Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee approves technical budget motions, adds $700,000 for USBE staffing and orders State Board review

The Utah Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee met Feb. 10 and approved a package of technical budget motions, added $700,000 in ongoing funding for critical staffing at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), and unanimously directed a structured review of State Board office line items for possible reinvestment.

Chair White opened the meeting at about 9:12 a.m. and the committee adopted minutes from Feb. 6, 2026, unanimously. Ben Leishman, finance manager, reviewed the motion sheet, describing transfers and technical corrections including a new motion to allow budget transfers at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB), separation of a comprehensive guidance program from CTE into its own categorical program, restoration of IT Academy funding with intent language, and an adjustment to suicide-prevention grants so every school receives funds.

Representative Matt McPherson moved the motions under Item A (federal funds and fees), Item B (budget adjustments and technical corrections), and Item C (intent language); the motions were approved without opposition. Representative McPherson also moved the statutory and related intent language under Item D, which passed with one recorded dissent.

Representative Perucci successfully moved to add $700,000 ongoing to the chair’s recommended increases for USBE critical FTE needs. Vice Chair McPherson described the addition as a measured increase compared with a previously requested $3.4 million. The committee added that item by voice vote.

Chair Heidi Baldry moved a separate motion directing the State Superintendent, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to conduct a full review of specified State Board office line items (educator licensing; MSP categorical program administration; policy, communication and oversight; and system standards and accountability) and report recommendations on budget, programs, staff and expenditures to the subcommittee during the 2026 interim. The motion also held a percentage of related funds in a separate line for potential reallocation based on the State Superintendent’s recommendations and subcommittee approval; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff confirmed they will double-check and repost final lists and motions from the meeting for public transparency, and the committee directed staff to prepare a report of approved actions for the Executive Appropriations Committee.

The subcommittee concluded its business and adjourned.