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Gov. Spencer Cox appointee Erin Longacre will defend her District 7 seat on the Utah State Board of Education against Democrat James Martin this November.

Longacre, a Republican, was appointed in August 2025 after former board member Molly Hart left to take on the role of state superintendent. District 7 comprises Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights and Alta.

Before she was appointed, Longacre served as a substitute teacher for six years and was on a PTA at her children’s school district. She said those experiences motivated her to serve on the state school board.

Martin’s 28-year career in education has ranged from working as a kindergarten teacher to a principal to a union representative and a USBE specialist, his campaign website indicates.

Ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, The Salt Lake Tribune sent out a survey to Longacre and Martin asking for their thoughts on several education issues.

The candidates submitted photos and answers through a questionnaire. Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped off at a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. on that day or, if returned by mail, must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Utah’s public education system over the next four years?

Longacre: Chromebooks have brought benefits to education, but they have also created challenges for students and parents. I see students distracted by screens, while parents can feel disconnected from their children’s learning. I believe we need a healthier balance between technology and traditional learning. By listening to teachers, parents, students, and administrators, we can find better solutions together.

Martin: One of the biggest challenges is demographic shifts, where some districts and schools are shrinking. I think this requires local education agencies to examine their use of funds as part of resource allocation reviews. There may have to be some reprioritizing to ensure that schools can continue to do their fine work with neighborhood communities. We may have to be innovative when we consider how to apply a limited set of resources. Knowing that demographic shifts are on the horizon should prompt educators and families to proactively collaborate so we are ready for anticipated changes.

What are your thoughts on Utah’s sensitive materials law, which created a process to remove books from all public schools in the state?

Longacre: Utah code Section 53G-10-103 prohibits pornographic or indecent instructional material in Utah’s public schools. I believe there should only be age appropriate material in schools. This is a local issue whereas the parents and community members know what is best for their schools. Any student, parent, or school employee from that district can make request to review a book. The book needs to the fit the criteria laid out in the code. Then, there is a District Review Committee that evaluates the book. With all these layers in place, I feel as though there is great consideration from multiple avenues before a book is removed. I am grateful for this extensive process.

Martin: Three districts should not be determining the books available to every local education agency in the state. Local communities should be making decisions about what is appropriate for their students. I believe local communities want the autonomy to make their own decisions about what is right or not right for their children. This law takes away that autonomy and places control in the hands of the few. This law is also robbing the state of precious resources as we fight lawsuits and conduct unneeded audits.

Do you support the use of taxpayer dollars for the Utah Fits All program, which gives selected private school and homeschool students with up to $8,000 in public money to use on educational expenses, with certain restrictions? Why, or why not?

Longacre: I am a big proponent of school choice. During different times in my children’s education, we have dabbled in all areas. Each of my three kids have been in private school for their early years, then we transition to a charter school. During COVID we supplemented with homeschool, and finally ended up in our neighborhood school. We grew in academics with each experience and would do that all over again, if I had the chance. The Utah State Constitution states that revenue collected from both state income tax and intangible property tax must be used to fund public education. I support following the constitution. I want tax dollars to be used correctly and with accountability.

Martin: I do not support the use of public funds for private interests. The state board of education is an institution devoted to the interests of public schools. Board members should advocate for the use of funds to support public schools. When board members advocate otherwise, I believe they violate their oath to serve public education in the state. Public schools in Utah are not funded adequately. With so much to do on the public front, we cannot afford to divert any precious resources to private schools or homeschools.

What role do you feel immigration enforcement has in schools, if any?

Longacre: Schools do not collect immigration status on children in our public school system. If a child walks through our school doors desiring an education, we should be thrilled. When kids are educated, everyone wins. Schools are here to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic regardless of any of box someone may check.

Martin: Immigration enforcement should stay away from schools. The state board is currently focused on attendance initiatives, and it is difficult to promote quality attendance if families are frightened to send their children to school. The school is a community hub. It should be a safe space for all. The presence of immigration enforcement on school grounds compromises the kind of socially and emotionally safe environment we are striving for.

Utah lawmakers this year introduced a host of new literacy supports and interventions to help curb the state’s dismal reading scores. That included a plan to hold struggling third grade readers back starting in 2030. Do you support third grade retention, yes or no?

Longacre: No.

Martin: No.

Do you support Utah’s bell-to-bell cellphone bans in schools, yes or no?

Longacre: Yes.

Martin: Yes.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Longacre: My favorite book is whatever book my eighth grader is reading at the time. To stay involved in his education, we read together. This gives me an opportunity to create discussions and have in-depth conversations on the text. Currently he is reading “The Outsiders.”

Martin: My current favorite is “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. I am reading it with my theatre students at the prison. It addresses what’s worth saving in a pandemic and poses the premise that what may survive destruction is creativity and the arts.