In our respective roles, we are both often asked, what can be done to improve Utah’s schools and enhance our education system? This year, the answer is to vote yes on Amendment B.
Amendment B asks voters: “Shall the Utah Constitution be amended to increase the limit on the annual distributions from the State School Fund to public schools from 4% to 5% of the fund?”
Voting yes to Amendment B will provide additional funding to Utah’s public schools at no cost to taxpayers.
Are you wondering how this is possible? Utah has a public school endowment known as the State School Fund that was established at statehood to support public schools. The State School Fund has grown from just $50 million 30 years ago to over $3.3 billion today. Each year, up to 4% of fund earnings are distributed to K-12 public schools across the state, providing a much-needed boost to education funding.
Our state constitution currently caps annual distributions from the State School Fund at 4%. If Utahns vote to pass Amendment B, this cap would increase to 5%, allowing distribution of more money from the $3.3 billion endowment to our schools without any additional cost to taxpayers.
Due to prudent investment strategies and strong investment returns, the State School Fund is well-positioned to increase distributions for today’s students, while still protecting the fund for future generations. This constitutional amendment will create more balanced distributions from the fund for current and future children.
We are confident in the investment of the State School Fund. The last 30 years have shown impressive returns and this increase in distributions for today’s students will not hamper the state’s ability to grow the endowment.
These funds are unique because each school’s School Community Council, composed of parents and educators, determines how best to use them. An elementary school may choose to spend its funds on reading and math tutors, while a high school may opt to support college prep classes or additional STEM programs. These funds directly address the academic needs parents and teachers identify at their own school.
The 2023 Utah Legislature voted unanimously to place Amendment B on the November ballot, and the Utah PTA and several other education groups also support Amendment B. Please join us in voting yes for Amendment B this November.
(Tracy Miller) Tracy Miller is running for Utah House District 45 and is the Jordan School District Board of Education President.
Tracy Miller is running for Utah House District 45 and is the Jordan School District Board of Education President. She is speaking for herself and not representing the board or school district.
(Billy Hesterman) Billy Hesterman is the president of the Utah Taxpayers Association.
Billy Hesterman is the president of the Utah Taxpayers Association.
