New state superintendent lays out education goals

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s new state superintendent spoke to the Education Interim Committee Wednesday about her goals and plans for K-12 students. 

Superintendent Dr. Molly Hart took over the position of state superintendent of public instruction on June 5. Hart said her first priority will be to listen.

“My goal is to get everybody together around the table in various places … where we get people together, moving in the same direction for student achievement,” she said.

Hart said part of her role is connecting people with questions to those with answers, using both groups to help develop strong policy recommendations.

She said she wants students to achieve excellence, no matter their educational path, and to succeed in the world.

“We want our students to be agile and to be able to take advantage of opportunities,” Hart said. “We want them to be able to solve problems,” said Hart. “We want them to be able to contribute to their communities.”

Additionally, Hart said she hopes the students are engaged community members and civically minded individuals.

Hart said ultimately, she hopes to bring people together and have conversations to build good recommendations for future policies.

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