Jun. 17, 9:00 AM
The Education Interim Committee of the State Legislature holds a public meeting.
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 22
Comcast Newsmakers interviews Robyn Bagley about www.Utah-EducationFacts.com
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Mar. 12
The 2009 Legislative Session concluded on Thursday, March 12th at midnight
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This year marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark report, A Nation at Risk.
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In the 2007-08 school year, Utah spent $8,224 per public school student.
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Charter schools are independent public schools run by parents or non-profits.
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The average class size in Utah is 22.2
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High school students can graduate with an associate's degree and a scholarship worth 75% of college tuition.
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Get the Facts About Utah's K-12 System How It's Organized State Legislature
As dictated by the State Constitution, the State Legislature determines which schools and programs make up the public education system. They also determine which tax revenues will go towards K-12 education besides the taxes specifically mentioned in the State Constitution.
The State Legislature is the highest legislative body or lawmaking authority in state government and is composed of two chambers, the Utah State House of Representatives and the Utah State Senate. The House is composed of 75 Representatives, each elected by the voters in their district every 2 years in the general election. The Senate is composed of 29 Senators, each elected by the voters in their district every 4 years in the general election.
To create a new law, a bill or legislation introduced by a Representative or Senator must pass by a majority vote in both chambers and then be signed into law by the Governor. If the Governor vetoes a law, it can be overridden by a 2/3rds majority vote in both chambers.
Most laws are voted on during the 45-day-long, General Session which begins the 3rd Monday in January each year. The State Legislature also meets in committees throughout the year to discuss legislation.
The State Legislature is given broad powers by the State Constitution to determine which schools and programs make up the public education system and how public education dollars are distributed. Just about any authority that school officials have in the education system exists because of laws passed or not passed by the State Legislature. The State Legislature also determines how many members are on the Utah State Board of Education and how they are elected or appointed.
The State Legislature can also pass laws that regulate education programs outside of the public education system, like home schools and private schools. In this regard, the State Legislature has placed minimum regulations on private education programs.
The State Legislature decides which taxes will go towards K-12 education besides those specifically mentioned in the State Constitution. The State Legislature also has the power to create new taxes and set tax rates, unless otherwise dictated by the State Constitution.
The State Legislature decides how tax revenues are distributed to the public education system. A large percentage is distributed based on each school district’s or charter school’s student population and is left to the local officials to decide how to spend it. Other funds go towards specific programs and must be spent according to guidelines set by the Federal government, State Legislature, or other State-level agencies.
