USIMS & Licensing

Update: Changes to USIMS System Use for LEAs

Beginning in mid-August, we are changing how you report school district and charter school (LEA) assignments and employment. The new licensing system, USIMS, will replace the CACTUS RDS in mid-August.

What is the timeline?

Please review the planned timeline:

  • July 30, 1pm: Annual Educator Licensing Training (SY27)! We will cover the upcoming CACTUS-to-USIMS transition and review licensing requirements, including critical updates. Register here.
  • August 14, Noon: CACTUS RDS goes offline; no data entry allowed.
  • August 14-18: Secure data transfer from CACTUS to USIMS
  • August 18: USIMS for LEAs goes online; current CACTUS users will be emailed login information.
  • August 18: Asynchronous USIMS Training for LEA Users available and Licensing Team will start hosting daily office hours.
  • September 17: Last day to submit bulk upload for educator assignments
  • September 18: LEAs that use bulk upload may not use USIMS for secure data transfer.

Why are we doing this?

We launched a trial version of USIMS to see what features you needed and where the system had gaps. Thanks to your feedback, we’ve learned what we need to fix.

Closing this trial period now helps us:

  1. Fix Data Errors: Using two systems at once was causing confusing mistakes in records.

  2. Focus on Repairs: We now have a clear "to-do list" of improvements, such as better reporting tools and easier-to-view history files.

  3. Prepare for the Future: We are moving away from "testing" and into "building" the final, better version of the system.

What comes next?

We are committed to keeping you informed. Over the next few weeks, we will:

  • Post updates on which features we are building next.

  • Invite you to see our progress in "Sprint Reviews" and focus groups. Please contact Tim Davis to be included in these meetings.

  • Launch a new, improved trial version once the main issues are fixed.

Thank you for your help. Your feedback is the reason we can make these tools work better for everyone. We will reach out soon with more specific dates and milestones.

Note: If you have trouble accessing CACTUS or RDS, please contact the AppHelpDesk@schools.utah.gov.