It begins with education.

Education First Utah supports candidates for the Utah legislature who are open minded, smart and reasonable in their approach to decision making. Education First Utah does not have a litmus test on any issue for candidates to gain our support. Incumbents with a history of supporting educators and students in their past voting are appreciated.

Call for Change

January 3rd, 2025

State school board elections play a crucial role in shaping educational policies and determining the direction of Utah’s K-12 schools. For decades, these elections were nonpartisan, allowing candidates to focus on addressing the needs and priorities of Utah’s students and families without the influence of party ideologies. However, in 2016, the Utah Legislature shifted school board elections to a partisan format, injecting political dynamics into decisions that were previously centered solely on improving educational outcomes for students.


Over the past several years, the effects of partisan elections have become increasingly apparent, fostering polarization and division among board members. A recent example of this is the formation of a Republican caucus within the state school board allowing 13 of 15 board members to hold closed-door meetings on key educational issues, effectively excluding the two Democratic members (as well as the public) from meaningful discussions.

Partisan elections risk placing political agendas ahead of the real needs of local schools. In Utah, debates over national cultural issues—prominent topics within the Republican platform—have dominated the conversation, despite directly impacting only a small fraction of students. This focus has diverted attention away from pressing challenges such as improving literacy and numeracy, ensuring school safety, and addressing the mental health crisis. Shifting priorities toward these critical areas is essential to support the success and well-being of all students.


For the future of Utah’s public schools, we must prioritize the educational needs of students over political ideologies. Decisions about education should center on enhancing student learning and ensuring high-quality outcomes, rather than being shaped by political trends. Returning to nonpartisan elections would help shift the focus toward selecting candidates based on their ideas, expertise, and commitment to building a thriving education system—free from the divisive politics that currently dominate our state.

Get involved:

  • Join us: Follow Education First on Facebook, X and Instagram to learn how you can empower Utah’s education system!

  • Use your voice: Share our message on your platforms and within your networks. Use your influence to inform others about education policy!

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Join us as we make education Utah’s top priority!






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Education First Utah · PO Box 912 · Centerville · Centerville, UT 84014-0912 · USA

A number of groups and individuals have looked at the drivers of improved educational outcomes and have generally come to consensus on what will move the needle in Utah. The groups and individuals include:

  • Governor Spencer Cox

  • Former Governor Gary Herbert

  • Governor Gary Herbert’s Commission on Educational Excellence

  • The Utah Legislature

  • The Utah State Board of Education

  • The Utah School Superintendents Association

  • The Utah School Boards Association

  • The Utah State Board of Higher Education

  • The Salt Lake Chamber, and numerous other organizations throughout the state

A focus on student achievement.

Education First Utah encourages candidates to support the same drivers that the above groups and individuals have endorsed, including:

  • Fair compensation for educators

  • Professional development opportunities for educators

  • Voluntary early education 

  • Valuing and increasing parent involvement

  • More counseling and mental health support for students

  • Funding equity across all neighborhoods

  • Improved access to higher education

  • Improved retention and graduation rates for higher education

Education First Utah was organized in 2011. There is no connection whatsoever with education-first.com in Seattle. Education First Utah is not advocating any tax increases.