Interim USDB superintendent highlights advisory council growth, recordings and a procurement deadline for JMS Springboard plan

Interim USDB Superintendent Darren Neilson briefed the board on operational priorities for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB).

Advisory council and transparency: Neilson said House Bill 448 formally institutionalized the USDB Advisory Council, increasing its role in advising the board. The council has added outreach members, meetings are now recorded and posted to YouTube, and the change has required additional interpreters for in‑room and online accessibility. Neilson said the changes have generated positive community feedback.

USDB Education Foundation and audits: Neilson updated the board on work with a legal team (Chisholm Law) to reform the USDB Education Foundation bylaws and said a foundation meeting was scheduled for April 30. He said the board has requested the foundation consider appointing a USBE board member as a voting member.

Graduation and operations: Neilson reported graduation plans for May 21 (about 17–18 graduates) and noted venue and meal adjustments made to align with budget constraints. He also said USDB is integrating into the state Vantage procurement system for FY27 purchases and that USBE staff will train USDB staff on the new system.

JMS Springboard timeline and procurement risk: Neilson flagged JMS’s Springboard school improvement designation and the procurement timeline for selecting a continuous improvement vendor. Because the School Accountability System publication was delayed, statutory deadlines for plan approval remain tight; staff may need to ask the board to convene an ad hoc meeting or otherwise acknowledge potential non‑compliance with the June 1 approval date if procurement timelines cannot be met.

What happens next: USDB staff will proceed with the RFP and procurement process for the continuous improvement vendor and keep the board informed of progress and any requests for expedited board action.