Utah Board Backs Limited School Budget Cuts, Including 5% Trim to Voucher Program

Overview

• The board scaled back draft options that initially identified about $295.7 million in reductions across K–12 programs.
• The approved recommendation targets roughly $23 million in contracted initiatives and grants, including early literacy software, the UPSTART pre‑K program, Utah Private Course Choice Empowerment, and administration for special‑needs scholarships.
• Members also endorsed a cut of about $6 million, or 5%, to the Utah Fits All Scholarship rather than eliminating the voucher program.
• Parents, educators, and arts groups packed the meeting after receiving less than a day’s notice, voicing concerns over transparency and potential program impacts.
• Legislative leaders directed 5% cut plans across state agencies, with Rep. Candice Pierucci citing rising local property taxes and House Speaker Mike Schultz leading the effort.