Profile: Utah School Boards Association

The USBA was founded in 1932, by local school boards members throughout the state of Utah, who recognized even then, the need for a concerted voice in behalf of children, parents, local taxpayers and school board members.

Delanie Hathaway
USBA President

USBA became a state-wide organized association when the 1959 state legislature passed an act which permitted local boards of education to join and pay dues into the Utah School Boards Association. USBA represents all 40 Utah school districts and the State Board of Education.

The Association is governed by a board of directors consisting of one member from each of the fourteen regions within the state, a representative from the State Board of Education, and the four elected officers of the Association, the president and the first and second vice-president, and the past president. Whenever a Utah school board member holds an elected position with the National School Boards Association, that person also serves on the Board of Directors.

1. To develop, strengthen, and coordinate the work of the School Boards of the public schools of the State of Utah in their efforts to promote the educational interests of the State of Utah.
2. To deal with issues in whatever manner may be deemed best by the Board of Directors under the conditions as they develop or exist within the provisions of the Association's By-Laws.
3. To disseminate information pertaining to School Districts of the State of Utah.
4. To provide a voluntary cooperative forum and vehicle for the exchange of ideas and the advancement of the common concerns of all School Districts. Always recognizing that each district is an independent unit of gobernment free to pursue its own interests independently as it determines.

USBA MISSION STATEMENT

The Utah School Boards Association shall provide leadership, advocacy, training, and quality services for effective school board governance.

1. Public education is the foundation of our democratic republic.
2. Public education's success depends on public support.
3. A sustained financial commitment is essential.
4. Locally-elected school boards best represent local educational needs.
5. Effective local school boards positively influence student achievement.
6. Student achievement is further enhanced when parents, students, and the educational community work together.
7. Collaboration of education and community services are essential to meet the needs of all students.
8. Multiple land use provides funding for public education.
9. Legislation should be based upon statesmanship, not on the desire to promote an individual state and federal agenda.