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School-board and superintendent groups outline priorities: WPU support, at-risk target, stabilization account, tier-2 retirement option
Summary
Leaders from Utah's school-board and superintendent associations briefed the committee on Jan. 30, urging continued support for the WPU, progress toward the at-risk funding target, use of stabilization funds for school needs, and consideration of a Tier 2 retirement option for LEAs.
Representatives of the Utah School Boards Association (USBA), the Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) and school business administrators presented priorities to the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Jan. 30, 2025.
Bridget Girard, immediate past president of USBA and president of the Davis School Board, said the associations value partnerships with legislators and highlighted outreach activities including "Day on the Hill" and "Lawmaker Day in the Classroom." Todd Haber, representing school business administrators, urged lawmakers to remember the importance of the WPU (weighted pupil unit) and noted the at-risk student program currently ramps toward a statutory target over ten years; he said annual adjustments are needed to reach that target. Lexi Cunningham, executive director for USSA and USBA, noted the Economic Stabilization Account has supported school-safety and small-school building programs, and she said USBA/USSA support an effort to pay or offset the portion of Tier 2 retirement member contributions that exceed 10 percent for LEAs (a measure described as Senate Bill 20). Cunningham said that option would be zero cost to the state retirement system and voluntary for LEAs.
Why it matters: These associations represent district administrators and school board members who manage implementation of legislative funding decisions; their priorities signal operational needs and potential statutory initiatives the Legislature may consider.
Next steps: Association leaders said they would continue coordination with legislative leadership and asked the committee to consider stability for WPU growth and at-risk funding targets as the session proceeds.
