Audit: Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind needs increased oversight, better planning

SALT LAKE CITY — A legislative audit released Tuesday suggested Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind need more oversight and better strategic planning.

The schools serve students with disabilities statewide who are deaf and/or blind. But its leadership structure has changed recently.

Passed during the 2025 legislative session, HB537 adjusted the schools’ governance structure to address “management and financial problems.”

Now, the Utah State Board of Education has increased oversight of the Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, being responsible for the administrative leadership and policy governance of the school.

“Essentially, the state board governs (the school) at both the statewide system and LEA (local education agency) levels,” said the audit.

Increased oversight

The audit sa