Schools may get leeway on land funds

Lawmakers and state education leaders are suggesting school community councils have more flexibility in spending trust land funds.

But how much leeway is too much?

A bill that would allow community councils to recommend funding for energy efficiency projects in their school buildings is raising eyebrows in some circles, including the councils themselves.

"I hope nobody lets that go anywhere. That's not what we're about," said Ada Wilson, Orem Elementary School community council member.

Right now school trust land money is earmarked for academic programs only.

However, in proposing HB146, Rep. Tim Cosgrove, D-Murray, says allowing schools to invest in solar or geothermal systems will save them money in the long run.

"This is an investment that they will actually earn money from," Cosgrove said. "It becomes a revenue-generating source."

Further, educational programs can be implemented along with energy-saving systems to teach children about conservation, Cosgrove said.

Cosgrove said using trust land money for energy conservation would "not be mandatory. It's an option."

Public schools have community councils that recommend how local school boards spend the funds. Councils typically include principals, parents and teachers.

Utah received $163 million in trust land funds for fiscal year 2008.

A legislative audit last week stated Utah State Office of Education officials should give more responsibility to local school districts on how to use the money

Friday, members of the State Board of Education will discuss two rules that would ensure school community councils and school boards have flexibility to determine how to use the funds to best serve local needs.

The proposed rules and Cosgrove's bill have some local education leaders nervous.

Ken Higgins, principal of Ridgeline Elementary School in Highland, said, "I like having flexibility for the school, but there have to be guidelines."

Ridgeline uses its trust land money for several academic programs, including "pair reading." Fifty children, grades kindergarten through second, are in the program, which matches each student with a trained adult aide. The goal is to get the students to boost their reading levels through one-on-one practice every day.

"It's an absolutely wonderful program that has a direct impact on our students," Higgins said.

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