Rural representation, federal funding and CTE top priorities in District 14 debate

Rural education funding and career and technical education (CTE) were prominent themes at the Utah County Republican Party’s District 14 forum.

Linda Hanks framed her candidacy around representing 10 largely rural counties, urging expanded CTE pathways and increased resources for small districts so students can remain and work locally. She noted federal funds make up a portion of local budgets and detailed what she described as an approximate breakdown ("about 10%" federal, with significant amounts flowing to school nutrition and IDEA special education), and she said she would advocate for higher federal IDEA contributions.

Will Pierce, who has a CTE background and classroom experience, argued CTE should be elevated and better integrated with academics, describing CTE as an application of math, science and reading that prepares students for local jobs. Nicole Beecher Isom urged more services in rural special education (she cited shortages of ABA therapists and speech pathologists in service centers) and raised concerns about AI‑driven assessments and curricular tools, calling for safeguards to protect teachers and students.

All three candidates said they favor more local control; they differed on how to balance accountability when state or federal dollars are used. The forum did not produce policy commitments with specific funding allocations; delegates will consider the candidates’ priorities at the convention.