Utah State Board of Education rejects plan to move December 2026 meeting for ExcelinEd conference

The Utah State Board of Education voted 11–3 to reject a motion to amend its December 2026 meeting dates so members could attend the ExcelinEd conference.

The motion, which proposed moving the board’s December meeting from Dec. 3–4 to Dec. 10–11, was presented to the board as a way to avoid a conflict with ExcelinEd’s Dec. 2–3 conference. The chair read the proposed amendment and a second was recorded by Vice Chair Ballinger.

Why it matters: Board meeting dates set expectations for staff, local educators and the public. Several members said shifting the schedule for a single conference would create logistical problems, perception issues and a burden on staff during a busy month.

Member Boggs urged accurate records of prior special meetings and asked staff to ensure the calendar reflects any meetings that were duly called. "I would love to amend it so that we have some some accuracy," Member Boggs said, arguing past special sessions should be recorded on the calendar for leave and scheduling comparisons.

Opponents emphasized staff workload and perception. "I am not a super fan of moving meetings for events," one board member said, warning that shifting the December dates would disrupt staff plans and holiday schedules. Member Carey said changing the date could create the appearance that the board was privileging one outside group over others: "When we start deviating from that schedule, all of a sudden it's ... why did the board agree to move their meeting because of this group?" Carey said.

Member Lear said she had planned international travel after the Dec. 3 meeting and would vote against the change. "I will be voting no," Member Lear said, describing frustration at the late change to a calendar she had relied on.

Vote and outcome: The chair restated the motion and called the vote. "That motion fails 11 opposed, three in favor," the chair announced. The members recorded in favor were Member Earl, Vice Chair Ballinger and Member Longacre; Member Booth was specifically recorded as voting no. The motion therefore failed and the December meeting remains scheduled for Dec. 3–4, 2026.

After the vote, the chair encouraged Superintendent Hart to make her own decision about attending ExcelinEd and moved on to the next agenda item, lunch and the consent calendar.

What the board did not do: The board did not adopt any new policy, nor did it formally direct staff to change committee schedules; staff were asked to ensure past special meetings are entered on the calendar where applicable. No further action on the December dates was taken at this meeting.