- (1) If UPPAC determines that an allegation is sufficiently supported by evidence discovered in the investigation, the Executive Secretary may direct the UPPAC attorney to serve a complaint upon the educator being investigated.
(2) At a minimum, a complaint shall include:
- (a) a statement of legal authority and jurisdiction under which the action is being taken;
- (b) a statement of the facts and allegations upon which the complaint is based;
- (c) other information necessary to enable the respondent to understand and address the allegations;
- (d) a statement of the potential consequences if an allegation is found to be true or substantially true;
- (e) a statement that the respondent shall answer the complaint and request a hearing, if desired, within 30 days of the date the complaint is mailed to the respondent;
- (f) a statement that the respondent shall file a written answer described in Subsection (2)(e) with the Executive Secretary;
- (g) a statement advising the respondent that if the respondent fails to respond within 30 days, the Executive Secretary may issue a default order in accordance with Section R277-211-8;
(h) a statement that, if a hearing is requested, the hearing will be scheduled no less than 45 days, nor more than 180 days, after receipt of the respondent's answer, unless a different date is agreed to by both parties in writing;
- (i) a copy of the applicable hearing rules as required by Section 53E-6-607; and
- (j) if the respondent is not represented by counsel, a written guide to help the respondent understand the UPPAC investigation and hearing process.
- (3) On the Executive Secretary's own motion, the Executive Secretary, or the Executive Secretary's designee, with notice to the parties, may reschedule a hearing date.
(4)(a) A respondent may file an answer to a complaint by filing a written response signed by the respondent or the respondent's attorney with the Executive Secretary within 30 days after the complaint is mailed.
(b) The answer shall include:
- (i) a request for a hearing;
- (ii) the file number of the complaint;
- (iii) the names of the parties; and
- (iv) the relief that the respondent seeks at a hearing.
- (c) As an alternative to filing an answer, the respondent may file a voluntary surrender pursuant to Rule R277-216.
(5)(a) The Executive Secretary shall schedule a hearing, if requested by the respondent, in accordance with Subsection (2)(h) and Rule R277-212.
- (b) If the parties can reach an agreement before the hearing consistent with the terms of UPPAC's initial recommendation, the UPPAC attorney may negotiate a proposed consent to discipline with the respondent.
- (c) A proposed consent to discipline described in Subsection (5)(b) shall be submitted to the Board for the Board's consideration in accordance with Section R277-211-7.
(6)(a) If a respondent does not respond to the complaint within 30 days, the Executive Secretary may initiate default proceedings in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section R277-211-8.
- (b) If the Executive Secretary enters an order of default, the Executive Secretary shall make a recommendation to the Board for discipline consistent with the evidence and Rule R277-215.
KEY: teacher licensing, conduct, hearings
Date of Last Change: November 21, 2025
Notice of Continuation: October 1, 2025
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-6-506; 53E-3-401(4)