Despite a court setback, Rep. Candice Pierucci and Sen. Kirk Cullimore assure families the Utah Fits All scholarship will continue – and express confidence in the program’s future.

Utah Fits All Program Continues During Appeal

Following a Utah District Court ruling that declared the Utah Fits All scholarship unconstitutional, legislative leaders are reassuring families that the program remains in place for now.

“Families who have already received the scholarship can finish this school year as planned,” said Representative Candice Pierucci. “The application window for next year is still open. The program is continuing as normal while the legal process moves forward.”

Senator Kirk Cullimore emphasized that while the ruling presents challenges, there is reason for hope: “This setback is far from the end. We’re confident in the constitutional case for Utah Fits All, and we’re determined to keep providing educational options for Utah families.”

Ruling Puts Teacher Pay Raises at Risk

In addition to disrupting school choice options, the lawsuit could also endanger the largest teacher pay raise in Utah history – a $6,000 salary increase for every public school teacher that was tied to the original scholarship bill.

“The union-backed lawsuit risks unraveling not just the scholarship program but also the significant investment we made in teachers,” Pierucci warned. “This was a grand compromise focused on both students and educators.”

Cullimore added, “It’s important to remember that more than 80% of the funding in the bill went directly to teacher pay and bonuses, not to private scholarships.”

A Program Built for Students

Pierucci and Cullimore, who sponsored the original legislation, stressed that the scholarship was designed to give families – especially those with fewer resources – flexibility to find the best educational path for their children.

“We made sure the first priority went to low-income and middle-income families,” Pierucci said. “Nearly all of the first 10,000 scholarships went to families in the lowest income bracket.”

Cullimore emphasized the scholarship does not undermine the broader education system as some have suggested, but rather supports it.

“Utah’s public education budget has grown by more than 60% over the past few years,” he said. “We are deeply committed to public schools – and we believe school choice strengthens all education in Utah.”

Powerful Stories of Student Success

Both lawmakers shared emotional stories about families whose lives have been changed by the Fits All scholarship.

Pierucci recalled a mother who told her, “This program saved my child’s life.” Another student, previously three grade levels behind, achieved grade-level proficiency within a year after switching learning models.

Cullimore shared the story of a high school senior who had lost motivation in public school but, through the scholarship, found a new educational setting that reignited his passion for learning and set him on a path toward college.

“These stories remind us why we fought for this program in the first place,” Pierucci said. “Education should be about meeting students’ needs, not forcing them into a one-size-fits-all system.”

Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Future

Despite the court ruling, both Pierucci and Cullimore expressed confidence that the Utah Supreme Court will ultimately uphold the scholarship program.

“The Constitution is clear,” Cullimore said. “Income tax revenue can be used to support programs that benefit children – and that’s exactly what Utah Fits All does.”

They also mentioned exploring legislative fixes if needed to ensure families continue to have educational options.

“We are committed to seeing this through,” Pierucci said. “Utah families deserve educational freedom, and we will not stop fighting for them.”

FAQ: What You Need to Know About the Utah Fits All Scholarship in 2025

Is the Utah Fits All Scholarship program still active in 2025?

Yes. The Utah Fits All Scholarship program is still active and continuing as normal during the appeals process. Students who received scholarships for the current school year can continue their learning plans without interruption. Applications for the 2025–2026 school year are also open and being accepted.

Will students lose their Utah Fits All scholarships after the court ruling?

No. Although a Utah judge ruled the program unconstitutional, the court did not suspend the program during the appeal. That means families can continue using their scholarships as legal proceedings move forward.

Can new families apply for the Utah Fits All Scholarship?

Yes. Families who have not yet applied can still submit applications for the upcoming academic year. The program continues to prioritize low- and middle-income students seeking flexible education options in Utah.

How does the lawsuit affect Utah public school teachers?

The lawsuit also threatens the $6,000 teacher pay raise passed alongside the scholarship. If the court decision stands, it could jeopardize one of the largest salary increases in Utah’s public education history.

What happens next in the Utah Fits All legal case?

The case is now headed to the Utah Supreme Court. At the same time, Utah lawmakers are exploring legislative solutions to protect the Utah Fits All program and the associated teacher pay raise, ensuring long-term support for families and educators.

Is the Utah Fits All Scholarship defunding public education?

No. Utah’s public education budget is at an all-time high, with over $8 billion in total funding. The Utah Fits All program accounts for about 1% of state education spending and was designed to complement – not compete with – traditional public schools.

Why was the Utah Fits All Scholarship created?