Board of Education. Office of Education

"The staff of the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) implements the policies made by the 15-member State Board for Education and Board for Applied Technology Education. This board is the only elected state board in Utah and is charged by the Utah Constitution with general control and supervision of the K-12 public schools and Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind.?"The Utah Strategic Planning Act for Educational Excellence, passed by the 1992 Legislature, recognizes the mission of public education 'to provide students with learning and occupational skills, character development, literacy, and basic knowledge through a responsive, statewide system that guarantees local school communities autonomy, flexibility, and client choice, while holding them accountable for results.' In addition to its accountability and regulatory role, the USOE provides vital in-service teacher training and technical assistance to the 40 school districts; coordinates and conducts educational research; administers productive school reform and restructuring programs; and develops partnerships between public education and the business community and private sector." (From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 2, issue 9, January 1995, page 4.)

The Office of Education is the administrative agency for the Board of Education. The duties of the office include supervising public instruction, administering school funds, providing reports including annual reports to the Governor, and advising county superintendents.