Latest news with #UtahFitsAll
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Opinion: What the school enrollment shift tells us about education in America
Yes, Utah is having fewer babies, down 26% over the past decade. As a former public school principal, though, I can assure you declining birth rates don't fully explain shrinking classrooms. Families aren't just having fewer kids — they're actively choosing different ways to educate them. COVID didn't start this shift. It accelerated it. Parents finally saw classrooms up close, and many didn't like the view. Yet, school districts often respond by doing nothing, watching enrollment decline until closures become inevitable. Granite School District recently announced plans to close more schools due to falling numbers. Last year, the Salt Lake School District shut down four elementary schools. And the year before that, Alpine School District faced similar closures. Where are these students going? To alternatives. Charter schools, private schools, microschools and homeschool pods are drawing families in with flexibility, personalization and often smaller environments. Homeschooling doubled in the US between 2020 and 2023. Charter schools have grown by more than 1.6 million students since 2000. Microschools are surging as well. A 2024 survey found that 37% of parents are more interested in microschools or hybrid options than they were before the pandemic. When I was a principal, one of my first graders excelled in math but lagged in reading. His father, Alex, grew frustrated with a rigid system unable to nurture his son's unique abilities. After I left public education, Alex did too. He founded Wilderland Academy, a nature-based microschool in Eden, Utah. His story isn't unusual. Across the country, parents and teachers are launching new schools rather than waiting for traditional ones to change. Stories like Alex's are multiplying. Parents and teachers aren't waiting for permission. They're creating what kids need. And it's not just about new schools. Lawmakers invested in Davis School District's Catalyst Center. The Catalyst program brings in local business and industry leaders to work with the students. It provides real-world experience in industries ranging from aviation and computer science to business, construction and digital media (YouTube). These are the kinds of public school innovations that deserve to grow. Just as a healthy forest has a variety of trees, a healthy education system has a variety of options. Policymakers should take note and find ways to continue their support of all options. To achieve this, Utah should expand the Utah Fits All scholarship so that every student who applies receives support — no lottery, no waitlist. At the same time, lawmakers should continue cutting red tape. They've made progress by allowing microschools in all zones and easing building rules. But they can continue to find these restrictions and remove them for education entrepreneurs. At the same time, they should make it easier to launch charter schools and expand innovative programs like Catalyst. The changing nature of education isn't a crisis; it's a wake-up call. As a former principal now working alongside microschool founders, I can tell you exactly what parents want: education that's more human, more personal and responsive to their kids' needs. If traditional schools refuse to adapt, Utah families will find education elsewhere.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge rules on outstanding matters in Utah school choice legal battle — clearing way for appeals
In the ongoing legal battle to decide the fate of the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, a judge Monday ruled on a pair of outstanding issues that were preventing the case from moving on to the expected appeals process. Last month, 3rd District Judge Laura Scott ruled that the divisive school voucher program currently being utilized by thousands of Utah children was unconstitutional. In her April 18 decision against the program, Scott said that because the Utah Fits All program is created by the Legislature and a publicly funded educational program, it must satisfy the constitutional requirements applicable to the 'public education system' set forth in the Utah Constitution. The Legislature, added Scott, does not have the authority 'to circumvent these constitutional requirements by simply declining to 'designate' the program as part of the public education system.' A few days later, Scott decided the school voucher program could continue pending the expected defendants' appeal before the Utah Supreme Court. On Monday, Scott ruled on a couple of outstanding 'claims for relief' issued by the lawsuit's group plaintiffs that includes the Utah Education Association and several individuals. 'Given its ruling that the Program is unconstitutional under article X and article XIII of the Utah Constitution, the court concludes that Plaintiffs' Third Claim for Relief and Fourth Claim for Relief are moot,' wrote the judge in her ruling. However, Scott still opted to formally rule Monday on the two claims that she did not address last month 'for purposes of completeness for appeal.' In other words, the defendants in the case against the school voucher program — which includes Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown — can now move forward with the appeals process. The two outstanding plaintiff claims focused primarily on the legality of the Utah Fits All Scholarship program being managed and overseen by private entities. Scott dismissed both claims Monday after articulating lengthy legal analysis in her ruling. 'The court concludes that these claims are not independent and/or alternative grounds for declaring the Program unconstitutional,' the judge wrote. 'Accordingly, the court dismisses Plaintiffs' Third and Fourth Claims for Relief.' The state was sued by the Utah Education Association, along with plaintiffs Kevin Labresh, Terra Cooper, Amy Barton and Carol Lear, in 2023, after the school voucher program was enacted. The Utah Fits All Scholarship program gives eligible K-12 students up to $8,000 a year for private school tuition and other costs. It went into effect in the fall of 2024. The teachers union argued the program violated the Utah Constitution because it diverts income tax revenue to fund private schools. Scott agreed with the union and other plaintiffs in last month's ruling, saying the program violated sections of the state Constitution that require the state to fund a public education system open to every student that is free of charge, and to use state income tax to fund public schools and to support children and people with disabilities. Proponents of the program argued the program did not affect the state's system of public schools, but was in addition to that constitutional requirement, and that it cleared the bar of using income tax to support children. Scott's ruling Monday on the two previously outstanding plaintiffs' claims comes days after the state filed an unopposed petition for permission 'to file interlocutory appeal' with the Utah Supreme Court. The petition revealed the urgency likely shared by both parties to move the case forward through the legal process for final disposition. 'While the district court said it would decide Plaintiffs' third and fourth claims in the near future, the case will still not be final and eligible for direct appeal until the lower court orders relief,' read the petition. 'And no party wants that to happen yet — before this Court can review and decide the merits — given the stakes of enjoining the Program: stopping educational benefits for thousands of Utah children and voiding part of teacher salary raises.' Scott's ruling Monday essentially addresses the issues raised in the interlocutory appeal, pending a response from the Utah Supreme Court.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Utah Legislature files appeal to Utah Fits All ruling
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah State Legislature has filed a petition to appeal a lower court ruling finding the Utah Fits All Scholarship unconstitutional. In a 110-page interlocutory appeal filed to Utah's Supreme Court, the State Attorney General's office, on behalf of the State Legislature, list three reasons why the lower court decision should be overturned. These defendants claim that: First, there isn't a cap on legislative power to create educational programs, Second, the legislature wasn't required to designate Utah Fits All as an educational program by the constitution. And, Finally, voters approved to expand the use of income tax to 'supplement children,' therefore income tax can be used for Utah Fits All because it involves children. PREVIOUS: Judge finds 'Utah Fits All' scholarship unconstitutional, legislature to appeal The appeal comes after a district judge found the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program, which is a voucher program for students who go to private schools, unconstitutional due to what the court saw as a lack of constitutional authority, and additionally the programs use of income tax revenue, which is earmarked exclusively for the state's education programs. 'The legislature does not have plenary authority to circumvent these constitutional requirements by simply declining to 'designate' the program as part of the public education system. And because there is no genuine dispute that the program fails to meet these 'open to all children' and 'free' requirements, it is unconstitutional under article X of the Utah Constitution,' the lower court decision read. The state is seeking an immediate review of their appeal, arguing that the lower court's order has casted 'a shadow' over the program and all the families that currently rely on the program for their children's education. 'The district court's Order implicates the substantial rights of every Utah family with school-aged children. Without this Court's review, thousands of Utah children who currently rely on the Scholarship Program, and hundreds of thousands more who are eligible for it, will lose access to state-funded scholarships that allow them to afford educational options that best meet their needs,' the state's appeal reads. It continues, 'The Order casts a shadow over the Program—but the district court reserved entry of judgment and a permanent injunction in order to keep the Program operating so that Parents and the other Defendants can seek interlocutory review in this Court. This Court should now grant review in order to remove that shadow and provide certainty that Utah families need as they make their educational plans for the coming school year and beyond.' Currently the Utah Fits All Scholarship is still active and funds are flowing to parents in the state as litigation is ongoing. If the appeal is not taken up by the court, the lower court decision will stand, and the program's future is uncertain. However, if the Supreme Court upholds that the program is unconstitutional then the scholarship money would stop. If the lower court's decision is overturned, then the program presumably could continue. has reached out to the Attorney General's office for comment, to which they replied they do not comment on ongoing litigation. Additionally, the Utah Education Association has not yet replied to requests by This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Lindsay Aerts contributed to this reporting. House panel unveils tax portion of Trump agenda bill Sunny skies with well-above average temperatures this weekend Utah Legislature files appeal to Utah Fits All ruling St. George set to host final IRONMAN race this weekend Otter-ly adorable: Help name the new river otter pup at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Opinion: The personal and profound costs of the Utah Fits All court ruling
I had a conversation recently with a mom whose homeschooled son had just experienced a major breakthrough. As a student on the spectrum, asking for help was a big barrier for him, causing him to get stuck while doing school work. Through equine therapy, he found his voice. Another mom shared with me that her small business had gone under after the pandemic and she almost had to pull her children out of the microschool where they were thriving. But at the last minute, they were able to stay. A few months ago, I watched a previously shy student stand before a room of 600 and talk about his education at a high quality private school and his future plans for college. What changed the game for each of them? The Utah Fits All Scholarship. Utah families have been using this scholarship for just under a year now, and the reaction I most frequently get when I ask them how it's going is tears of joy and gratitude. Learning is supposed to be a joyful experience as children follow their curiosity, dig for knowledge, explore the world through books and nature, and decide which life and career paths intrigue them. But for many forced into an education system that doesn't fit, learning has increasingly become a frustration. So for thousands of Utah families, Utah Fits All wasn't just policy — it was possibility! It was the answer to late-night worries, mounting frustration and students slipping through the cracks. Designed to give parents the freedom to choose an education path customized to fit their child's unique needs, this innovative program has transformed lives in under nine months. Children with learning differences discovered environments where they could finally thrive. Struggling students gained confidence. Families felt hope. But that hope now hangs in the balance. In a stunning decision, Judge Laura Scott of Utah's 3rd District Court ruled the Utah Fits All program unconstitutional — a singular judgment that threatens to abruptly derail the progress these students have made and extinguish the hope so recently kindled. The ruling isn't just a legal blow; it's a disruption to real lives, real classrooms and real futures. If allowed to stand, this decision could strip families of the very tools that made education accessible, equitable and effective. The cost of this ruling isn't theoretical — it's personal, and it's profound. Ten thousand students are using the scholarship this year, and thousands more have recently applied in hopes that they, too, will be given the opportunity to choose an education that aligns better with their values, expectations and unique learning needs. What will the costs be if we turn our back on these children and allow this scholarship to go away? The costs will be felt by parents like Amy, from Francis. She says, 'Receiving the Utah Fits All Scholarship has opened up so many opportunities for the education of our 13-year old son … He is truly enjoying school more this year than he has in the past. I can't fully explain how transformative Utah Fits All has been for our son's education.' Autumn from Moroni says that when her daughter was in preschool, she was a single mom and toured her dream school for her daughter. 'Because of my circumstances,' she says, 'it was impossible for me to afford the tuition. Having my daughter finally be able to attend the private school of our choice is a dream come true.' Tiffany from Ivins is a mother of five biological and eight adopted children. 'Because there are multiple diagnoses of fetal alcohol, ADHD, autism, anxiety and dyslexia, these children are delayed in their progress.' But, she says, 'The Utah Fits All Scholarship has helped us to beat the odds.' Ultimately, our children will pay with their hopes, confidence and futures. And that's not okay with me. This should concern any Utahn who wants to ensure that the children of our state are able to find the educational path that best fits their needs and leads them to success. We now place our confidence in the Utah Supreme Court to rule favorably and uphold the constitutionality of the Utah Fits All law.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Utah Fits All voucher program will continue until Utah Supreme Court rules on its constitutionality
A classroom at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake is pictured on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Utah's school choice program will continue until the Utah Supreme Court rules on a lawsuit questioning its constitutionality, the state and the Utah Education Association agreed on Wednesday. A 3rd District Court judge declared on Friday the program is unconstitutional. But, for Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and legislative leadership, this isn't the end of the road. After the ruling was unveiled they said they would appeal to the state's high court to overturn the decision. With a looming May 1 deadline before applications close for the Utah Fits All program, triggering a 30-day window to announce next school year's recipients, attorneys for Utah's largest teacher union are betting on a quicker final resolution. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'It is in everyone's interest to move as expeditiously as possible in the Supreme Court,' Ramya Ravindran, an attorney representing the UEA, said on Wednesday. 'We wouldn't oppose delaying the request for the injunction until we receive the guidance back from the Supreme Court.' That's one of the simplest ways to go about the case, Judge Laura Scott said. If the high court affirms her ruling, then Utah Fits All would be discontinued. If justices reverse it, the case would be dismissed. Utah Fits All voucher program is 'unconstitutional,' district court rules 'I will not impose a remedy at this point, so I'll issue the final ruling. It will go up on appeal. There will be no injunction in place,' Scott said. 'My understanding is that would mean things would just proceed as normal and then listen until we have a decision by the Supreme Court.' After a year-long legal challenge against the school choice program, Scott ruled it to be unconstitutional since it is not open to all Utah children and diverts income tax revenue to fund private schools, violating articles X and XIII of the Utah constitution. The UEA is still celebrating the win despite not yet having a final resolution. UEA President Renée Pinkney said in a statement on Wednesday that the lower court ruling affirms that public money belongs in public schools, and she's confident the decision will be upheld on appeal. 'In the meantime, the plaintiffs agreed to allow public funds already allocated under the program to remain in place until the Utah Supreme Court issues a final ruling. This approach prevents immediate disruption for private and homeschool students and ensures public school educators continue receiving the pay increase tied to the program,' Pinkney said. While on the other side of the aisle, Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman also had reasons to celebrate after the Wednesday conference. 'Today's court hearing brought good news for Utah families: scholarship recipients will not face disruptions during the appeals process,' she wrote in a social media post. 'Families can finish the school year with peace of mind, and new applicants can still apply for the next academic year.' The program, established in 2023, provided up to $8,000 a year in scholarships for private school tuition or homeschool instruction per student. This year the Legislature appropriated over $100 million in ongoing funds for Utah Fits All. But the extra funding came with more restrictions for the program, which is mostly used by homeschooled children. Lawmakers approved reducing scholarship amounts for homeschooled students to $4,000 a year for students ages 5 to 11 and $6,000 for ages 12 to 18. Those attending private schools can still receive $8,000 a year. Bans were also put in place on expenses like ski passes, furniture and musical instruments, a cap of 20% per scholarship was set for extracurriculars and physical education, and a clear process was provided to change the program administrator, which the State Board of Education already used when it terminated its contract with ACE Scholarships early. However, some claims for relief included in the suit were rendered moot by Scott's ruling, including the argument that the program violated the constitution 'by vesting control and supervision of a public education program in a private program manager and prohibiting the Board from promulgating any rules concerning instructional content and curriculum in voucher-funded schools,' and another claim that challenged 'delegating an essential public service, and one of the Legislature's core constitutional functions' to private entities. However, as requested by the state attorneys, Scott will take a couple of weeks to rule on those claims so the Utah Supreme Court appeal has a complete decision for the case to review. That decision will not come later than May 15, she added. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
