SB0191S02 | Regulatory Sandbox in Education

Description
General Description: 

This bill permits a school to implement an innovative education program.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill:
12          ▸     permits a district school or charter school to:
13               •     create a plan to implement an innovative education program (innovation plan);
14     and
15               •     apply to the State Board of Education (state board) for a waiver of state board
16     rule;
17          ▸     to support an innovative education program, permits a local education agency
18     (LEA) to:
19               •     expend a percentage of state restricted funding under certain circumstances; and
20               •     accept private grants, loans, gifts, endowments, devises, or bequests;
21          ▸     requires a charter school authorizer to amend a charter school's charter agreement
22     to:
23               •     incorporate an approved innovation plan; and
24               •     remove an innovation plan that is no longer in effect;
25          ▸     requires a local school board or charter school authorizer to submit approved

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
SB0191S02
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 23, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Lincoln Fillmore
Republican - District 17
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

Utah PTA supports innovation and best practices in education, but the concern with this bill is the potential to diminish funding for Special Education by using restricted funds.

Utah PTA Resolution: 
EDU 2021-1 | Education Funding (retired)
Impact on Children: 

This bill has the potential to reduce funding for Special Education students by using up to 35% of an LEAs restricted funds to support and innovative project.

Commission: 
Education
Special Needs Specialist
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies.

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

Policy #2 - Equity in the form of equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA believes that:
The state and local school district is accountable for guaranteeing that each child with a disability is provided a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.

Fully fund the promised 40% of the extra cost for services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).