Part 4: USDB Structure

USDB Structure

Because of costs of creating two separate agencies and administrative related issues, it is recommended that USDB remain one agency with the following administrative structure:

One Superintendent with demonstrated administrative expertise and an understanding of special education law who serve as the CEO of the USDB, with

- An Assistant Superintendent over the School for the Deaf who has expertise in deaf education; and
- An Assistant Superintendent over the School for the Blind who has expertise in blind education and an understanding of the need of educating deafblind students.

However, it is preferred that the School for the Deaf has a superintendent—not an assistant superintendent or other management position.

Why?

• Less layers in the USDB administrative system
• Less favoritism of one program over another – impossible to remain neutral over two or three philosophical programs
• Job would be less overwhelming - a better job would be done
• Allow the Program Administrators (Principals) more authority to run their program/school based on their expertise

The superintendent should report directly to the State Board of Education through the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

We ask for your support for structuring two USDB superintendents into the system: one for The Utah School for the Deaf and one for The Utah School for the Blind. Two superintendents, each equal in authority and access to the Board of Education.