The Utah State Board of Education held a meeting on November 5, 2026, to address various administrative rules, standards, and personnel updates. During the proceedings, the board celebrated Daren Lentz as the new Utah Teacher of the Year, stepping into the role following the passing of Talia Casares.
The board swore in Katrina Gibson, who was recently appointed by Governor Cox to fill a vacancy in District 2. Gibson is scheduled to serve on the board through the end of the year. Additionally, the board recognized Susie Estrada as the November Employee of the Month for her work in creating community engagement through literacy nights.
Several administrative rules were addressed during the meeting. The board approved R277-615 regarding standards and procedures for student searches, as well as R277-701 for early college programs. Other approved items included R277-499 for the Seal of Biliteracy and R277-911 and R277-915, which cover secondary career and technical education and work-based learning programs. The board also approved math standards for grades 3-8 and American Constitutional Government and Citizenship Standards.
Regarding statutory changes for the upcoming legislative session, the board directed staff to work with legislators on code changes related to adult education, abuse prevention grants, and early warning systems. The board also passed a request to amend the window for an LEA to approve an SOEP course.
The meeting included reports from various committees. The Finance Committee saw the repeal of R277-454 and R277-471, which dealt with school construction, and the continuation of R277-556 regarding the Charter School Closure Reserve Account. The board also released the Digital Literacy Standards for a 30-day comment period.
The meeting concluded following an executive session and a public session where the board took action on various committee appointments and educator licenses.
