SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — On September 16, 2025, the Education Interim Committee of the Utah Legislature gathered to review an audit that raised red flags about how taxpayer dollars are being spent on school construction projects — and whether safety standards are consistently being met.
The audit, which examined the financial practices of Local Education Agencies (LEAs), found significant discrepancies in both reported costs and oversight procedures. Lawmakers and auditors alike pointed to the urgent need for standardization, transparency, and accountability in how Utah builds and maintains its schools.
One of the most pressing issues came from Representative Lisenby, who questioned whether districts were prioritizing appearance over practicality.
"Many architectural features, while visually appealing, do not contribute to the educational environment and may not be worth the taxpayer dollars spent," Lisenby said. She proposed considering standardized building plans for junior high and high schools to help control costs and ensure that funds go directly toward student learning environments.
The audit team noted that inconsistent reporting practices make it difficult to compare costs across school districts. Without a standardized reporting system, identifying savings opportunities becomes nearly impossible. Auditors highlighted that while other states have adopted standardized blueprints to streamline costs, Utah has not yet implemented such measures.
The discussion then shifted to building safety. The audit revealed instances of non-compliance with safety regulations, especially in mechanical and plumbing systems.
Committee members debated whether local municipalities—which traditionally managed inspections—should take back responsibility for enforcing building safety standards, instead of leaving it primarily with the state board of education.
Senator Reebay pointed out the financial strain these issues place on districts, particularly smaller ones.
She stressed that unfunded mandates force school systems to divert money from classroom instruction to cover compliance costs. "There needs to be a balance between safety regulations and the financial realities faced by smaller communities," she said.
The broader debate revealed the tension between aesthetic appeal and functional necessity—whether schools should invest in costly, showpiece facilities or focus strictly on safe, durable, and cost-effective designs.
The meeting closed with legislators agreeing to further examine the audit’s recommendations, including potential legislation aimed at:
Committee members reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that school buildings remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning.
"The goal is clear: to maximize educational outcomes while respecting taxpayer resources," one committee member noted.
Originally reported by Citizen Portal.
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