Superintendent Hart highlights parent engagement, BTS arts findings and requests AI study session

Superintendent Hart told the Utah State Board of Education that the agency is observing Parent and Family Engagement Month and is publishing resources, spotlights and newsletters to help families connect with schools.

Hart previewed forthcoming research on the Beverly Taylor Sorensen (BTS) arts program, saying "students in the BTS arts program perform measurably better on their standardized assessments," and noted favorable parent survey responses. She asked Board members to watch for the formal report when it is released.

Hart also summarized upcoming agency work: a Science of Reading recognition event for teachers and students, responses to legislative audits focused on literacy implementation, and ongoing school visits including a planned ribbon-cutting in Wayne County. She said the agency has engaged a partner to convert the Board's strategic plan into an operational plan with metrics, theories of action and deliverables and thanked the Board for approving the related contract.

On policy priorities, Hart asked the Board to consider a dedicated study session on artificial intelligence to examine "the use of AI in schools by teachers, the use of AI in schools by students, the use of AI in administration, the use of AI at our level," stressing the need to define specific questions and problems before making decisions. She described a constraint common to the agency: legislative mandates that sometimes limit flexibility, and suggested the Board and legislators consider whether subtraction of outdated rules or programs might restore agility.

Hart estimated staff are currently tracking "over 50" education bills this session, noting the time burden on agency staff and clarifying that the agency provides information but that taking official positions is the Board's role.

Hart closed by urging Board members and staff to keep student outcomes central to decisions and invited questions and follow-up outside the meeting. The Board thanked Hart and moved on to the next agenda item.