The Utah State Board of Education on a 12-3 vote directed the superintendent to develop a funding request to raise state-supported pupil transportation funding to 85 percent. The board’s action will produce a formal funding proposal for consideration before the board finalizes its ranked requests to the governor.

The motion asked staff to "develop a funding request for pupil transportation to increase the level 2 at 85%." The board debated the measure briefly before voting; Member Carrie said she supported the request, telling the board, "I've heard, from several, parents, this year especially regarding transportation related issues." The motion carried 12 to 3, with Members Boggess, Green and Vice Chair Wood recorded as voting no.

The board and staff noted the motion directs the superintendent to draft a request with exact dollar amounts and details to be returned for the board’s October meeting and for inclusion in the governor-facing list of proposals. Board members and staff emphasized they may reorder or refine priorities before the final submission under the Budgetary Procedures Act.

No dollar amount or specific budget breakout was specified during the discussion; staff said they will assemble cost estimates and clarify whether the change would reduce districts’ need to redirect operational funds to transportation budgets. The action was procedural: it instructs the superintendent to prepare a formal funding request for future consideration rather than authorizing immediate expenditures.