First Woman to Serve on a School Board

The district has unveiled a plaque honoring Genevieve R. Curtis. She was the first woman to be elected to a school board in the state of Utah. Curtis served on the Salt Lake City School District Board of Education from January 1941 to December 1954, leaving a profound and lasting impact on education in the state. The plaque hung for many years in Curtis Elementary School (which was named after her) until its closure in 1968. The plaque was recently rediscovered, restored, and will now be showcased in the district office.

Nearly 100 family members gathered along with district leaders for the celebration. Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Grant, former board member Kristi Swett,  Natalie McCullough (granddaughter of Genevieve R. Curtis), and The Honorable John R. Curtis (great-grandson of Genevieve R. Curtis) spoke about Curtis and her pioneering contributions to education and leadership.

We are thrilled to celebrate Genevieve R. Curtis and recognize her as a trailblazer for women in Utah’s educational system.