The Box Elder School District Board of Education approved several administrative changes during a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, including a move to become a vendor for the Utah Fits All scholarship program. The board also voted to increase the district's undistributed reserve fund, a rainy-day fund used for expenditures requiring specific board approval.
New Scholarship Opportunities
During the meeting held at the Independent Life Skills Center in Brigham City, the board reviewed a variety of action items. Among the approved measures was the decision to allow the district to serve as a vendor for the Utah Fits All scholarship. Under this arrangement, students could take online or in-person courses from the district for $500 per class per trimester. The program would also offer driver's education to Utah Fits All students and permit them to take AP tests at the school alongside district students.
School Land Trust Amendment
The board also authorized an amendment to the Box Elder High School 2026-27 School Land Trust Plan. According to the meeting summary, the amendment allows for the reallocation of $37,000 to fund a team's attendance at the Learning and the Brain Conference and for Professional Learning Community training.
Increasing Reserve Funds
Financial management was a key focus of the session. The board approved a recommendation from Business Administrator Neil Stevens to increase the undistributed reserve fund. This fund serves as a rainy-day account that requires board approval for access. The maximum reserve is set at 5% of the approved annual budget, and the increase aims to keep the reserve consistent with the growing district budget.
Calendar and Community Feedback
The board also addressed the 2027-28 District Calendar. Discussions regarding the calendar included community feedback suggesting a preference for a two-week Christmas break and a desire to avoid school starts prior to the fair. In response to these discussions, the board requested a participation count for students involved in the fair through 4H, FFA, or other organizations.
Rising Student Achievement
Data presented by Assessment Director Jeff Morris highlighted improving student achievement within the district. According to the report, 4th-grade English language arts scores rose 4% from 2024, while math scores increased 7% from 2024. Fifth-grade English language arts scores saw a 6% increase from 2024, and math scores rose 5% from 2024.
State Rankings and Status
The assessment report further noted that 8th-grade math scores are currently 13% above state averages, with an MGP of 72. Regarding the Utah School Improvement system, which identifies schools for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), the district reported having zero new TSI categories in the last two years. Additionally, six schools have come off Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) status in the last two years, with several others currently progressing toward exiting that status.
Online Program and Digital Safety
The district also provided updates on its online program and digital safety. The online program currently offers 19 classes, with a goal of offering 24 credits and classes required for graduation. The program reports an 86% pass rate for students. Officials noted that the goal is to maintain students within the district, as every student who enrolls in the State Online Education Program (SOEP) results in a net deduction from the district's K-12 allotment, costing approximately $300,000 per year.
