SALT LAKE CITY — A recent performance audit released Tuesday by the Office of the Legislative Auditor General (OLAG) highlights significant shortcomings in the oversight of public school construction projects across Utah. The audit specifically points to gaps in the Utah State Board of Education’s (USBE) role and calls for legislative consideration of alternative oversight strategies.

Jesse Martinson, who helped lead the audit at OLAG, underscored the scale of construction activity in Utah public schools. “Since 2019, [USBE] have overseen over $3.6 billion worth of constructions,” he noted. However, when examining the quality and compliance of these projects, the results were concerning. “We looked at 30 projects and found that 87 percent (26 of the projects) did not receive a permit from USBE,” Martinson said, signaling a widespread issue with adherence to permitting requirements.

The audit further revealed troubling data about the qualifications of personnel responsible for ensuring construction meets safety codes. Out of 41 local school districts statewide, only five of their building officials had proper code certifications. Jake Davis, OLAG’s lead performance auditor on this report, emphasized the stakes involved: “These codes represent the minimum standards to protect the life and safety of occupants.”

Inspection processes also showed deficiencies, including missing plan reviews and failures to build essential firewalls in several schools. Such lapses could jeopardize the safety of students and staff in the event of emergencies.

Scott Jones, Deputy Superintendent at USBE, commented on the challenges faced in maintaining proper oversight. “We are at a decisive point in the future of oversight of school construction,” Jones said. He explained that the state board initiated the audit after recognizing resource limitations in monitoring and enforcing compliance. “It doesn’t go unresolved or unnoticed — it just takes time,” Jones added. “Myself and one other position are dedicated to school construction oversight,” highlighting the need for expanded capacity.

A particularly troubling finding in the audit was related to the bidding process in one unnamed school district. The district awarded 18 construction projects, cumulatively worth over $250 million, exclusively to a single contractor since 2014. While auditors indicated that this bundling practice “may not be inappropriate,” they warned it “exhibits the appearance of impropriety,” raising questions about transparency and fairness.

House Speaker Mike Schultz (R-Hooper) weighed in on the audit’s findings and what future reforms might entail. “Because you look at these Taj Mahals that are being built — all across the state,” he remarked. “In many cases, it’s 25, 30, 40 percent more than what needs to be spent.” Schultz stressed that reforms should focus on cost savings for taxpayers and greater accountability. “There are a lot of independent inspectors out there that can be hired,” he said. “I think that can be happening and, quite frankly, should be.”

The legislature is now faced with the task of restructuring school construction oversight. Senate President Stuart Adams acknowledged the complexity of the challenge but expressed a unified goal. “We all want the same things,” he said. Jones echoed this sentiment, affirming, “We want our kids to be educated in very safe environments and very safe buildings.”

The audit raises critical questions about how Utah can improve the standards and monitoring of its school construction projects to ensure safety, fiscal responsibility, and public trust.

Originally reported by Jeremy Tombs in Fox 13 News.