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Senate approves one‑year pilot to fund students placed in certain private residential education programs
Summary
The Utah Senate passed first substitute Senate Bill 58, a one‑year pilot that directs $50,000 from the general fund to provide an amount equivalent to the Weighted Pupil Unit to eligible 24‑hour residential education programs (sponsor: Senator Stevenson). Supporters called it a targeted test; critics warned it could open a door to sustained state funding for private providers.
Salt Lake City — The Utah Senate on Feb. 10, 1995, approved first substitute Senate Bill 58, a one‑year pilot that directs $50,000 from the general fund to pay an amount equivalent to the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) for students placed in eligible 24‑hour residential education programs, sponsor Senator Stevenson said.
"The purpose of this bill is to provide for a pilot program . . . to fund students who are located in these facilities," Senator Stevenson said, describing the Utah Boys Ranch as a prime example of an institution that would be eligible under the bill. He told colleagues the measure would not take money from the Uniform School Fund and that the $50,000 would come from the general fund so the pilot would not reduce regular school funding.
The bill received sustained debate over funding mechanics and policy. Senator Black said he was "a little bit concerned . . . with the funding of private entities through this mechanism," warning that private providers receiving state money could create problems and that the pilot should not become a permanent diversion of school funds. Senator Millie Peterson stated she opposed public dollars flowing to private schools, saying it "opens a door." Senator Watson and others argued the pilot targets a small group of at‑risk youth who otherwise fall through the cracks and said a limited test is worth trying.
Senators asked technical questions about how the WPU would be calculated and reimbursed. Senator Taylor raised concern about the bill's definition of "at risk" and potential equal‑protection issues if the definition is not clarified. Senator Stevenson and other proponents said the state office of education would identify qualifying programs and the pilot would allow education officials, juvenile court judges or custodial agencies to place students with authorization.
After debate, the Senate recorded a roll‑call tally of 22 ayes and 7 nays and placed the bill at the bottom of the third‑reading calendar for final action. Senator Stevenson framed the measure as a narrowly focused, one‑year test to evaluate whether the state should continue to use this funding approach.
What happens next: The bill will be read on the third‑reading calendar; if enacted the pilot would run for one year with the state office of education determining eligible programs and the pilot’s reporting requirements.
