The Finance Committee meeting held on June 6, 2025, focused on the financial requirements for the Aspire system, a software platform used by local education agencies (LEAs) in Utah. The discussion centered around the ongoing and one-time costs necessary to enhance and maintain the system, which currently serves approximately 12 to 14% of students across the state.

Jared Felt, the IT director for USPE, presented a rough order of magnitude (ROM) document outlining the financial estimates. He indicated that the annual salary and benefits for developers currently exceed $1 million. To fully build out the Aspire system, a one-time investment of approximately $837,000 would be required, alongside ongoing operational costs of about $251,000 per year. Additionally, the need for two full-time employees (FTEs) to manage increased workloads was discussed, which would add another $240,000 annually.

The committee explored the implications of funding models for Aspire. If the state continues its current funding, the cost per student would be around $4.50. However, if LEAs were to bear the full cost without state support, this figure could rise to approximately $14 per student. The discussion highlighted the financial burden on LEAs and the potential need for policy decisions regarding funding and cost-sharing.

Members of the committee expressed concerns about the reliability of data and the need for interoperability with other systems. The Aspire system is seen as a foundational tool for managing student information, and there is a desire to ensure it meets the evolving needs of users while remaining financially viable.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the significant financial considerations surrounding the Aspire system, with committee members recognizing the need for careful planning and community input as they move forward with potential enhancements and funding strategies. The next steps will involve further discussions on funding models and the prioritization of system improvements based on user feedback.