Federal funding may get more state oversight

A bill that would further prevent tying the state's hands when it comes to accepting federal funding — especially with No Child Left Behind — passed the House unanimously Tuesday.

SB185, sponsored by Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, strengthens the state to say the federal government can't just automatically require Utah to take the money with strings attached.

Dayton's bill puts a cap on the amount of money a district can agree to without approval from the governor or legislator. The legislation further emphasizes the state should know before a superintendent signs on for monetary obligations. A district's agreement is null and void unless the legislature approves.

SB185 increases the monetary thresholds in an identical bill she passed last year. For example, the $100,000 limit would be $500,000; $500,000 would be $1 million.

Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, said the bill simply "makes it a little more practical."

The NCLB mandate is intended to help schools ensure all students are succeeding — regardless of ethnicity, income, disability or English skills — and are proficient in language arts and math by 2014.

E-MAIL: astewart@desnews.com