Board repurposes $150,000 to 'Every Day Counts' attendance campaign, requires performance report
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The Utah State Board of Education approved repurposing $150,000 from FY2025 carry forward balances to support an “Every Day Counts” attendance campaign. The motion passed 14–1.
Board debate centered on whether a statewide campaign would be an effective use of funds given other efforts to address chronic absenteeism. Member Kelly, who brought the motion, said the agency had already done outreach and consultation with communications staff and that the $150,000 request was modest compared with other states’ campaigns. She said the funds would be used to hire professional public‑relations expertise and expand outreach beyond current social‑media posts.
Member Carrie successfully moved an amendment that requires staff to provide a report at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year summarizing the campaign’s performance with key metrics. Staff said the campaign would be tracked by routine metrics (media mentions, website traffic and program analytics) and that monitoring whether the campaign was used or the contingency drawn upon would be part of monthly budget reporting.
Some board members said the campaign should be complemented by the audit and policy work already underway to address the causes of chronic absenteeism. Member Boggess urged that staffing shortages and teacher absenteeism be part of the broader strategy.
Motion and vote details are recorded below; staff will deliver a campaign performance report at the end of the 2025–26 school year.
Board debate centered on whether a statewide campaign would be an effective use of funds given other efforts to address chronic absenteeism. Member Kelly, who brought the motion, said the agency had already done outreach and consultation with communications staff and that the $150,000 request was modest compared with other states’ campaigns. She said the funds would be used to hire professional public‑relations expertise and expand outreach beyond current social‑media posts.
Member Carrie successfully moved an amendment that requires staff to provide a report at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year summarizing the campaign’s performance with key metrics. Staff said the campaign would be tracked by routine metrics (media mentions, website traffic and program analytics) and that monitoring whether the campaign was used or the contingency drawn upon would be part of monthly budget reporting.
Some board members said the campaign should be complemented by the audit and policy work already underway to address the causes of chronic absenteeism. Member Boggess urged that staffing shortages and teacher absenteeism be part of the broader strategy.
Motion and vote details are recorded below; staff will deliver a campaign performance report at the end of the 2025–26 school year.
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