- Utah public schools received a record $111 million from land grant trust distributions this year.
- Funds support local school needs like reading specialists and STEM programs.
- Amendment B increased fund distributions, benefiting schools and districts across the state.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's public schools this year are receiving a record $111 million in land grant trust distributions, Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks announced Tuesday.
"These funds go straight to local schools, where principals, teachers and parents decide how best to use them, whether that's hiring reading specialists, supporting STEM programs or investing in other tools students need to succeed," Oaks said in front of Whittier Elementary School.
In November 2024, Utahns voted in favor of Amendment B, which raised the cap on annual distributions from the now $3.7-billion State School Fund endowment from 4% to 5%.
Public schools across the Beehive State will begin seeing the results of that vote next year.
"Amendment B helps us to better meet the needs of children today without sacrificing the needs of future students. The purpose of this system is clear: to strengthen Utah's public schools year after year and to do so in a way that benefits students for many years to come," Oaks said.
Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart said the funds allow schools to address their most pressing needs, including reading and math interventions, smaller class sizes, access to technology, professional education for educators, programs that strengthen academic achievement and preparing students for the future.
Distributions from the fund are unique in the sense that individual schools determine the best use of the funds through their school community councils, made up of parents and educators. One school might use the funds to hire teaching aides, while another could opt to put more money into college preparation or career training.
"The school land trust program is more than a funding source. It's a commitment to local leadership, innovation and giving every student in Utah the tools they need to succeed," Hart said.
For the 2025-26 school year, Alpine School District received the largest distribution at just over $13 million, followed by Davis School District ($10.6 million), Jordan School District ($8.78 million), Granite School District ($8.77 million) and the Nebo School District ($6.6 million), to round out the top five.
The Salt Lake City School District's Whittier Elementary received nearly $78,000 in school land trust funds this year, money that Vanessa Jordan, the school's principal, said will go directly toward student support by building their literacy skills.
After collaborating with our school community council, we identified early literacy as our school's top priority. This year, our land trust funds will provide funding for a part-time certified teacher ... and a paraprofessional who will both support literacy intervention for kindergarten, first grade and second grade students," Jordan said.
"It is so important that our students access early literacy intervention, because we know that early intervention in reading allows students entry to the skills needed to have choice and agency in their lives, both with careers and continued access to engaging curriculum."
The fund has grown from just $50 million 30 years ago to $3.7 billion today. More information about the fund can be found here.
