Rules committee approves Catalyst Center grant policy draft and forwards it to full board

The Rules Committee of the Utah State Board of Education approved draft 3 of R277-731, the Catalyst Center grant program policy, on first reading and forwarded the rule to the full board for a second and final reading.

The draft implements provisions of HB 447, the statewide catalyst campus model program, and clarifies how local education agencies (LEAs) may apply for state planning and implementation grants. Among the changes in draft 3, the rule removes mention of a "first credential" program from the list of prioritization factors, requires LEAs to include "well defined metrics" in grant applications that will be used to establish and measure student proficiency, and asks LEAs to describe how they will verify qualifications and required training for non‑licensed, industry‑expert educators who may teach in catalyst programs.

"We view this just as an opportunity," said Jeff Landward, commissioner of higher education, during public comment, adding that the state system wants to be "collaborative and supportive" and invited LEAs to leverage technical college resources where appropriate. Deputy Superintendent Noe (staff) summarized the rule changes for the committee, saying draft 3 seeks to preserve LEA decisionmaking about local collaborations while adding application and reporting requirements so the board can monitor outcomes.

Committee members praised the emphasis on local flexibility. Member Hall, who made the substitute motion to approve draft 3, said the updated language "aligns with what is in the law" and noted the catalyst program differs from typical career and technical education offerings. Vice Chair Bollinger asked whether LEAs could require additional credentials or local licenses for industry instructors; staff replied that the law is permissive but that an LEA may require additional training or an LEA license and that criminal background checks and LEA‑required training would still apply.

The draft also clarifies that grant funds may be distributed as smaller planning grants, adds program expectations for leadership and durable professional skills, and requires grantees to report on the metrics they propose to use so the board can "bookend" grant activity with an evaluation at the end of the funding period. The draft notes that, "upon request, the superintendent will submit a report to the education interim committee" on program outcomes.

The committee took a roll‑call vote on the substitute motion to approve R277‑731 draft 3 on first reading and forward it to the board for final approval; the committee recorded unanimous support and forwarded the draft.

The rule now goes to the full board for second and final reading. If adopted, the policy will govern eligibility and monitoring expectations for LEAs seeking Catalyst Center planning and implementation grants.