1. (1) This rule is authorized by:

   1. (a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;
   2. (b) Subsection 53F-2-404(2)(d), which allows the Board to adopt rules regarding the time and manner in which a student count shall be made for allocation of funds; and
   3. (c) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law.

2. (2) In accordance with Section 53D-2-202, through representation on the Land Trusts Protection and Advocacy Committee, the Board exercises trust oversight of:

   1. (a) the Common School Trust;
   2. (b) the School for the Deaf Trust; and
   3. (c) the School for the Blind Trust.
3. (3) The Board implements the School LAND Trust program and provides oversight, support, and training for school community councils and Charter Trust Land Councils consistent with Sections 53G-7-1205, 53G-7-1206, Rule R277-491, and this Rule R277-477.

4. (4) The purpose of this rule is to:

   1. (a) provide financial resources to a public school to implement a component of a school's Teacher and Student Success Plan to enhance and improve student academic achievement;
   2. (b) provide a means to involve a parent of a school's student in decision-making regarding the expenditure of School LAND Trust program funds allocated to the school;
   3. (c) provide direction in the distribution of funds from the Trust Distribution Account, as funded in Section 53F-2-404;
   4. (d) provide for appropriate and adequate oversight of the expenditure and use of funds by an approving entity, school administration, and the Board;
   5. (e) provide for proper allocation of funds as stated in Section 53F-2-404, and the appropriate and timely distribution of the funds;
   6. (f) enforce compliance with statutory and rule requirements, including the responsibility for a school community council to notify school community members regarding the use of funds; and
   7. (g) define the roles, duties, and responsibilities of the Superintendent with regards to the School Children's Trust.
5. (5) This Rule R277-477 is categorized as Category 4 as described in Rule R277-111.

KEY: schools, trust lands funds, school community councils

Date of Last Change: February 9, 2026

Notice of Continuation: June 16, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401; 53F-2-404