As the 2025 Utah Legislative session wraps up this week, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the changes ahead for public schools. The landscape of education in Utah is about to shift in numerous ways, with some encouraging developments and others that raise significant concerns. Let’s start by focusing on the bright spots:
A $1,400 increase to teacher salaries and a $1,000 increase for support staff— a welcome change that will continue into the foreseeable future.
A 4% increase in the funding allocated per student for local school districts and charter schools to address crucial needs, including teacher recruitment and retention.
Expanded access to free school meals for eligible students (HB 100).
Potential statewide expansion of profession-based learning experiences for high-skill, high-demand career pathways for high school students (HB 447).
Such investments provide a much-needed boost for our educators, students, schools and communities. These funding increases definitely have the potential to propel our schools, and most importantly, our students forward.
