March 10th 2026 - Alpine School District Study Session/ Board Meeting

001session. We're excited to be here. Thank you to all of our guests. Superintendent Time is yours. >> Okay. Thank you. Um Madame Vice President, we're excited to talk about recommendations for the last capital [snorts] budget in Alpine School District. Um thanks to me Tweety who's here tonight going to present, but thanks to the team who is here, Ryan, Robert, Crystal, Crystal, and Allison. Thank you all for being here, and thank you for all of the questions you answered in finance committee and all of the other things that we've done. Um just uh it's a process that there's always more requests than there is money and it's a difficult one but we've tried to keep um the needs of our facilities um the equipment that we need so that we can safely operate that for our

002students and for our team members and yet still be conservative and prepare for three strong districts and meet some of their needs. So, with that as maybe an intro, um, we'll turn the time over to be and she'll take it from here. >> Okay, there we go. All right. FY27 capital budget recommendations. Uh, we started off this budget season. You know, budget season starts in December, goes till August, just quite a while. Um, but there's two parts to it. There's the capital and the but and the operations. So, capital's the first part. And then right after, like we're on the heels. We were talking about operations and finance committee today. So there's a part where we just kind of overlap the two a little bit. So but tonight it's just capital. Um we have several

003capital meetings that we start to kind of plow through the numbers, the priorities and try to align the revenue with the requests and the requests with the revenue. But those meetings consists of a subcommittee at the very beginning to kind of everybody comes to the table who put in requests and we work through those numbers and try to make them work with what the requests were. And then we go to um things like finance committee, we go to district budget committee, we have um cabinet review it and then we come to come to you as as the final part of that. Um I believe you've already seen a lot of it in spreadsheets and things like that. But I just want to go over and highlight. I'm not going to go over the spreadsheet tonight,

004but I want to highlight a lot of what's on there and kind of what went into it. Um, let's just hit the and feel free to stop me at any time. So, the revenue for FY27 consists um comes to about 121 million. Um, that consists of the estimated FY26 fund balance. Um, the FY the estimated FY27 tax revenue. that tax revenue comes from an estimated capital levy with estimated property tax values that we get from the county. We always like to keep out what we call rainy day reserve of 10 million um to kind of set that aside in case we need it. And then also, you know, we've been building a building fund reserve for several years now. Um so we like to put that aside as well and not um make sure we

005protect that. So that comes to 121. Now, you see 163 million down there, but the 42 million on that layout right there is our items from this budget that we have found that we could fund from the building fund. Um, but we're also putting money back into the building fund at the same time. So, it's just kind of a cyclical thing. Um, capital budget requests that came in this year, the initial request, we have 46 requests that came in for 183 million. Cap the cabinet is now recommending 43 of those at 63 million. Um we that's a combination. There were two two of those three are ones that are self-funded um through surplus revenue. Um and then the third one is one that just didn't go through. Um but other amounts we were adjusting the

006budget by about 20 million of requests that are part of those that cabinet recommended request. Okay. Just now we're just going to go through a list of these. I separated them into categories. First category is from admin requests. And these are all committed and prioritized requests, things that we've previously committed to. First one of those is the lease revenue bond payment, which is interest only, which is for the construction of the new elementary school and new high school out in Lake Mountain. Um and then the lease bond payment which we have every year but that amount this year is 12.5 million. And then the next three can >> I just ask you about that? Yeah. >> So the lease bond payment is the pre-existing >> Yes. >> before um >> before the 2025 issue. >>

007Okay. So those are two separate but they're both lease revenue bonds. You just separate them out. Thank you. Um and then the next three are just amounts that again we're protecting from TNT that we've gone through to build that building fund reserve up. Uh business services requests are for software licenses. Gravity is what we use to prepare the acter and the budget book and the paffer as well. Um and then link is the new alio and tees software. uh those license the zero request for those license amounts. Transportation um kind of similar to some requests from previous years but also things that need to be replaced and updated. Uh the one that I wanted to highlight is the school buses that provides for about 20 buses um at a cost of about 203,000 205,000 each

008is where that comes in at. So that provides for about 20 of those facilities requests. As we get to this, I wanted to hand this out as well. You just take one and pass it. These are um things that Frank fully provided. Thank you, Frank. Um >> be nice. >> Very nice. >> We uh Frank provided prepared this for the district budget committee meeting. It shows the priorities of the facilities requests. The green highlighted parts of that are amounts that can be provided um through the revenue that we have. Now, some of the ones at the end are a little are still whole amounts, but for example, if we look at uh HVAC and you want to say, well, what is that 9 million going towards? This is the list of what it's going towards.

009We're requesting 9 million for HVAC. Um and then what that that column and if you see H track sorry it's the second row first one on the left. Okay. So each of those boxes has a cost estimate and then a cumulative running amount. So the cost estimate for each line item and then everything totaling up to that. The very first thing on HVAC you've got management servers and licensing that's reconfiguring due to the district split. So I think this is such a great document just because it really does list the school. It lists what's happening and it how we get to that amount. So, okay. Um, that is one I want to point out. And then also the moat, if you look down probably just past halfway of that list, moat work order and asset

010management system, it's 1.3 million. The current work order and asset management system is outdated and no longer supported. So, it's just one of those things that we need to do at this point, especially going into the district split. That'll be um something that's needed at that point. jump in on that one. >> Yep. >> This is one that had a lot of conversation in the capital committee and even with um board members um that uh sit on the finance committee. We talked a little bit about um should it be a lesser amount or should we do the full amount? One of the things, and Frank could speak to this better than I, but this allows for a license for five years, but it gives not just uh summary information, but it allows by asset or

011by major asset detailed information for timing for maintenance and replacement. So, it gives one step greater or two steps greater detail to inform purchasing decisions in the future. which will better inform the board relative to the assets they have within the physical facilities. So, not only is it a system much superior to what we have, but it's a five-year maintenance agreement that will live through that transition, but it gives more clear or better asset by asset information for future capital discussions. Did I butcher that? >> Is that pretty good? >> Okay. Thanks, Frank. Can I just ask what control is control? >> That is uh a control account. It oversees and Frank you can correct me on this too but kind of oversees any other needs that Frank may have. Do you want to clarify

012that? >> So large unexpected repairs that pop up example the chiller that >> gave out at Foothill Elementary >> without that control account we would have to come back to the board and ask for money to be able to take care of that immediate issue. an emergency >> emergency type stuff that we're not planning on replacing but yet it gives out we need to replace it anyway. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Is that good on that one? >> Good. >> So when we're doing the re >> that was my next topic. >> Good lead in Mark. >> Thank you. >> So I think it's coached. Yeah. Anyway, so are they is this going to be badge keys or >> this is complete rekey, right, Frank? >> Yeah. So this is all just physical keyway that's

013specific to Alpine School District splitting into three separate entities. Now we're going to need to create a new >> three different master keys. >> Yeah. For each one of those school districts. >> Okay. Next part is technology communications and new district requests. The technology requests are really the categories are very similar to what you've seen in the for those they're adjusted a little bit. Um with technology the these that are at the top of the screen uh that first section is Alpine overall um the technology request for that. Um we also have in the middle there communications request for API aptag was implemented this year and so this is just ongoing licensing for apt. It's been, again, I could have Rich speak to that, but I think it's been something that's been necessary as we

014go into the split as well. So, um, and then to create three strong districts, we have also outlined what the needs are for the three districts with technology in as they relate to that district. Um, so those are the amounts that our technology team has calculated for that. And then at the bottom, new district capital allocations. We're proposing to have 10 million go to each district. two districts so that they can choose how to use that 10 million and it's just equitable across the across the board for those three districts. All right, these are the requests and next are the requests that are funded from other sources. The first one goes back to the lease revenue bond that you asked about, Ada. Um the funding for that is coming from the building fund reserves. Um

015so we're earmarking that for that purpose. Um that bond again is used for the construction elementary and the high school in Lake Mountain School District. The mail delivery, the new uh they requested a new mail van of 45,000. This is funded from surplus revenue from the warehouse. Uh the old mail van was to replace the Kia 2013 Kia Sedona. Um it's just part of an ongoing effort to keep the fleet at a good age. And this vehicle is right now like servicing the entire district. So once we get another new one, that means we have three newer vans available to divide between the three new districts and that they'll have a a good van to >> we get the J. >> That's right. [laughter] Um so and then the other part of that is just

016trying to recycle that income is selling the Sedona surplus to offset the expense. Okay. And then the next slide again goes to the remodel part of the facilities request. That is part that we felt like uh is reasonable to also pull from the building fund reserves. Um that portion of that as you can see also on Frank's um prioritized sheet. Um that 2 million is towards the Lakeidge Junior remodel phase four and five. That's been going on for a few years. So yeah. Um and then this one a repeat from last year. I think it just didn't we didn't get it done in time is to reconfigure some work at the warehouse. There's some there's a part in that area that experiences pooling water and it freezes and becomes a safety hazard in the winter

017time. So, they're trying to reconfigure that. Again, that comes from surplus revenue that's generated at the warehouse. And then there's just a small portion of that work order and asset management system that we're pulling from the building fund just to stay within the revenue that we're projecting. And again, the new district capital allocations also pulling that from the building fund reserves as well. If additional revenue becomes available, these are just thoughts um to increase the building fund that would eventually be divided amongst the three districts. And then um I haven't seen happen but I'm sure it could the DBC come back together in cabinet to make further budget recommendations on how we want to approach that. >> Okay, questions. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah, >> just a quick question. I mean in

018the technology part um and the breakdown about how that's spent in the three districts, I'm surprised that that the amounts are so close. um given that two areas don't even have a computer hub. So, I'm just surprised that they're closed. >> Yeah, it's interesting how that came out. >> Can you stand up and start again? >> So, a lot of those numbers are for systems that we'll have in all three districts, our core technology systems. to Lake Mountain just because we've started to build a district office and put a network in there. >> So the triplicate is what you're doing right now. >> Yeah. Our hope is to help alpine culture, help teachers be used to the technology that we want them to have technology they're used to using. And so we're our plan is

019to triplicate our core systems and then meet with future boards and talk through what that might look like. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thanks, Darren. >> Any other questions? >> I just really appreciate this this sheet. I assume that's >> Frank's really helps to see where the where the projects are taking place >> and we're keeping an eye on that, you know, when we come to the final decision that we made. >> Thank you. >> I think it helps if you ever have to circle back and Now we have more income. I think >> let me point out two things on that sheet too. Um there's a backside. So if you turn that over, there are a couple items there as well. So I just wanted to make sure that those items got a little

020love and attention. Um but as we talked through this both in cabinet and with our operations team, just kudos to Eric Frank and our ops team. We tried to look really hard at potential schools that might be considered for future boundary study or consolidation and we tried to screen those expenses to say let's don't spend money in areas that we may not or we may want to reconsider down the road or new boards may consider. So the team really did a nice job in trying to look at that as well um to make sure that we're not spending dollars that they that may not fully utilized or fully used and that was something that this board has done in years past um with Valley View Elementary as an example. We looked at that and again

021the team did a great job trying to look at those types of things to say let's get our dollars as far as we can and not spend them that will be that we won't see the value um for those expenditures. So again kudos to the team for for that review. And I think unless there's no other questions, um I think that concludes our report on the capital budget. And later tonight, you're going to see a item on the board agenda for tenative approval, which is consistent, so that we can move these things forward and get some some work done by the time school opens in the fall. >> Awesome. All right. Thank you team for being here. Thank you for >> I don't know. I guess I I wish that our community at large understood

022the work that you do all day, every day, all year that culminates in this massive project. So, and I'm extra appreciative of the way it's like you try to one up yourselves. Like we don't even have to like ask for it. It's just everybody's trying to do better than they did the year before. So, thank you for all your efforts and we are adjourned until board meeting. >> Thank you. Thank you. meeting tonight. Um we are going to start with the pledge of allegiance by Eric Woodhouse and then our inspirational thought by Anna Green. Please stand. Repeat after me. I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. um [clears throat] I'm the PTSA president at Canyon

023View Junior High and um when I think of the employees and students at Canyon View, the word that comes [clears throat] pardon me to my mind is grit. And so I wanted to share a quote by Angela Duckworth about grit. Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future day in day out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint. [applause] Thank you. Okay, we'd like to excuse board member Bon tonight and welcome board member King who is joining us online. Okay. As the board of education, it is important to us to recognize various accomplishments made by students, employees,

024and patrons from throughout the Alpine School District. As we honor the individuals and groups this evening, we acknowledge the families and others who have helped them achieve their goals. Thank you for the support you have offered to those that we recognize at this time. We appreciate your attendance here tonight. Okay, I would love to invite up Anna Davis, Mari Braithweight, and Valen Thomas. Congratulations to Anna Davis, our district secondary visual arts specialist, who has been recognized as the art educator of the year for the National Art Education Association Pacific Region Supervision/administration category. She will receive this prestigious award at the National Convention in Chicago this month. Across districts, states, and roles, leaders like Anna share a deep commitment to access, belonging, and thoughtful program design and arts education. Her work supports educators, strengthens systems, and

025ensures students see themselves reflected in meaningful and exclusive learning experiences. We are incredibly grateful for the way Anna leads, not only with vision, but with care, collaboration, and action. Congratulations on this welldeserved and extraordinary honor. You're a remarkable teacher leader and a passionate advocate for the arts. [applause and cheering] [applause] We are excited to honor various individuals from Canyon View Junior High and welcome Principal Grant Cotrol to present the Spirit of Excellence Awards for his school. [applause] Thanks, Emily. So, we'll start with a couple volunteers um as we call your names if you come up. Megan Snow is always available to help and is actively involved in the PTA and the school community council. She consistently shows up and she shows how much she cares through her hard work and kindness. She's probably somewhere serving.

026[applause] Robin Richards generously gives her time and energy through the PTA and school community council. She can always be counted on for her dependable, positive support of students and staff. And we can call on her to be the president at the drop of a hat of the of the PTA. [applause] Suzanne Holinger is Canyon View Junior High's administrative secretary. She thank strengthens our school community through her dedication, professionalism, and tireless behind-the-scenes work. She supports students, staff, and families with care while keeping everything organized and running smoothly, making Canyon View better because of her commitment. [applause] Paroeva, our Latino advocate, makes a difference every day by helping students and families navigate school and access the support they need. She gives her whole heart in all she does, helping students improve their grades and positively impacting THEIR

027LIVES. >> [applause] [applause] >> NATALIE GELFIE, OUR INNOVATIVE LEARNING COACH, is always willing to help and consistently goes the extra mile to support teachers and staff. Her knowledge, kindness, and collaborative spirit make a lasting impact throughout our building. [applause] >> [applause] >> Kim Hoy, our librarian, is hardworking and dedicated, always greeting students with kindness, which makes her a joy to work with. She is consistently helpful and highly respected by both staff and students. [applause] Jared McBride, our professional learning coach and cross-country coach and track coach and and and is a knowledgeable and supportive leader who is deeply respected by both sta students and staff. He works tirelessly to help teachers and students succeed and can always be counted on for his steady guidance and encouragement. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] [laughter] >> This is for the

028All right, thank you. Now we get to move on to some of our students. Evelyn Anderson shines both academically and on stage in plays. All while facing challenges with incredible strength and resilience. She remains happy, positive, and a truly supportive friend to those around her. >> [applause] [applause] >> Jackson Goodman has proudly served on our car care cares council for the past three years and is also an active member of the student council. He consistently earns almost all Ag grades. He truly makes Candy View a better place by leading kindness week activities, reaching out to students who may feel alone and building countless friendships and demonstrating outstanding character and resilience. >> [applause] [applause] >> Guadalupe Valerio Hernandez, an eighth grade eighth grader at Canyon View Jr. has faced significant vision and hearing challenges with remarkable

029resilience, courage, and an inspiring smile through determination, daily perseverance in the collaborative support of our school team. Barriers have been reduced. His confidence continues to grow, and we're incredibly proud of all he has accomplished and will continue to achieve. [applause and cheering] Jason Laara always tries his very best and consistently earns strong grades through hard work and dedication. He is kind to everyone around him and sets a wonderful example of perseverance and character. [applause] Brie Martin is an active member of the student council who plays soccer, works hard, earns good grades in advanced classes, and is consistently kind to others. She also started driving this week, so be careful. Bri [applause] Amanda Nera Miranda is an active member of Latinos in Action who is a supportive friend, works hard, and serves as a positive influence

030by always striving to do her best. [cheering] [applause] Claire Wilson is a dedicated member of student council who consistently takes care of those around her. She's a natural leader, welcoming to everyone, and sets a strong, positive example for her peers. [applause] Thank you for all your hard work. >> [snorts] [clears throat] >> My name is Grant Kotrrell. I'm the principal at Canyon View. very proud to be the principal there and grateful for a chance to just share a little bit about what we do at Canyon View. We're located in Oram, just at the mouth of Provo Canyon. We have 178 students, so we're the third smallest school junior high in the district. Uh we have 9% of our students are learning English. Uh 10% of our students are special education students. 29% of our students

031are Latino and 30% come from low-income backgrounds. Uh we're proud of our Chinese and Spanish DLI program and one of the few schools that have uh both of those programs. Uh we have a strong PTA, school community council. We appreciate the partnership we have with our parents. We also have a strong intervention team and uh intervention system, our flight time that we're proud of. Uh this year we have faced our share of tragedy, but it has also shown the strength of our community. Families, students, and staff have rallied around one another and supported our school in meaningful ways. We take pride in our unique culture and in doing things the Falcon way. We believe Canyon View is a place where all people are valued and cared for. Our work focuses on three key ideas. Improving

032literacy, supporting multi- language learners, and living the Falcon Way. First, literacy. We are intentionally building a culture of reading at Canyon View. This year, our school has recorded 890,266 pages recorded with a goal to hit 1 million soon. And although we're the 11th largest school in the district, we currently ranked third in district Sora checkouts, which shows that culture of reading. Second, supporting multil- language learners. Nearly every teacher at Canyon View has multiple multil- language learners in their classes. So, this is truly a schoolwide effort. Special shout out to Miss Cooper, our D ELD teacher, who is amazing. Our focus has led to a strong growth in WEDA pass rates, improving. So, in 2023, we passed 58 students on the WEDA exam, which shows a competency in English for people who are new to the

033country or learning English. Uh in 2024 we had 31 and in 2025 we had 19 students pass. That might seem like it's getting lower, but we're proud of that because it means more and more kids are exiting the program. We're also fortunate that 18 members of our staff speak Spanish. This includes administration, teachers, student advocates, and office staff in both the main office and counseling office. As we met with uh Pelar you met today. She's one of those folks. I'm grateful for her. Third is living the Falcon way, which includes our values of learning, safety, responsibility, respect, and effort. Each quarter, we teach explicit lessons around these values. Last quarter, for example, we focused on using our words to show respect and make Canyon View a safe place for everyone. Our cell phone ban has

034also been a major success in helping students stay focused and connected in class and also in the hallways and during lunch. Ultimately, the people are what make Cany View special. I believe that happy teachers are good teachers and we work hard to make our school a place where people want to come to work. At the same time, we believe every student has the right to learn and we have systems in place to ensure no student falls through the cracks. We're proud to report that on our most recent recent culture, climate, and connection survey, Canyon View scored well above the district average in our connection, including statements such as I feel accepted for who I am and adults at school care about me. Every day, our entire staff from custodians, secretaries, and advocates to teachers and

035administrators come to school dedicated to our mission, learning for all, learning for life. Thanks. [applause] Alpine School District is thankful for so many teachers and staff members who excel in making a difference for students, parents, colleagues, and others. Tonight, we would like to recognize nominees who have been selected to receive the Alpine School District Rise Award. Remarkable, inspiring, selfless, and encouraging. Okay, our first Rise Award um recipient tonight is Sonnet Yudi, teacher at Shelley Elementary. She was nominated by Natalie Ho, a parent. And we invite Sonnet Natalie and principal Chris McDonald to come forward. [applause] Natalie wrote [applause] Natalie wrote, "During recently during a transition time in class, M. Udy, sorry if I'm saying that wrong, had the feeling to turn and look in the direction of my son at the other end of the

036room. She noticed he was oddly flapping his arms and jumping and knew instantly he was choking. She did not hesitate. With her intuition and ability to be calm, she administered the Heimlick, saving his life. She was also then able to calm the entire class, using the moments afterward to teach and bring peace to them all. That night, I told my son a miracle happened to him, to which he said, "No, Mom. I'm not the miracle. My teacher is [applause] >> Okay. And our next um RISE recipient is Paul Kenley, a counselor at ORM High School. He was nominated by it's okay, Lori Ersk, a parent. We invite Paul Lori and assistant principal Jason Everett to come forward. [applause] Lori wrote, "Paul is truly deserving of the Rise Award for his exceptional advocacy for students. He

037has gone above and beyond to support my children, acting as a reliable, trusted resource. When my children felt unsupported by teachers, Paul would always take the time to listen intently and actively intervene to find an effective resolution. His commitment to listening, stepping up, and finding solutions demonstrates a profound impact on their well-being and a true dedication to parental partnership. [applause] Next up, we have McCll Baitman, Casey, and Principal Sarah Smith. And supervisors, I can't see you all, but I know you're in here. So, will you please come up when it's your school? Thank you. [applause] Casey wrote, "Micoll has worked with my blind daughter since she began her education journey in kindergarten. She's now in third grade and has helped June become an amazing student. McCall previously hadn't worked with the visually impaired and actually

038learned Braille to be able to help June better. Incredible. We love McCll and appreciate the help that she has provided to our daughter over the years. [applause] Our next award goes to Timothy Goodman, a teacher at Saratoga Shores. He was nominated by Tylen Carlson, a parent. And we invite Timothy Tailin and principal Julie Fleming to come forward. [applause] Tailin wrote, "Mr. Goodman was diagnosed with cancer and has been challenged in a new way, both personally and in his professional teaching career to truly put the Goodman values to work. Friendly, determined, honest, respectful, responsible, helpful, and positive. He has been such an amazing example as he lives the values he teaches to his students. Mr. Goodman demonstrates a determination and a positivity that is pretty incredible and still shows up every chance he can between treatments

039to do what he loves most, teaching the kids he loves. The world needs more Timothy Goodman's in the classroom. And that's 100% true. [applause] Everyone. your hand. Thanks for being here. Thank you. If you came to support somebody being recognized, will you please stand so that we might recognize you as well? [applause] Um, we are now at the point of the agenda where if you came for recognitions, you you you have one more. Just kidding. >> We would like to invite to come forward. We're excited to celebrate another significant accomplishment in this director. Sorry. >> Thank you so much uh Superintendent Smith and board members. It is a great honor that I get to share a little bit about the recent uh state awards that we have been a recipient of by the state board

040of education. We received two consecutive awards for multilingual learners growth or proficiency. We also have been recognized by the excellence award by having eight high schools who have provided access to career uh readiness as well as concurrent enrollment. The schools that we have here highlighted are Skyri High School, West Lake High, Timanogus High, American Fork, Lehi, Lone Peak, Mountain View, and ORM. In addition to that, we also received another state award by the highest number of schools who exited target improvement um targeted support improvement and additional targeted uh support and improvement. What this means is that the schools have met specific exit criteria on continuous improvement for multilingual learners educational performance for more than two years in a row. And those schools are Cedar Valley, Frontier, Lake Ridge, Mountain View, and Viewpoint Middle. So, it's

041just so exciting to see what is happening across our district. And I do have to recognize and show my appreciation by the collective efficacy that is happening with our school leadership and most important with our teachers because this wouldn't be possible without what is happening in the schools and their commitment towards supporting our multilingual learners uh districtwide. So thank you. [applause] We would like to honor state championship teams from various schools. Awards certificates will be sent to the schools to be given to the student athletes during their recognition ceremonies. We want to congratulate Westlake High School, the 6A boys basketball championship, and Pleasant Grove High, the 5A girls basketball state championship. And I just want to jump in here. Having several daughters that played for Pleasant Grove High School when they were not state champions,

042um this is pretty cool to have these girls and also the boys earn these these titles. [applause] >> Now we're at the point in the agenda where if you came for recognition, you may absolutely exit. Thank you so much for coming. Drive home safely. Um, one of the coolest things about what Dr. Bera does is is uh kind of she is the center of all the people that it takes to reach those designations. So, our parents and our SEC's that put funds there, all the people in our building, truly an incredible accomplishment. We now have up to 30 minutes set aside for public comment. This opportunity is allocated for patrons living within the Alpine School District boundary. A signup sheet was available prior to this meeting, allowing up to 10 patrons the opportunity to speak.

043Those living outside of ASD and those who were unable to sign up before all the slots were full can submit written comments at alpineschools.org/ org/schoolboard. Scanning the QR code in the library will also direct you to the form. As you are called up, please introduce yourself by stating your name. You will be given three minutes to speak. While the board does not engage in discussion during the public comment period, it may arrange for a staff member to communicate with you later. Personnel issues are not appropriate discussion items for an open meeting environment. If you have a personnel concern, please contact a member of administration or put your concerns in writing and address it to the board of education. And we invite up Shannana Steinoff. Hello, my name is Shannon Steinoff and I have come to

044you tonight to express my concerns with Gmail activation happening in third grade and to request the district to delay this activation until at least sixth grade for all students. I have been told that this decision will likely be postponed until the district splits. For the safety of our children, that is unacceptable. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act is a federal law which requires a child to be at least 13 years old before having an independent Gmail account because parental support is so essential in maintaining this child's privacy. However, this district has chosen to activate our students Gmail accounts at just eight and n years old. Then fails to effectively disclose to parents that these Gmail accounts aren't just activated, but the computer tech teachers are actively teaching them to use their Clever accounts to log

045into Gmail, send and receive private emails, and teaching them how to change their password, all at just eight years old. I have spoken to countless parents in this district and I have not found one person who knew their child learned to navigate their Gmail account and actively engage in just third grade. This is incredibly concerning and has left our children vulnerable to both committing and being victims to cyber bullying, sexion, and other internet crimes. Over the last two months, I have been searching to understand why our eight and nineyear-olds were being taught this. The more I have learned, the more concerned I have become. I have very thoroughly read through the state computer tech standards, the state keyboarding standards, and nationally recommended digital citizen citizenship curriculums. None of these curriculums include learning to navigate Gmail

046accounts in elementary school. Yet, Alpine School District includes it. Recently, I met with two employees in this district's technology department in hopes to better understand the why. When I asked them the reasoning behind adding Gmail to third grade curriculum, I was told the sole reason they teach it is because it's activated in third grade, so the district feels they should be taught how to use it. Then I asked what the reasoning is for activating it in third grade, and I was told that it was changed in 2020 because of CO. According to the IAC task force, internet crimes against children have skyrocketed 500% since 2020. This seems to go handinhand with the lowering of grade level for activation. During an internet safety training that I attended with Michelle Bouch Upwall from the Utah Attorney General's

047office, I asked her from her experience how safe the district Gmail accounts are. to which she replied, "There has been a major increase in reported sexual exploitation using school email accounts." Claiming that the district accounts are so locked down gives parents a false sense of security. My third grade daughter has an email waiting for her in her inbox from a sixth grade boy that we do not know. She should not be that easily accessible. As the largest school district in Utah, I ask you to be the leader in this state and make the simple change to protect our children. Please make this discussion a priority for this board. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Shana. [applause] >> Okay, we will move on to the approval of minutes. >> I move that we approve the

048minutes. Second the motion. >> Okay. >> We have a motion from board member Peterson and a second from board member Clement. Any discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I board member King. Was that you? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Claims superintendent. >> Uh the board's received uh the claims in your packet for tonight's meeting and would recommend you accept the claims. I move that we accept the claims. >> Have a second. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion from board member Wilson and a second from board member Peterson. Any discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Routine business. Uh the routine business tonight contains of a budget summary, the Alpine Foundation board report, personnel hiring and releases, and a few school trust land amendments. Would recommend that the board

049approve the routine business. >> I move that we approve the routine business. >> Second motion. >> Okay. With a motion from board member Lincoln and a second from board member Clement. Any discussion? All in favor? I Okay. Discussionaction items. >> Okay. Yeah. Let's invite uh Craig Brinkerhoff, director of legal services for Alpine. He'll review policy 1312. Thank you, Superintendent. Um, this policy is in regards to a change in USB rule R277123, which requires that LEAs have a process for responding to grievances from patrons or staff or students or anyone really. And so we um we created this policy. we matched it to the USB policy with regards to their hotline, their complaint hotline. Um, and this policy allows us to have our own complaint hotline on our own uh websites. And we have our feedback

050button on our websites. Each of our schools have that button. Our homepage has that button. And so this policy is to come into compliance with R277123 and to explain the process if people have grievances and how they can submit those and how they will respond to. Um we will present this to you for your approval. Um there there was some additional tweaks that were made in our policy meeting today and those have been handed out to you in hard copy um so that you could look at those mostly non-substantive and grammatical uh changes. >> As a member of the um policy committee, I wanted to first of all explain the the urgency of this uh that we pass this tonight if possible. Um and so I I ask your indulgence on uh making a few

051changes that we've handed out to you each of you personally. Um I'll just outline those changes that we discussed today in our policy meeting. The first one is a change in the policy title. It formerly was called patron grievances and we wanted to uh more accurately reflect the scope of this policy and we would like to call it formal grievance process. Second uh this the policy of statement is revised to read the board of education encourages timely informal resolution of grievances at the level closest to the problem. This policy outlines the formal procedures for grievances regarding the actions of district employees, programs, andor schools. The third change is a simple u improvement in the words um and I was going to read that to you. It says uh investigations must provide due process. Is that

052right? Yes, investigations must provide due process and be consistent with ASD policy in Utah law. The next one says investigations must provide uh sorry, these procedures shall be applied fairly to all parties. Um, and then we identified that there was a section uh that that uh dealt with the appeal process and we felt like we wanted to make that separate so that it was clear that there was an appeals process. And then the last change is just to break up a paragraph to be a little bit more readable. With that, are there any questions on those changes that I just described? Uh, no. But I have a question. I don't know who's going to make this motion, but I would love if we could um switch out where it says problem um and maybe put

053concern >> closest level closest to the concern. >> Uh I'm agreeable to that. Do we have any other discussion or I'm open to a motion? >> I move that the board adopt policy 1312 as revised including the change of problem to concern including the mod and including the modifications distributed to the board members in a hard copy this evening. >> I second the motion >> with a motion from board member Lincoln and a second from board member Clement. Any discussion? >> Can I just say that we are also making a change in the policy committee that our meeting will be be moved to a a week that's going to give us uh more time to word smith rather than the day of our board meeting which has been um the way we've been operating for

054a few months now. Um we apologize and and we will be better. So >> noted. Do we have any discussion to this motion? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> Thank you. The next item we have is the proposed naming of a new school in Eagle Mountain. We'd like to invite Principal John EMTT to come up and share some information with the board. >> Okay. Uh it's an honor to be here tonight to propose uh some names for you to consider. Uh first, we would like to express our gratitude uh both to the Alpine School Board and the Lake Mountain Board, which I will present on Thursday. Um the the patrons of our school, uh the the district support personnel. uh we're so grateful uh uh that that you have made this possible for

055us and that we are coming together as a community. So thank you. Uh as per policy we have formed a committee. Uh this committee uh consists u when I first uh was appointed I talked to all of the principles of the of the schools that were sending me students. I talked to the PTA presidents and the SEC chairs and I asked for nominations at Cedar Valley Elementary, Mountain Trails Elementary, and Desert Sky Elementary. Uh the the uh committee is found here. Uh Heather Hurst was our co-chair, Megan Beller from Desert Sky, Ashley Cook from Cedar Valley, Heather Regley from Cedar Valley, Carolyn McConnah from Mountain Trails, Carla Smith from Mountain Trails, uh Katie Bowman an exicio officer, and myself. Uh these parents represented all distinct neighborhoods that we're pulling from and was a good u

056good perspectives that helped us to form. Uh we surveyed all of our uh u community members, parents and uh students. Uh we sent out uh virtual Google form surveys as well as uh paper copies for students. We collected them um until March 4th and we received 145 individual forms from parents, 83 name suggestions, 62 unique mascots, 252 student recommendations with 128 uh unique names. Uh we met together as a committee on March 4th. We discussed policy. We established norms. We broke into small groups. We came back together for a whole whole group discussion. We made our final recommendations. Uh three three names and identified mascot suggestions. some some considerations we want you to be aware of is we didn't want to um we wanted to influence uh future generations of of students, faculty, and community

057members. Uh we wanted this to be a unique name uh that didn't uh uh repeat uh any alpine schools or Utah schools u and that it represents the uh environment, the culture and the traditions of the area. a name that the that the community could rally behind and unify. Uh some funny student recommendations we'd like to uh propose here. So, we have uh Big Cucumber, uh Potato Mountain Unicorn Academy, uh Roblox with the Lego mascot, Dizzy the Dust Devil, Goat Elementary with Bartholomew the Goat as the mascot. Ego Elementary, Mountain Dew Elementary, Pug School with Puggy the Wuggy as a mascot. Uh, Eagle Cows with the mascot Hippo Cows. Not sure what a Hippo Cow is, but uh, Power Ranger Elementary with the mascot Megazord and Pokemon Elementary with the mascot Pikachu. Uh, Person School

058for Kids, uh, the Standup School. uh Fortnite Elementary with the mascot blue. Uh so those were some fun uh student names. Uh we'd like to now uh propose the final names that the committee came up with in alphabetical order. Uh the first name is Heritage Fields Elementary. Uh the committee felt that there is a deep heritage and history that runs through Cedar Valley. Um, it was fun to uh to to go to Fairfield and see the the old schoolhouse in Fairfield. Uh, to see the cemeteries of the soldiers who who were stationed there at at Camp Floyd. Um, the museums at Cedar Fort, our original settlement uh in the valley. Um, and the the deep tradition that comes through Cedar Valley Elementary. Um we were uh reminded of the Merker mines and the ofer mines

059that were that were discovered by the soldiers there who were stationed. At one point uh onethird of the entire United States military was stationed at Camp Floyd. Uh an incredible history and heritage that we feel like is important for the students to understand and to appreciate about their valley. Um, and not even to mention the Pony Express that runs right through through the valley. Uh, the the mascots we settled uh between Patriots, Hawks, and Falcons. We're still a little unsettled on the uh we'd like to kind of get the name first and then uh settle on a mascot. Uh second name to consider for you is Juniper Basin Elementary. Um, this is another way to say cedar valley. Junipers are the cedar that that's referred to and basin is another way to say valley. Uh,

060junipers are a special tree. Um, they are incredibly resilient trees. They can survive in drought. They can uh survive on good water years. Uh they know how to self-p prune themselves in in years that are uh um there's no water. Um and they have incredibly deep roots. Uh most of the mass of the tree is found underground. And uh this is another way to nod to the heritage of the valley and the history. Uh emphasizing the the deep roots. Uh the the color card is also uh listed there. So it kind of matches a bit uh the colors inside the the accent wall inside the school is a bit juniper b juniper looking. So wanted to consider that. Uh one more nod to basin is uh the the school is almost located in the very

061center of the valley. So um we we thought that was a it was an interesting part of the naming process. And third is Sunrise Peak Elementary. Uh so listed here you can see the beautiful uh ochre mountains uh on on in a sunset or a sunrise. Um uh you can see uh there Lewon Peak, Flattop Peak, um Low Peak, and Kelsey Peak. All uh peaks that we appreciate and inspire us um in the valley. And you can see the sunrise coming over the lake mountains there. So sunrise uh is to inspire students to to to think upward to be excited about their future and to um appreciate the rising generation that we're that we have been entrusted to to influence. So Sunrise Peak was the um last name suggestion. Uh uh here is the color

062wall again for the school so you can get a sense for what the school would look like. and uh we really appreciate you. Um um just this has been such an exciting opportunity for the committee and for the school to start coming together and unify our communities and the neighborhoods that we're serving. So thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Uh you did a fantastic job. So thank you for that. Board members, any questions, discussion? Do you know if any one of those three is the dominant or have has that been established? >> Uh yeah, the committee uh um felt that uh you know we we took multiple votes and so uh Heritage Fields was the uh preferred but we really do like all three and they're all distinct and different so >> they're beautiful

063names. >> Yeah. any anything that you would like to uh name? I uh I guess we'll we'll also rely on Lake Mountains board's uh perspective as well, but >> thank you so much. >> Okay, thank you. >> Is this an action? Board member King, would you like us to discuss and delay vote till next time? >> Yeah, the the norm that we have is that we have a discussion or it's presented and then the following board meeting is when the vote is occurred. We also anticipate this being shared with the Lake Mountain Board meeting later this week and so the request is that this is discussed but the action is delayed till next month. >> Perfect. Thank you. Okay, we will move on to the fiscal year 27 capital outlay budget. >> Okay, I just

064want to say thank you to everybody involved in the process this year. Um would like to highlight some of our business services team. Um Jason Sunberg, uh B Tweety, Ryan Clark, Robert Ber, Crystal Burch, um Crystal Michaels, and um Allison Sabin. I think I got everybody. Um, I'm looking out to see if I missed anybody. Brian, Robert, Crystal. Okay. Um, just wanted to say thanks. It's always a difficult thing to have about 183 million of requests and um, the board reviewed that detail um, in a presentation and study session. Uh, our cabinet has made recommendations. Um it's been revised in finance committee, brought back to cabinet and reviewed and is ready for your approval um this evening. It's important to get started on this because we have a very short window to order um buses

065and um HVAC equipment and build portables that we hope to have in place to support our schools um for this fall. Now, not all of those projects do get finished by the fall, but um our hope is to get as many of those projects uh finished. In addition, we included our uh new superintendents of the three new boards uh in those discussions. Um we invited them to attend our capital meetings. We invited representatives from two representatives from each new school board to attend uh those meetings as as well to try to get feedback um and understanding from there from them as well. So with that, um would recommend that the school board uh approve the fiscal year 27 capital outlay budget uh for Alpine School District, um which is the last capital budget that this

066school district will consider approval for. >> I will entertain a motion. >> I move that we approve the FY27 capital outlay budget. >> You have a second. >> I'll second. Okay, we have a motion from board member Clement, a second from board member Peterson. Any discussion? >> I just want to thank everybody on the committee and that we're involved. That's a lot of work to to pair it down and to meet the needs as best they can with limited resources. So, thank you for your work. >> I just wanted to chime in. This has been uh uh a year when we have lots of capital needs and uh I I think it's taken a lot of creativity to try to meet those ones that are essential. So I I'm very much in support of this

067budget. >> I will also give business services my thanks. Every year they get better. Every year the process gets smoother. And it is I don't know that everybody understands what a herculean undertaking this is to um do this massive alpine budget. So, thank you for all of the years of this. >> Okay. >> I also want to thank um Frank Pulley and his team, our facilities u manager who kind of oversees 93 schools. It's it's a big job and um we received a really great handout that outlines exactly uh what's happening and where it's happening, the categories it falls under. Um and uh these there are projects that are happening throughout the district and uh I think needs are being met and in a in a way that has been properly prioritized. So thank you.

068>> I just want to add my thanks to that. Um it's pretty awesome to come into these meetings and all of these different requests are laid out as um board member Wilson is was saying in a way that's easy to see what the needs are and then we as a committee and several committees come together to figure out where where the funding is going to go and I just appreciate all of that back backroom work that's done to get us to that place. So you guys are all great. Thank you. Okay, I will entertain a motion. >> We have a motion. How about we vote >> with a motion from board member Clement and a second from board member Peterson. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you, board member King. Next item we have

069is resolution 2026-005 authorizing the retrofitting of the Sharon Elementary School site. This is a companion resolution. It was previously adopted by the Tempenogga School Board and um is an agreement for Alpine to start some work um and uh get that school, we hope, ready for special uh needs students August of 2026 or closely thereafter. Um but the team is anxious to get to work and support that request. Would recommend your approval tonight. Honor to the motion. >> I move that we um adopt resolution 2026-00005 authorize the retrofitting of the Sharon Elementary School site. >> I'll second that motion. >> Okay. With a motion from board member Wilson and a second from board member Peterson. Any discussion? I just appreciate the support of the Alpine board as the Tempenogus board uh tries to uh you know

070um proactively meet the needs of these kids who are the most vulnerable in in times of transition. Um we need to get a space ready for them and we feel like this is the cheapest not just the cheapest but also a very good option in um a school that has is kind of it's prime. So we it's not a permanent solution but it gives us the time that we need to come up with the our long range plans you know 10 years 15 years out. So uh this has been the recommendation of our professionals and we would recommend that you adopt this resolution. >> Um I will just send my thank you to the Timonogus board. I know um with Dr. Darington and our school principles and their their communications. They've done an incredible job

071of advocating for their students and um very much I love that we're going to be able to make this happen in the in the near future. >> I just wanted to uh for the the public particularly this that we currently have the Dan Peterson School in American Fork that uh serves students with profound uh disabilities. Um, if you want to uh have a tearjerker, go to their graduation ceremony. It's uh it's a very moving experience and I'm so thrilled that we're moving to support um these children. Uh again, the the capac this school is at capacity and so also Temponogas being able to uh decide that they're going to prioritize serving these students as they uh become a new district. I think that's a very good decision by them as well as supporting the ATEX

072well whatever they're going to be called now TEK I guess students which um uh I my heart goes with that program for you know students who um are age out of a normal high school provides them opportunity to to develop independence and I believe that there will be a uh they're optimistic that they'll be able to get a bus to go past that school so these students can um develop that independence of traveling. So, uh it feels to me like this is a really great solution and I'm excited to support it. >> When I was elected, I was elected on the same ballot as the split and um this student population very quickly got on my radar as incredibly important to make sure we support. And I really appreciate the Tempanogus board for coming in

073and working so hard to get this done so that we can have um start serving our students as quickly as possible. It's really great. >> I do want to address the Sharon community specifically that um they're they will be blessed, I think, to have this population among them. This is not going to be a typical K6 school as it was. This this will be serving u students with have that have specific needs and I think it will be a privilege for them to be in their community. Okay, we have a motion from board member Wilson, a second from board member Peterson. All in favor? >> I on to our elementary school boundary adjustment. >> All right. Uh, I'd like to invite uh Eric Woodhouse, our associate superintendent slashexecutive director of operations slash a few other

074things and uh Derek Farns, our director of operations to come up and share some updates with the board uh this evening. >> Thank you, superintendent and board members. appreciate the time that we have now to uh look over some of the considerations that we've had as part of the boundary study process for the last two months. Uh but before we get into that, I just I feel remiss if we didn't recognize the constructive participation we had from the community throughout the process. literally hundreds of parents and community members that have given feedback through the online survey, through board uh board meeting comments or public hearing comments, coming to the boundary openhouse and individual conversations throughout the process. And uh we appreciate the thoughtful, respectful and solutiondriven uh dialogue that we've had. And it it shows

075the the tremendous interest, the tremendous love, the tremendous uh care that the families have for their schools and for the students in their communities and uh appreciate them throughout the process. As we have gone through the boundary study, we have identified throughout the years five main criteria that we look at and you can see those on the screen where we look for boundaries that will solve these five criteria. And it's been a struggle this time, a challenge as uh as you've seen and as those who have been involved have seen as we try to meet the the criteria as we try to uh have positive impacts on educational programs and outcomes as we look at the school capacity utilization over time and the enrollment trends and being fiscally responsible for with the resources that that

076we have. Obviously, people like to go to schools that are closer to them rather than farther away. So, we try to have students be uh in close proximity to their schools, keeping neighborhoods and communities together, and that includes not only the the subdivision neighborhoods and those those communities, but the school community as a whole. If we can minimize the the impacts of uh of the the change, we want to keep those communities together. And then the impacts on transportation, both school buses, the school transportation, and the traffic flows at at schools and the the transportation of parents as they get their kids to and from school. So, some of the feedback that we've received through this, again, hundreds and hundreds of of comments as we've uh released various options throughout the process. The biggest thing

077we've seen is people want to keep their their neighborhoods and communities together. They want to minimize that disruption and they want to if they can stay in the school that they're in. What a great problem to have that people love their schools and that they want to stay in their schools and so we try to minimize that disruption as we balance these criteria. The another one is the enrollment distribution. some concerns with overcrowding and class sizes. And there's some misconception with the class sizes where occasionally we'll get a comment that uh a a parent feels that a larger school means larger class sizes or a smaller school means smaller class sizes and they they want to have lower enrollment for that reason. And that's not the case. It's a misconception unfortunately. something we can do

078better in our in our process as we as we help to inform in the in the boundary process. And so overcrowding though, we don't want to overcrowd a school. We don't want to have a school too too large and and that's something it's a challenge as we go through this process. Proximity to school we've mentioned is one of the criteria and people mentioned that in their in their feedback. Impacts on transportation specifically the safety and traffic concerns. two schools individual uh in particular that have some traffic concerns with pickup and drop off and long-term planning. The need for additional elementary schools in the area. We recognize the area is growing and the Lake Mountain School District is going to need to to uh meet that challenge and and potentially provide additional schools as as that

079area grows. And as we can see through the process, there's competing priorities. Unfortunately, there's no option that meets all of the criteria or all the priorities perfectly. We'd love if there was. It would make this process a lot easier. Unfortunately, that's that's not the case. And so, as we've gone through, there's some benefits and challenges to each of the the options. In option one, some of the benefits that this best balances the enrollment across the five schools. It also bolsters Sage Hills enrollment in the short term in the next few years as they're projected to decline a little bit before they pick back up. Some of the challenges is it splits up more communities than the other options do and neighborhoods are are not all assigned to the the nearest school. It also requires more

080bus routes than the other options. So those are some of the benefits and challenges, not the only ones, but some of the bigger ones with with option one. Option two, it keeps most communities together. It minimizes that that disruption. So almost all neighborhoods are assigned to their nearest school. They get to continue to go in almost all cases. There are some exceptions, but in almost all cases, they get to continue to go their their current school. It requires less bus routes than option one. And in Sage Hills, it uh provides the capacity to grow in the future with some additional developments that are coming in the coming years. One of the challenges there is there's a high enrollment as we can see over 1400 students in 2030 for springside and that would be a challenge

081for the Lake Mountain School Board to to address as that grows very quickly over the next few years. In option three, it's a balance between minimizing that disruption and the balancing the school enrollment. It keeps more communities together more than than in option one. Not as much obviously as an option two that keeps the most, but it keeps more than option one. Most neighborhoods are assigned to their nearest school. Not all, but most. And it requires less bus routes than an option one. And similar to option two, Sage Hills has capacity to grow with the large developments coming in that area. It does have the challenges of splitting up Wander and the Springside current spring's current enrollment or or boundary. Springside enrollment growth would be something that would need to be addressed. is not as

082large as two, but it does get above 1,200 in in 2030 and something to continue to watch and address. And I know Lake Mountain is aware of that and is is contemplating options for that. Saratoga Shores enrollment as well would need to be watched as it continues to grow and gets above a thousand in 2030. So those are some of the benefits and and challenges of of those three options. And as we know, the the school boundary decisions require balancing several legitimate concerns and criterias and priorities as as we've mentioned. And no no option is going to meet all of those. No singular option is going to satisfy every criteria. Another important context in this process, not surprisingly, as we go through the the district reconfiguration, is we're working with two governing bodies. with the

083Alpine School Board with you who are addressing a immediate enrollment challenge uh that we have and with the Lake Mountain School Board that is simultaneously working through the long-term planning and and capital facility planning and needs. And together these involve multiple elected officials considering both the present needs and future opportunities. each bringing different perspectives, thoughtful perspectives through uh through the process, how to best serve students and and families. And because of these competing priorities, the three options represent different ways to address these goals. And so if the board's highest priority is to balance enrollment, then the staff we recommend option one. If the highest priority is to minimize immediate current disruption, then we as a staff would recommend option two. If the board's priority is finding a middle ground and improving the enrollment balance while

084still limiting the disruption and maintaining some flexibility for the the future Lake Mountain School District in their capital uh planning, the staff we would recommend option three. And after discussions with the Lake Mountain School Board about these potential plans, we lean on option three and recommending that as a good balance of keeping as as many communities together while still feasibly balancing enrollment and giving the Lake Mountain Board flexibility in their capital plans. Ultimately, each of the three options is viable. We wouldn't put them out there if it if it couldn't be successful. some different challenges, different benefits as as we've seen. But the the choice depends on which which priority the board uh feels uh carries the greatest weight at at this time obviously. And so we thank you for letting letting us go through

085some of these considerations in this boundary boundary study process. And at this point turn it back to you if you have any questions about the options or the process or anything else. >> Eric, thank you for all your work and to the whole team. Um it's been a a really good process. Appreciate your um tweaks to the process and the tools. So um we have questions or I will entertain a motion. >> Before I make a motion, I want to acknowledge that there are many people in this room and in our community um that may be frustrated, angry, and feel like their voices were not fully heard. You may feel like the board didn't listen. You may feel like your neighborhood, your neighborhood was prioritized behind someone else's. Some of you may feel like you

086don't care. We don't care about the impact this has on your children. Others may believe that we are comfortable letting schools get above a thousand students. Some may even think the district benefits financially if schools become overcrowded. These are real concerns and I wanted to acknowledge them directly. The reality is that when we evaluate boundary options, every priority leads to a different map. As a board, we have been looking at several priorities as we study these boundaries, those that were mentioned, the impact of educational programs and student outcomes. School capacity and enrollment trends over time, proximity to schools, keeping neighborhoods and communities together, and the impacts on transportation. The feedback we received from community reflected many of these same priorities. Many families asked us to keep neighborhoods together and minimize disruption. Others focused on balancing

087enrollment, addressing overcrowding and class sizes to ensure that students attended the school closest to their home. We heard concerns about transportation, safety, traffic, and the need to plan responsibly for future growth in additional schools. The challenge of each of these priorities leads to a different map. If we prioritize keeping communities together, we chose we choose one map. If we break prioritize balancing enrollment and capacity, we choose another. If proximity to schools becomes the top priority, we would likely choose a different map again. If transportation efficiently and safety is a priority, that points us to yet another option. The difficult reality is that no single map meets all of the priorities at the same time. This makes this one of the hardest boundary decisions I've been involved in. Every option solves one problem while creating pressure

088somewhere else. And if you asked a dozen people what priority should come first, you will get a dozen different answers. And I have asked more than a dozen people and I have received more than a dozen answers. When that is the pro that is why this process has become complicated. If I had a magic eightball or a crystal ball that could tell me exactly which map would lead to the best outcomes 10 years from now, this decision would be a lot easier. But we don't have a magic eightball, and the crystal ball just doesn't exist. So, we go back to trying to prioritize the things that matter most for our schools and our students, weighing the tradeoffs, and making the best decision we can given the information we have. For me, option three represents the

089most balanced approach among the competing priorities. It provides a balance between minimizing disruption and maintaining h healthy school enrollments. It keeps more communities together, and I acknowledge it doesn't keep them all. It aligns the most neighborhoods that have schools closest to them, but I'm still asking school some students to travel far. It requires fewer bus routes. It allows Sage Hills the capacity to grow with the large developments that are coming. It gives them a moment to breathe before we ask them to do the impossible. And with 3,000 homes in their boundaries, that will be the impossible. Um, and that allows them a second to breathe before they have to carry that heavy enrollment load in the future. At the end of the day, boundaries are lines on a map, but that the decision we make

090tonight shapes the learning environment for our students um every day that they experience. And I understand that. Um but with that, I move that we support option three for the boundary adjustment. Okay. With a motion from board member Lincoln, a second from board member Baitman. Any discussion? Um, I will just say thank you to all the parents who emailed, who called. Um, it's my least favorite thing to do, uh, as a board member. And so for me, this is, um, prioritizing what the Lake Mountain Board felt was the best option. So, um, thank you for all involved with that process. Um, all in favor? >> I Oh, you had a thing. Oh my gosh. Sorry. I just want to acknowledge this is this is not a community I'm familiar with, but I do um appreciate

091the recommendation of staff as well as I've listened to uh board members from this area. And it it appears that option three gives um the future board a little bit of leeway and time um in figuring out uh what their plans are. And I do want to point out that these some of these enrollments as they get higher there will be um an easier conversation about funding a new school or two or three. um that's what drives conversations about new schools is schools that need to be divided. So I I think that where that there is some pressure there, but it's good pressure as far as what you want to see happen in your community. I think that's all. >> Um I'd like to just add one thing I forgot to include in my comments.

092I want to thank the communities for the most respectful dialogue that they had, for the opportunities to sit with them. Um, there was one night where I was sitting with a community and it was getting late and I called my husband on my cell phone and put him on speaker because I needed to arrange to pick up my daughter and he asked, "Are you safe?" And I said, "Absolutely. This is one of the best communities and the discussion we're having is valid and important." And I just want to thank all of the people that participated in the process. I heard, I listened. At the end of the day, we may not have come to the same conclusion, but I am grateful that we had the opportunity to have the dialogue and to explore options together.

093We came up with more maps than we did in any other boundary change I've ever seen. So, thank you for that participation as we continue to work through the process. Okay. All in favor? >> I >> thank you. Okay. We will move on to the appointment of the superintendent. Um so one of the things we get to do because Superintendent Smith is our interim superintendent is that we get to uh reappoint him for another year. And I know it might be hard to believe, but there are actually multiple people who are willing to do this job. Uh I will say though that I think perhaps what maybe all of us thought the job might be and what the job has turned out to be are two different things. Um so we appreciate this opportunity um

094to do this now. So I will Um, I would like to move that the board of education appoint Rob Smith as superintendent Alpine School District in accordance with Utah code 53G4301. >> I'll second that motion. >> A motion from board member Baitman and a second from board member Lincoln. We'll move into discussion. Um, I guess I'll just start with thank you. Um, for being willing to continue on. It would be totally understandable if he had said thanks for the experience. Um, I'm going to peace out and spend some time with my family. Um, I do believe he was living a lovely sort of retired life prior to coming back to this gig. Um, it's not been easy. We will continue to have challenges as we go. Um, now conversations have moved, including three new superintendents,

095three new school boards. Um, it's a lot. Uh, I appreciate Superintendent Smith willingness to do different things. So, probably things that everybody else is not aware of. He has not backfilled every position. So as people are moving on whether it's to new districts or to higher ed or to the other places um he has led the team through creative structuring I think um in a way that has allowed us to capture dollars that will benefit the new districts but also in such a way that um allows people to be supported. So I give my thanks to him and to the other people who are are stepping up to do this. it is going to likely be a a long next not quite year and a half. And so, um, your willingness to do this again

096speaks volumes to your character. Um, and we'll do things that that people have no idea to set us up for success in the future. So, thank you. >> You looking for more comments, sir? >> Okay. [clears throat] I just wanted to make sure we weren't uh moving on to something else. So, I just wanted to [clears throat] excuse me talk particularly to our patrons. I was talking to Rob earlier today and I mean this is a difficult place to be in. We want to be fair to all of these three new emerging districts, but we don't really have a good definition of what fair is. And uh we don't want to get down to the point of you know counting how many staplers go to each district uh and uh to that level of micromanagement.

097But at the same time we want things to be fair. And I have to say that um we could come up with a complex formula that incorporated every possible asset and divided them equally and it would not be as good as picking someone that you really trust and asking him to just make sure things are fair. And that's that's what we have in Rob. He's a person that I have a long history with. I've uh um and I trust him to make those hard decisions to make sure things are fair. And I would just uh recommend uh again this appointment and hope that all of you in boards that are here tonight from other different boards and patrons to know that this is a person you can trust and that he's going to take care

098of all these three districts. I want to add my thanks to everyone else's. Um Rob and I frequently talk about how we're both middle children. We need a middle child steering this chip ship through to the end. We need somebody that can see all the sides, can be in the middle of all of the things and um also be able to see every side. And he does that in an incredible way. And I'm so grateful. And I second what Mark said. He's someone we can trust. and someone who has done a lot sacrifice behind the scenes for all three of these new districts. So, I'm wholeheartedly behind appointing you. Again, >> I want to acknowledge that um Rob Smith is taking on something that has never been done before and um he has set a

099number of processes in motion. I believe he is discovering best practice. I think he's discovering lots of things um including um working with people who are experiencing a great deal of change in their lives, who care a great deal about children and about their families. And um I just don't think there's a better person for this job. Thank you. I believe that a board member is never truly a board member till they regret a vote. And it is not often when you regret a vote that you get an opportunity to make it right. And tonight, I am honored to make a vote right. Rob, you done an incredible job this last year and I 100% support you as we move forward. >> Okay. With a motion from board member Baitman. A second from board member

100Lincoln. All in favor? >> I congratulations superintendent. [applause] Um ju just thank you board members for the opportunity. Um, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank um my favorite and best um friend and um the hope that I could become the man that she would want me to be. Um it's been almost 40 years and she's the best gift God has ever given me. And I'm so grateful for my wife and um for the little girl next to her that started out as a one pound million-dollar baby and um defied all the odds. If you want to meet somebody who is as pure without guile, it's the angel that's our daughter. And we're so grateful, Kelsey, that you're here with us. And um I um it's a generational opportunity. Um I've tried to teach my

101kids that uh you do hard things and in the wrestle you become something better than you thought possible. And I I know I'll make some mistakes and I've made some and I'll make more. Um but our commitment is to the four things that uh we set out when we agreed, my wife and I, to accept the first one-year term. And that's we care about students and their achievement first and we partner with parents because they trust us with their children and they pay the taxes that support everything that we do. Um second that we would seek to build three strong districts. Um third we would try to equitably support which is not equally but equitably support a successful launch of those three districts. And then finally, we would care for our team throughout the process.

102And um and I think we're we're doing some of those things well, and there are things we can do better, and we're committed to continue doing better this next year. So, thanks for the privilege to everyone that I get a chance to work with. Um thanks for your patience. Um but, uh again, just wanted to say thanks, um to a couple of people. And um I guess let me also thank Bri. Um she's amazing and um I am I'm grateful for the support she gives as well. So thank you [applause] >> [applause] >> Okay, next up we have the appointment of the business administrator. >> I move that the board of education appoint Craig Carter as business administrator for the Alpine School District in accordance with Utah code 53G-4301. >> Second the motion. We have

103a motion for board member Peterson, a second from board member Clement. Any discussion? I want to start by saying thank you for taking on this very unique challenge that we have for you. We appreciate you stepping in at halftime and taking over. I just want to acknowledge here. Would you stand up? Craig, [laughter] this is the man we're talking about. [applause] Um, thank you for accepting uh this position. Uh, it's we have had kind of an unusual process, but we have followed process. We all got to meet you uh some some in person, some virtually. And uh we interviewed uh multiple candidates and uh chose you and um I would like Rob, you know this man and I would would you introduce him to us to the public? >> I I would be happy to

104do that after the board uh you've got a motion and a second on the floor. So after your discussion I will be happy to introduce and tell you a little bit about my friend Craig. Um I will just add my thank you in advance. Um Craig comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Um but the thing that I most appreciated out of our our interview together, he is steady and he is calm and in a sea of a lot of uncertainty. Um I believe that he's going to be an excellent partner to superintendent and with his um just expertise he's it's it's going to be a really great um remainder of the ride for us. So grateful that he was willing to step out of his lovely life um and join. I

105I think it speaks volumes to your commitment to children. So thank you. >> I just wanted to make one comment. Uh I think that uh you know the role of a board of education is largely to appoint a superintendent and business manager and uh I really appreciate this team. I feel like I feel very confident now that we're moving forward and we're fulfilling our our role as a board of education. And so uh thank you so much. We're, you know, we've had opportunity to to meet you virtually, but now we're going to get the chance to really work together and I'm excited to do that. >> I just want to say I'm excited to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Welcome aboard. Could I just also acknowledge that um our former business administrator

106Jason Sunberg has been hired by a new school district and hence the blank chair uh on the DAS and uh we wish him well. He has trained a really wonderful team that I think Craig you will get to know very shortly and and appreciate also as well. So excited to welcome you to that chair with a motion from board member Peterson and a second from board member Clement. All in favor? >> I >> Congratulations. Uh and now we will you're going to speak first. >> Yeah. Can I speak here before we we administer the oath of office? Let me tell you a little bit about Craig Carter. Um this is it's almost um life's come full circle. About 27 years ago, Craig was the business administrator in Morgan School District and I followed Craig. I

107was a young I think I was about 28 maybe 27 years old and Craig was one of my first mentors. he left to go to Davis School District and I was so impressed by him, his sweet wife Lisa and the amazing family that they've raised and uh we've been colleagues in in the business profession for decades. Um Craig has a keen intellect. He has a calm presence. Um he has a way better sense of humor than I could ever hope to have. Um he's a marathoner and um his love for children and family and community is just some of the hallmarks of this good man. And I'm I'm just grateful. um when I called him he didn't send me the voicemail and uh when we chatted he uh um said yes that he would consider

108and u he's a good man a great friend and I think he'll be a great support to the board to our business team um as we work through this this uh generational uh transition so that's Craig Carter just a little bit about him I could go on but I won't anyway >> shall we take a Okay, please raise your >> [laughter] >> Okay. I state your full name. >> I, Craig Alan Carter. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States. >> I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Utah. >> Constitution of the State of Utah >> and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. >> discharge

109in my office. >> Thank you. [applause] [cheering] membership report. >> Um just nothing significant to note. Um, it's normal this time of year for enrollment at the secondary schools to decline a little bit, the enrollment at our alternative schools to increase a little bit, but um, other than that, nothing significant to point out. I would like to go to Alpine by the numbers, Rich, if you can pull that up. Uh, Anya Basera stayed through to the very end. Um, thank you, Ana, for being here because I'm going to highlight um, college and career readiness of our multilingual students. we've seen such significant gains. Um there have been multiple awards. Um and I wanted to highlight a subset of that tonight. Uh thanks to Jason Croin and our results and achievement folks. But what we want

110to celebrate tonight is the uh students that are participating in our advanced placement, our concurrent enrollment, and our CTE courses. Um state of Utah State Board of Education recently recognized Alpine. Um this is I think the second series of major awards but the real award is the number of multilingual uh students that are achieving at the highest levels that we have seen in Alpine School District and these are some of the the things to point out tonight. AF high school um when you look at the percentages in some of our schools that are participating in college and career readiness. So again we define that as taking AP concurrent enrollment in CTE courses. 71% at AF High School. Just want to highlight a couple others. 73 at Lone Peak, 73% at Mountain View, 72% at Tempanogas.

111But we have significant engagement of our multilingual students. you can see um success at our AP concurrent enrollment in CTE and just again phenomenal growth in the learning which means phenomenal opportunity for these students and their families into the future. So just kudos to the entire team Anya I think the world of you I think I told you that earlier tonight. Um but to celebrate and recognize um the the schools and let me just highlight those um that received recognition from the state board of education. We also as a district received that but American Fork High School, Lehigh High School, Lone Peak High School, Mountain View High School, Oram High School, um Skyidge High School, um Tempanogus High School, and Westlake High School. So just phenomenal work and just let's give Anya and her team

112a round of applause. [applause] Okay, we will move on to board member reports. So, um earlier this month, I um in one of my SEC meetings, I had a moment with um a parent who also is the spouse of um one of our band directors. And it is the season. It is spring. We've got spring musicals happening um all the way from elementary to high school. And we have bands and choirs. And I was reminded of the the extra work that not only our directors have, but also their families and their spouses at home picking up all the pieces that are falling through the cracks. And so I wanted to send a huge th shout out and a huge thank you to all of our directors and coaches and also to their families who are

113at home um keeping things running smoothly. When I get overwhelmed, my favorite thing to do is to go into a classroom. Um, because that reminds me why I'm here. And I got that opportunity today to step into a classroom. And I was able to serve observe calm and learning and engagement and excitement for school. And so today, I just want to thank all of the teachers across the district that show up each day, even on the days that feel hard, to do their best for our students, and to provide environments where students can learn and to meet them where they are regardless of how prepared they're coming to school that day, but to see them as individuals and to go to work. So, thank you teachers for the work you're doing each and every day.

114Um, we're in the same brain. I took a side quest during meetings today to do a quick little halfday sub job. Um, and it is my favorite thing to watch in the hallways. It's like, I don't know, March 74th today. Um, but teachers who between every class they're out in the hall welcoming their kids in. They could easily be in their rooms kind of just doing the last minute check. Um, but they're out and they're excited to welcome kids in. And I think especially after lunch, that is a challenging job sometimes because perhaps maybe some of our students would like to take a little rest and so just grateful for their energy for the way they welcome kids. Um and it is extra fun to watch kids light up like it's they've seen this person

115right every other day for I mean hundred and some days by now and so I just the um the commitment to um just caring about our kids and making it a place that they want to be is kind of a remarkable thing. And I also want to give a shout out to our office secretaries and technicians. Um the amount of things that they run in their head I think would overwhelm us if we saw it on paper. And the way they know every single human that walks in their door, um student or adult, um everything about that student, remembering to ask specific things is really just kind of a magical thing to watch. I don't have that capacity. So, um, I very much appreciate when a kid walks in that they know exactly why that

116student is walking in at that point in time and what they need and that they're able to just take care of it. So, shout out to everybody in our offices that keeps our schools running smoothly um, and keep kids taken care of. >> Amen. >> Okay, we have reached that point in our meeting where I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. I move that we adjourn the meeting. >> Second. >> Okay. With a motion from board member Peterson and a second from board member Wilson. All in favor? >> I. >> Excellent. Thank you all. Have a good night.