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Board opposes reallocation of USDB capital funds and orders report on $29 million expansion request
Summary
The board voted to oppose legislative reallocation of Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) capital project funds, asked USDB to produce a consolidated report on a $29 million expansion request, and passed a separate recommendation asking the legislature to direct reallocated funds toward the board’s top funding priorities.
The Utah State Board of Education voted to oppose the Legislative Fiscal Analyst's recommendation to reallocate capital project funds for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) and directed USDB staff to provide a consolidated report on how the board's $29,000,000 request for expansion and growth would be used.
Member Earl moved that the board oppose the LFA recommendation to reallocate the USDB capital project funds; Vice Chair Hart seconded the motion. Member Earl told the board the funds had been held pending further study and that multiple studies showed growth and space needs in the Salt Lake area. Vice Chair Hart, who seconded the motion, said the reports pointed to space needs but also requested more detailed strategic planning from USDB and board leadership before releasing funds.
The board then voted to ask USDB staff to compile a concise report on the $29,000,000 the district had requested for expansion and growth and to bring that information back to the board. Member Boggess moved the request and Member Green seconded it; the motion passed unanimously after the board amended the timeframe to remove an unrealistic one‑week deadline.
Later, the board approved an amended motion asking that, if the legislature reallocates closed‑program balances, the board request those balances be directed toward the board’s top‑10 funding priorities. Member Davis moved that the board request reallocation of funds toward the board’s top‑10 priorities; the motion passed with 10 yeses, 3 nos and 2 abstentions. Members discussed that the legislature ultimately decides allocations but that a board request could be persuasive when staff and board members advocate for the priorities.
Board members emphasized the need for written plans and clearer communication. Vice Chair Hart and other members said confidential planning reports are in the board backup and that further work by the USDB standing committee would flesh out details for how the capital funds would be used.
