The Provo City School District has established formal procedures to manage students whose parents or guardians reside outside of Utah. Under Policy 3160 P1, a responsible adult living within district boundaries may obtain guardianship for the limited purpose of establishing residency for a minor child, subject to district approval.
To establish this arrangement, the custodial parent must submit a signed affidavit to the Superintendent or a designee. This document must state that the child's presence in the district is not primarily for attending public schools and that transferring guardianship to a Utah resident would best serve the child's physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.
The process requires several layers of documentation. The responsible adult must submit an affidavit confirming they are a district resident and are willing to accept responsibilities including providing food, shelter, medical care, and educational support. Additionally, the student must submit a signed affidavit stating their desire to become a permanent resident of Utah and their commitment to follow district rules.
Forms for these affidavits are available on the district website or through Student Services. If a custodial parent cannot be located to execute the required statement, the responsible adult must submit an affidavit to that effect. The district will also provide a copy of such affidavits to the Criminal Investigations and Technical Services Division of the Department of Public Safety.
Upon verifying the accuracy of the information, the Director of Student Services may issue a designation of guardianship letter. The district is then required to deliver original documents and the designation letter to the clerk of the state district court in the district's location.
The policy includes strict provisions regarding fraudulent information. Submitting false or misleading data is punishable under Utah Code § 76-8-504. If the district finds evidence of intentional deception, it may void the guardianship and recover the full cost of any benefits received, including tuition and school charges.
Regarding finances, the board shall charge non-resident children tuition at a rate at least equal to the per capita cost of the school program, unless the board decides to waive the charge in an open meeting. If an application for guardianship is denied by Student Services, applicants may appeal to the Provo City School District Board of Education or the Utah district court.
