committee directed staff to seek written feedback from Ogden administrators and report back to the board.