Search
Facebook-f

Utah Public Education Hotline

Where should I start Utah public education hotline

Governance of Public Education

The Utah State Board of Education’s (USBE’s) governance of public education is of the public education system as a whole and is not necessarily hierarchical, meaning “the state board may not govern, manage, or operate school districts, institutions, and programs, unless granted that authority by statute” (see Utah Code 53E-3-401(3)). Governance includes, but is not limited to, educator licensing and misconduct, establishing core standards, special education dispute resolution, distribution of appropriated funds to LEAs and other entities, providing technical assistance, and monitoring financial and program performance. Local Education Agency (LEA) Boards (i.e., school district and charter schools) governance is specific to the district or charter and the board is responsible for “control and management” (see 53G-4-402(17)(a)). Governance includes, but is not limited to:

  • Authority and control over all human resource functions,
  • Ensuring compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations,
  • Addressing parental and stakeholder concerns,
  • Establishing student conduct and discipline policies,
  • Managing day-to-day operations, and
  • Selecting instructional materials meeting core standards.


Reporting a Concern
Start Local: As applicable, contact the teacher, principal/school director, district or charter administration, or district or charter governing boards. If your concern is not a local concern or not resolved locally, and you would like to report the concern please contact the Internal Audit Department in one of the following ways:

  1. Fill out the Report a Concern Form (hosted by Qualtrics) by clicking the button below:    *This form must be used to submit a concern against a state board member.
  2. Send an email to audit@schools.utah.gov. (For security purposes, size and content restrictions may apply.)
  3. Call the dedicated phone number (801) 538-7813 (if we do not answer, please leave a message and we will return your call within 3 business days or as soon as possible depending on hotline volume).
  4. Mail a concern to:
    Utah State Board of Education
    Internal Audit Department
    Attention: Debbie Davis
    PO Box 144200
    Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200

Using the Report a Concern Form or sending an email directly to the audit@schools.utah.gov email is the most efficient way for the Internal Audit Department to review your concerns. To ensure a timely review please provide as much information and documentation as possible, including:

  • A detailed description of the concern, including any relevant laws, regulations, policies, programs, etc., and if applicable, the source of the funds involved (e.g. federal, state, other)
  • The names and titles of the:
    individuals involved with the concern, and
    individuals the concerns have already been reported to, along with any responses.
  • The location and date where the concern occurred
  • Additional information (e.g., emails, text messages, recordings, documents, other witnesses)
For each concern received, the Internal Audit Department conducts a high-level screening under R277-
123 to consider the individual or entity best situated to review the concern and take necessary action.
Because education is governed at the federal, state, and local level, the Internal Audit Department then
makes appropriate referrals or provides potential resources depending on the nature of the concerns
and authority or jurisdiction of those involved. Often times, this includes a referral to the local education agency given Utah law favors local control and governance. 
 
For concerns regarding Special Education and/or Alleged Educator Misconduct consider the following
USBE resources:
 

Confidentiality Preference

The Internal Audit Department will accommodate preferences for confidentiality to the extent permitted by law. However, please note that the IAD is required to report applicable allegations to:
  • DCFS/CPS or law enforcement (see Utah Code 80-2-602(1)),
  • Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission and local leadership of the applicable school district or charter school (see R277-211-2(5)(a)), and
  • State board members (R277-123).
If you have specific questions about whistleblower protections or other privacy concerns, you should consult with legal counsel.
 

Language Assistance

You may, free of charge, request language assistance services for the Public Education Hotline by e-mailing us at audit@schools.utah.gov.

Scroll to Top