Educational Excellence

Gov. Cox recognizes that the state’s future depends on the well-being and education of our children. Every investment made in our schools will pay dividends, not only for individual success, but for our society as a whole.

Utah teachers are among the finest in the nation, but four of 10 leave the profession within their first five years on the job. Gov. Cox has boosted teacher compensation and professional growth opportunities to keep teachers in the classroom.

He’s also committed to adjusting how our schools are funded. Right now, those who live in lower-income school districts pay higher taxes, but receive less than half the funding per student than those living in the wealthiest school districts. The quality of a child’s education should not be dictated by their zip code.

In addition, Gov. Cox is focused on creating new pathways for students entering the workforce. By expanding access to college and technical classes in high school, apprenticeships and relevant workforce aligned programs at technical colleges and universities, Utah can prepare today’s students for the jobs of tomorrow.

First-term Accomplishments

  • Gov. Cox has invested record funding into our K-12 and higher education systems.
  • He boosted teacher compensation by $6,000 in 2023.
  • He approved universal school choice and expanded educational options for families.
  • He invested in early learning programs to increase literacy.
  • He fully funded optional all-day kindergarten and programs for at-risk students.
  • He launched an adopt-a-school program, matching schools throughout the state with businesses that want to give back.
  • He elevated conversations about school governance, teacher salaries, and curriculum with superintendents, teachers, parents, legislators and other stakeholders.
  • He placed nearly 6,000 students in the Learn and Work, Utah Works and Talent Ready Utah programs.
  • He supported bipartisan efforts to improve the ethnic studies curriculum.
  • He provided administrative leave for state employees to substitute as teachers and support staff in Utah schools.