Report a Concern or Complaint

Report a Concern

The Public Education Hotline is maintained by the Internal Audit Department of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and it is a venue for citizens, educators, employees, and other stakeholders to report concerns related to any of the agencies governed by or provided resources by the USBE. You can expect a response within 3 business days.

Where Should I Start?

If an EMERGENCY or a CRISIS, contact, 911, SAFE-UT or your local law enforcement!

OR for questions about the process, your rights as a parent, contact the Parent Liaison at the Utah State Board of Education:

Cassie Hays, M. Ed.
Parent Liaison and Engagement Education Specialist
Utah State Board of Education
cassie.hays@schools.utah.gov
801-538-7845

Public Education is governed both at the state and local levels, so it is important to try and identify who has authority in the area where you have a question or a concern. The document to the right will help you identify options when you have a concern; many times, the best option is to Start Local.

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Utah Schools Directory Includes public (district and charter) and private schools.

For concerns regarding Special Education and/or Alleged Educator Misconduct consider the following USBE resources:

Protection for Individuals Reporting Concerns?

The USBE and the Internal Audit Department are committed to protecting individuals who report concerns. As requested, and to the extent allowed by law, we maintain the confidentiality of anyone providing information. Utah law prohibits discharging, threatening, or otherwise bringing a personal action against an employee who reports a violation of law or waste of public funds, property, or manpower unless the employee knows the report is malicious, false, or frivolous. Please see the Utah State Legislature Title 63G-2-305: Protected Records Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) concerning protected information, including information for audit purposes, and Title 67-21: Utah Protection of Public Employees Act concerning the whistleblower protections.

Reporting a Concern

If you would like to report a concern (e.g., misuse of assets, funds, or resources; non-compliance with regulations, policies or rules; fraud, waste, abuse or unethical behavior) please contact the Internal Audit Department in one of the following ways:

  1. Fill out the Report a Concern Form (hosted by Qualtrics) by clicking the button below:
    Report a Concern Form
  2. Call the dedicated phone number (801) 538-7813 (if we do not answer, please leave a message and we will return your call within 3 business days).
  3. Send an email to audit@schools.utah.gov
  4. Mail a concern to:
    Utah State Board of Education

    Internal Audit Department
    Attention: Debbie Davis
    PO Box 144200
    Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200
  5. Schedule an appointment to share your concern in person by emailing audit@schools.utah.gov.

To expedite a preliminary analysis of reported items, when you report a concern please provide as much information and documentation as possible. This could include:

  • Your name, e-mail, and phone number (reports of concerns may be anonymous to the extent allowed by law)
  • A detailed description of the concern, including any relevant laws, regulations, policies, programs, etc., and if applicable, the source of the funds involved (e.g. federal, state, other)
  • The names and titles of the individuals involved with the concern
  • The location and date where the concern occurred
  • Additional information such as: other witnesses, supporting documents, evidence, etc.

For each concern received the Internal Audit Department will conduct a preliminary analysis as directed by R277-123. The analysis includes consideration of relevant laws and rules, and entities with authority to review the concern and take necessary action. This means a concern may be referred to one or more entity; if referred, consideration of the concern will be according to the policies and procedures of that entity.