Audit Reveals Serious Oversight Issues in Utah School Construction
SALT LAKE CITY — A new performance audit from the Office of the Legislative Auditor General (OLAG) has uncovered significant deficiencies in the oversight of public school construction across Utah. The audit highlights that the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is failing to adequately supervise these vital projects, raising concerns about safety standards.
Since 2019, the USBE has overseen over $3.6 billion in construction; however, the audit reveals alarming statistics—87% of the 30 projects reviewed did not obtain the necessary permits. Only five out of 41 local districts had building officials with proper code certifications, which are essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of school facilities. Auditors also identified compliance issues in inspection reporting, including incomplete plan reviews and instances of schools failing to install firewalls.
Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones noted that while the USBE has a process for addressing non-compliance, resources are limited, with only two personnel dedicated to oversight duties. Further complicating matters, one unnamed school district was flagged for awarding 18 projects exclusively to a single contractor, totaling over $250 million, raising questions about potential favoritism.
House Speaker Mike Schultz emphasized the need for reforms that benefit taxpayers, criticizing the extravagance of new school constructions. He suggested exploring the hiring of independent inspectors to enhance the oversight process.
Calls for change are growing, with lawmakers contemplating options such as delegating oversight to a new state agency or enhancing local authority. Senate President Stuart Adams remarked that all stakeholders share a common goal: ensuring students learn in safe and secure environments. As this critical issue unfolds, the focus remains on improving construction oversight for Utah’s schools.
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