Public schools and other public institutions will receive nearly $112 million in their 2024 annual distribution as a result of the strong performance from the School and Institutional Trust Lands System, a 5 percent increase from 2023’s record distribution.
Of the total distribution, $106 million will be sent directly to public schools, leaving local school community councils to determine the best use of the trust funds to support academic needs in their respective schools. Funds have historically provided benefits ranging from purchasing new library books and educational technology to hiring aides who support teachers in classroom instruction.
“Impressive things happen when parents and education professionals come together on behalf of student improvement. With that common goal coupled with reliable trust funding sources, progress and innovation can happen,” said Paula Plant, director of the School Land Trust Program at the Utah State Board of Education.
School community councils will be notified in January of funds arriving at their respective schools. About $6 million will be distributed to 10 other public beneficiary institutions designated at statehood. Fund uses vary by institution and help support health and human services, higher education and water efficiency in the state. For example, state and miners’ hospitals use funds to provide patient care, the Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services uses funds for offender rehabilitation programming and the Utah Division of Water Resources uses funds to improve water efficiency across the state.