Legislative Guide

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What to Do With This Webpage

Schools are one of the most important institutions of the community. Communicating with those who represent the families in your school’s boundary is vital to building positive relationships with those who make policy decisions.

This packet serves as a reference guide to help identify elected officials who have a direct interest in your school and the families/community members within its boundary.

What Do Legislators (Senators & Representatives) Do?

The Utah Legislature meets yearly in a 45-day general session that convenes the fourth Monday of January. During this session legislators draft legislation and pass bills that are eventually signed into law by the governor. The 75 members of the House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms, and the 29 members of the Senate are elected to four-year terms. Outside the General Session state legislators carry on in their professional careers.

The Utah Legislature is responsible for crafting laws and state statutes related to general governance in the state, including public education. Along with passing bills that affect certain aspects of public education, the Legislature determines the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) during each General Session. This figure represents the total cost of educating a child in the State of Utah and determines state funds for school districts.

What Do State School Board Members Do?

The Utah State Board of Education is a non-partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and high school graduation requirements. The 15 members of the board are elected to four-year terms. Like the Granite School District Board of Education, the State Board meets monthly for study sessions and full board meetings to conduct official business.

How Can I Involve Elected Officials?

Policymakers and other elected officials that serve the families in your community should be receiving an official letter from your school every year that explains how LAND Trust funds were used and subsequent successes. Continued funding through the School LAND Trust Program is dependent on elected officials being aware of how schools are using the money to increase student achievement. This communication responsibility must never be neglected.

We encourage school administrators, educators and school community council members to reach out to elected officials on a regular basis. Invite them to tour your school and learn about your success and struggles. Send out invitations to major school events and productions, and tag elected officials on social media when you share highlights and stories.

Get to know your elected officials by researching legislation they have sponsored and supported. Your students and staff can have an effect on how lawmakers choose to vote on legislation that impacts public education.

Show up for Caucuses and Support the Education of Students Present and Future

Every year, education bills outpace any other industry in the annual Utah Legislative Session.

We need the support of our employees and patrons to be engaged in local government and attend the caucus of your choice.

Research topics that are important to you and be sure to vote accordingly in local elections. Never hesitate to share your thoughts with your elected officials.

Click on the links below to find websites and caucus information for some local political parties.

In all your correspondence with elected officials, please do not imply, either explicitly or otherwise, that you are speaking on behalf of the entire district. For questions or assistance, please contact the Communications Department at 385.646.4529 or communications@graniteschools.org

Utah State Senators Covering Granite School District