For several months, the Utah State Board of Education has considered sweeping changes to administrative rules governing educator conduct (R277-210 through R277-217). On Oct.2 , the Board approved a motion directing its Law and Licensing Committee to study the processes and systems of the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC), identify strengths and weaknesses, and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to Board leadership by May 30, 2026. The motion passed 13-2.
On Oct. 3, the Law and Licensing Committee considered a separate proposal to revise R277-322, the rule governing local education agency codes of conduct. The proposed changes, introduced by Board Member Kerry, would impact requirements for employee conduct standards, training, reporting and compliance.
Watch the Law and Licensing Committee Meeting
UEA Director of Government Relations Sara Jones addressed the committee, urging members to consider the overlap between the proposed rule and the broader UPPAC review.
“Yesterday the Board approved a motion to authorize Law and Licensing to study and develop a comprehensive report making recommendations to the Board regarding UPPAC,” Jones said. “Because of the intersection of Rule 322 with UPPAC and the scope of the proposed changes, we ask that the committee not take action on the rule today, or as a standalone discussion. Rather, determine through the comprehensive UPPAC review the committee will do over the next eight months if there are any necessary changes to the LEA Code of Conduct. That way, all the rules and issues will be in alignment and consistent.”
Following extended discussion about the rule’s specific provisions and whether to incorporate it into the UPPAC review process, the committee voted unanimously to revisit the proposal in November to “continue the discussion or take possible action.”
The Utah Education Association will continue working with the Utah State Board of Education to ensure decisions reflect what is best for public school students and UEA’s educator members.
