Utah Public Education Funding: Investing in Students, Teachers, and Classrooms
Utah lawmakers have increased teacher pay while expanding leadership opportunities and professional support to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention.
Higher pay, stronger leadership opportunities, and expanded professional support have strengthened teacher recruitment and retention across Utah.
In 2023, H.B. 215, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, provided a $6,000 direct salary increase for teachers, the largest educator compensation investment in Utah history. S.B. 183, sponsored in the House by Rep. Steven Lund, tied future educator salary adjustments to annual WPU increases, helping ensure teacher pay continues to grow alongside education funding.
“To our teachers and education support professionals: We see the dedication, passion, and sacrifice you pour into your classrooms, and we want to say, ‘Thank you,’” House Speaker Mike Schultz said. “We’re working hard to support you and give you the resources you need to succeed.”
S.B. 173, sponsored in the House by Rep. Karen Peterson, invested $150 million in teacher salary supplement opportunities. H.B. 431, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, created new teacher leadership opportunities, strengthened mentoring programs, and established postpartum recovery leave to improve teacher recruitment and retention.
Future educators also receive greater support. H.B. 221 and H.B. 204, both sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson, created and expanded student teacher stipends, reducing financial barriers while future educators complete their classroom training.
Education support professionals also received new investments. In 2025, lawmakers approved a $1,000 bonus for paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, food service employees, library staff, and other support personnel who keep schools running every day.
Most recently, S.B. 62, sponsored in the House by Rep. Matt McPherson, directed additional education funding toward classroom teachers, instructional aides, and paraprofessionals who work directly with students.
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