Board accepts $1.578M Intermountain grant to build statewide paraeducator behavior-support training
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Summary
After a heated discussion about process and timing, the board accepted a $1,578,000 grant from the Intermountain Community Care Foundation to develop paraeducator behavior-support training. The measure passed after members debated whether the application had been submitted and whether the board had reviewed the full application.
The Utah State Board of Education voted to accept a $1,578,000 grant from the Intermountain Community Care Foundation to develop a paraeducator behavior-support training program aimed at improving classroom behavior management and supporting teachers.
Board staff told members the grant funds would be used to develop training materials for paraeducators that focus on de-escalation and behavior supports for students with high needs. The proposal had been discussed previously as a legislative priority and earlier attempts to secure state funding had not succeeded, staff said.
Several board members raised procedural questions. Member Carey and others asked whether the board had previously authorized the grant application and whether submission had already occurred before board approval. USBE—s grant-management staff and the agency—s grants compliance officer explained the agency follows internal grant procedures and had submitted the application materials to the funder; the board—s action would be to accept the award. Minutes of internal process and the application document were provided to members during the meeting.
Board debate touched on whether the proposed training materials would be controlled by USBE staff and whether external third parties would provide the training. Deputy Superintendent Voorhees clarified that the training would be developed and delivered by USBE staff using grant resources, not outsourced to a third party, and described prior statewide trainings that reached a large number of paras.
The board voted to accept the Intermountain grant; the motion passed with 14 in favor and one abstention (Member Green).
Why it matters: The grant could expand paraeducator skill-building in behavior support, a priority for schools coping with student behavior challenges. Several members said the funding might help address immediate staff training needs prior to larger, sustained funding programs.
Vote: 14 in favor, 1 abstention (Member Green).