District overview
Soldier Hollow Charter School
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
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How Soldier Hollow Charter School is paid for and who decides
Soldier Hollow Charter School is a free public charter school near Heber City in Wasatch County, Utah. It uses place-based, outdoor learning. Most of its money comes from the state for each student it enrolls, plus a state payment that stands in for local property taxes, so every student who enrolls or leaves changes the budget. A volunteer Board of Trustees, not voters, runs the school. It picks new members by an application process and oversees Director David Phillips and Business Manager Rich Eccles. The Utah State Charter School Board authorizes and reviews the school.
Paid per student
About $4.36 million of the planned $4.72 million in 2026-27 revenue comes from the state. Local donations add about $152,000 more.
Two years of losses
The school lost $493,185 in 2024-25 and $605,501 in 2025-26. The 2026-27 budget plans a $12,489 surplus, but only if 325 students enroll.
Enrollment slipping
Fall 2026 enrollment was 317 after 50 students left. In spring the school had expected about 358.
Self-selected board
Trustees fill open seats through applications, not public elections. Two new trustees took the oath in August 2026.
The school still has cash on hand: about $944,000 in July 2026, roughly 49 days of spending. It rated low risk on its 2026 fraud risk check, and its auditors reported no major findings.
Where the district stands
Down from projections of about 358 in April and 339 in May-June 2026; 50 students left.
Up from $4.56 million projected for 2025-26. Spending is budgeted at $4,705,935.
After a $493,185 loss in 2024-25 and a $409,274 gain in 2023-24.
Was 75 days in October 2025.
Context: $4,705,935 budgeted spending divided by the 317 students enrolled in August 2026. Covers everything, including loan payments and transportation.
Major projects
Keeping and recruiting students
in progressAfter 50 students left, leaders began studying exit surveys, looked at an enrollment service, and started daily community circles in classrooms. The 2026-27 budget raises advertising from $119 to $5,000.
- Fall enrollment projected at about 339
- Enrollment reported at 317; exit survey planned
- Exit survey review on board agenda
Funding
Operating budget (advertising line)
Rethinking overnight field trips
under discussionThe director proposed replacing 4th and 5th grade overnight trips with more evening and weekend trips because fewer than half of students went and cost is high.
- 5th grade trip options discussed
- Parent says trips cost too much
- Director calls overnight trips not sustainable
Funding
Field trip budget line
Security, septic and building repairs
in progressThe board approved up to $8,000 to finish indoor access-control panels. Staff are also working with Wasatch County on high septic nitrogen levels, fixing portable-classroom flooring, replacing a gym air conditioner and repairing buses.
- Up to $8,000 approved for access panels
- Septic nitrogen at 100; retest planned
- Septic levels down from 160 to 60
Funding
Burns funds in the state investment fund (access panels)
Staff AI policy
proposedA draft policy on how staff may use AI tools was included in the September 2026 board packet.
- Draft in board packet
Funding
None needed
Recent news
All Soldier Hollow Charter School board and School LAND Trust committee notices posted on the Utah Public Notice Website from November 2025 to October 2026, with their minutes and board packets (monthly finance reports, budget worksheets and draft policies), read in full.
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