Board hears budget‑formulation briefing; directs staff to prepare funding‑request info sheets for finance committee priorities

Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones briefed the Utah State Board on the FY2027 budget‑formulation process on June 5, outlining regulatory milestones (October governor submission, December EAC, January legislative session), the statutory framework (Budgetary Procedures Act, code 63J), and the role of performance measures in justifying line‑item funding.

Staff emphasized the distinction between ongoing funding and one‑time PSRA funding (Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account), noting last session’s large one‑time allocations and the challenge of tying ongoing program results to single performance metrics. Dr. Newey and Sam Urie described how staff and the LFA jointly develop performance measures and provided examples (grants to LEAs, number of credentials earned).

Deputy Jones recommended the board identify about three to five high‑impact funding priorities that align with the board’s strategic goals so staff can prepare well‑scoped legislative requests. Following discussion, Member Davis moved — and the board approved — directing staff to develop funding‑request information sheets (business cases) for the finance committee’s top priorities (the committee’s items 2–5) and a special‑education funding model to analyze phased implementation and costs. The board approved that motion unanimously.

The board postponed finalizing any broader set of legislative priorities (for example, UPAC reform or free‑speech protections) until a July workshop so members can deliberate and gather stakeholder input.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 1112 — topfinish SEG 3207