Utah School Boards Association - USBA

08/25/2026

Big changes are coming to how Utah high schools are classified for sports and activities! 📣
The UHSAA is using a new "Composite Realignment Index (CRI)" for the 2027–2029 cycle to make region placements fairer and more transparent. Instead of relying on enrollment alone, every school gets a score calculated from three distinct factors:

77% School Size: 10th & 11th-grade headcount remains the primary driver, ensuring small schools aren't forced into large divisions.

13% Economic Need: Socioeconomic status is factored in to account for community resource differences.

10% Performance: On-field results over the past 3 years add a minor adjustment—judged strictly against peers in the same classification.

Quick Governance Takeaways for Board Members:
Football is Separate: Football runs on its own distinct index that relies even more heavily on school size (87%).

Local Control: Districts can still petition to compete in a higher classification or request region adjustments based on geographic travel burdens.

Timeline to Watch: Initial placement drafts drop Nov 19, petitions are due Dec 1 a virtual public hearing takes place Dec 8, and the final vote happens Dec 17.

How is your district leadership preparing for the upcoming alignment drafts? Drop your thoughts or questions below! 👇
https://uhsaa.org/realignment/202729/UHSAA_CRI_How_It_Works.pdf

08/19/2026

🎉 Exciting news out of Cache County School District! As we gear up for the 2026–2027 school year, we are thrilled to celebrate the grand openings of two brand-new middle schools: Juniper Ridge in Hyde Park and Maple View in Nibley. 🏫✂️

Both schools will serve students in grades 6 through 8, providing welcoming, innovative, and inclusive environments for Utah's youth to learn and grow during such a vital time in their educational journey.

A huge congratulations to the Cache Valley community on this incredible milestone! 👏 Read more about their ribbon-cutting events and what these new facilities mean for the district here: https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/juniper-ridge-maple-view-middle-schools-open-their-doors-in-cache-valley/article_5926ae53-b17f-4d94-ab11-df72318a90c5.html

HYDE PARK, Utah — Cache County School District officials will celebrate the opening of two new middle schools Tuesday, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies scheduled in Hyde Park and Nibley.

08/11/2026

We are thrilled to highlight a brand-new, first-of-its-kind Olympic education program launching as a pilot in seven Utah school districts this fall: Cache, Duchesne, Granite, Iron, North Sanpete, Salt Lake, and Uintah.
Students in the pilot districts will have access to:
📹 A "digital library" of interviews with Olympic and Paralympic athletes sharing lessons on excellence and respect.
🏅 Opportunities to hear directly from athletes.
🎿 Visits to actual Winter Games venues.
As school board members, we know how vital community partnerships are for student success. This program marks the first time an Olympic organizing committee has mobilized such an extensive education program this far in advance, paving a beautiful "long runway" for the future of our kids!
👉 Read the full story on KSL to see how our districts are preparing: https://www.ksl.com/article/51607534/what-utahs-2034-winter-games-are-bringing-to-classrooms-this-fall

A new education program using Utah's 2034 Winter Games to help boost student literacy, attendance and adherence to values like teamwork and perseverance is coming to seven school districts across the state.

07/28/2026

As a local school board member, your authority and duties are outlined in Utah Code §53G-4-402
1. Your primary responsibilities include establishing the District's vision, goals, and priorities, developing and adopting district policies, and approving a balanced budget that supports those goals
2. You are also tasked with appointing and regularly evaluating both the superintendent and the business administrator.

07/24/2026

Happy Pioneer Day, Utah!
Early trailblazers built the foundation of our state with grit, community, and a deep commitment to learning.
📣 Who is a pioneer in education in your district?
We know every community has local leaders, long-serving school board members, or groundbreaking educators who have blazed new trails for Utah students.
Drop a comment below or tag an education pioneer in your community to share their story! Let’s celebrate the individuals paving the way for the next generation. 👇
Wishing all of our school board members, superintendents, educators, and families a safe and joyful 24th of July!
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07/14/2026

🚀 The USBA 2026 Healthcare Seminar is officially underway! We are thrilled to welcome school administrators and benefits managers to the beautiful Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa today for a packed itinerary of insights, strategy, and networking.

Here is what is on the playbook for today:
Championship Keynote: Porter Ellett is breaking down "Inside the Playbook: Championship Lessons from the Kansas City Chiefs You Can Apply Beyond the Field".

Expert Breakout Sessions: Deep dives into top 2026 healthcare trends, HSA/FSA compliance, the new CAA 2026 legislation, and innovative market strategies.

Networking & Fun: Fueling up with a lunch buffet before heading out to our NEW golf scramble location at Wasatch Mountain State Park! ⛳

A huge thank you to our incredible presenters from PEHP and Alston & Bird for guiding us through today’s shifting benefits landscape.

🔗 Missed out or want to see future events? Visit us at: www.utahschoolboards.com

07/09/2026

Today, educators and administrators from all over Utah are spending the day at the annual Show Up for Teachers Conference!
This incredible event, hosted by Utah First Lady Abby Cox, is entirely dedicated to celebrating the teaching profession and prioritizing educator wellness.

We are so grateful for our teachers who pour their hearts into our students. We can't wait to see the fresh inspiration and energy you bring back to our schools!

07/03/2026

The USBA Board of Directors are excited to be working with these amazing Superintendents. Let’s have a great year together!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122220316112489318&id=61564679550916

The Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) proudly announces its officers for 2026-2027. Please join us in congratulating these dedicated education leaders:

• President: Kodey Hughes, Juab School District
• 1st Vice President: Greg Maughan, South Summit School District
• 2nd Vice President: Todd McKee, Cache County School District
• Past President: Dan Linford, Davis School District

Each of these superintendents brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to Utah's students, and a strong voice for public education. As a team, they will lead USSA with purpose, advocating for policies that support educators, strengthen schools, and create opportunities for every student in the state.

USSA is energized by the year ahead and confident in the direction set by this outstanding leadership team. Together, we will continue to build strong partnerships, elevate the work of school districts, and champion Utah’s public schools.

Congratulations again to Kodey, Greg, Todd, and Dan —your leadership matters, and your service is deeply appreciated. Let’s make 2026-2027 a year of progress, unity, and excellence in education.

06/16/2026

June 2026 USBA Delegate Assembly! 🏛️✨
School board members, superintendents, and education leaders from all corners of Utah came together to collaborate, debate, and set our legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Every vote and discussion was driven by one shared goal: doing what is best for Utah’s students and advocating for strong public education. 📚💡
It is inspiring to see so much dedication to our local communities in one room. Thank you to everyone who participated and made their voices heard!
Swipe to see some of our favorite moments from the assembly! 📸➡️

05/30/2026

The U.S. Department of Education has announced the release of $144 million in surplus, non-expiring IDEA funds. These dollars will be distributed to states via formula grants starting July 1 and October 1, 2026.

This financial boost arrives as special education enrollment continues to climb significantly nationwide, even amidst slight declines in overall public school enrollment.

Read the full policy breakdown below

The Wednesday announcement also included guidance to states on using IDEA funds to help expectant parents of children with disabilities.