001our meeting this evening. Um I'm going to call the meeting to order. Our first order uh our item agenda is the pledge of allegiance which will be given by Camming and then our inspirational thought will be given by Crystal. Please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character. That is the goal of true education. Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you, Crystal. We now have time for community comments. Um, we have up to 30 minutes set aside for public comment. This opportunity is allocated for patrons living
002within the Alpine School District boundary. A signup sheet was available prior to this meeting, allowing up to 10 patrons the opportunity to speak. Those living outside of ASD and those who were unable to sign up before all slots were full can submit written comments at alpineschools.org/schoolboard. Scanning the QR code in the lobby will also direct you to that form. As you are called up, please introduce yourself by stating your name. You'll be given up to three minutes to speak. While the board does not engage in a discussion during the public comment period, they 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
003address it to the board of education. Um, and it looks like we have one slash two slash comments tonight. Okay. Uh, so from our region 9 PTA, Kim and Michelle getting Tweedled and Tweedled Dum up here. So I'm Kim Topham, Region 9 director. Michelle Sorenson, region 9 associate director, and we are going to look at our notes because we want to get this right. So as the directors of region 9 PTA, it is our privilege to represent all parents and children in Alpine School District. And tonight we wanted to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Farnsworth as he retires from the Alpine School District. I'm sorry. We want to share our immense appreciation for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support over the past four years. In the course of our meetings and interactions with other
004PTA leaders across the state, it has become evident that our partnership with Alpine School District under Dr. Farnsworth's guidance stands out as the most collaborative and supportive across the entire state. He understands the value and importance of successful homeschool partnerships. His dedication to fostering school relationships with the collective 85 PTAs within the district has truly been remarkable. We are especially grateful for the leadership mentoring he has provided to our region board each month. His insights and leadership training have empowered us and significantly strengthened our efforts to advocate for students, families, and schools. Furthermore, we appreciate Dr. Farnsworth's foresight and commitment to initiating the division of Alpine School District in such a positive and constructive manner. His leadership ensures that each new district is well prepositioned for success. A testament to his dedication to the long-term
005well-being of each student. Thank you, Dr. Farnsworth, for your outstanding service, your profound impact, and your genuine commitment to our students and families. We wish you all the best. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, it is time for us to consider the approval of minutes. Do we have an approval? I move that we approve the minutes. Second. Okay. So, we have a motion by board member Bon and a second by board member Wilson. Do we have any comments? Okay. Seeing none, I'm going to call for a vote and I'm going to do a roll call. Um, if all in favor, um, if you would please indicate with an I vote if opposed with a nay vote. Uh, board member Wilson I. Board member Lincoln I. Board member Clement I. Board member Baitman I. Board member Peterson I.
006Board member Bon I. And then board member King, I vote I. Okay, so that passes unanimously. Next up, claims superintendent. Yes, you've received the claims for this month and I recommend that you accept the claims. Okay. Do we have a motion to accept the claims? I move that we accept the claims. Okay. Do we have a second? Second. Okay. We have a motion by board member Clement and a second by board member Peterson. Any discussion? Okay. Seeing none, I'm going to call for a vote. Board member Wilson. I. Board member Lincoln. I. Board member Clement. I. Board member Baitman. I board member Peterson I. Board member Bon I. And board member King. I vote I. That passes unanimously. Superintendent. Yes. The routine business this board meeting includes the budget summary, Alpine Foundation board summary, personnel
007hiring releases, and LEA specific license. I recommend your approval of the routine business. Okay. Um, I'll entertain a motion to approve the routine business. I move that we accept the routine business. A second. Okay. Okay, we have a motion by board member Baitman and a second by board member Lincoln. Um, any discussion? Okay. Uh, next to the vote, board member Wilson, I. Board member Lincoln, I. Board member Clement, I. Board member Baitman, I. Board member Peterson, I. Board member Bon, I. And board member King, I vote I. That's unanimous. Okay, we're just trucking along. Wow, this roll call is new and improved. That's a good time to consider other opportunities. So, we have uh four items, four policies on the agenda tonight for discussion and action. I would invite our legal counsel Craig Brinkerhoff to
008come forward to answer any questions the board has. Appreciate the work of our board members who are on the policy committee. Um, we will handle these one at a time and as indicated on the agenda, they are discussion action items. If after discussion the board feels ready to move on the recommended action of revising all four of these, we'll do them one at a time, the board could make a motion to move it to an action item and to accept the revised policy. So, the first one is policy number 4062, transfer of educators. Thank you, Superintendent. Um, this policy was uh revised in cooperation with our HR department and the association. What they asked for is some clarification language at the very end. That's uh consistent with 53G3308. Um the statement says that educators hired
009between the reorganized new reorganized school district within one calendar year of July 1, 2027, the allocation date for the reconfigured district retain their employment status. Um so we looked at that as a committee um with HR department felt like um it was appropriate to include um and didn't cause us any undue hardship and so we uh present that to the board for your consideration. Okay. So this is a discussion um slaction item. So it can be um a motion can be made and we can move forward or we can I move that we approve policy number transfer of educators. Second the motion. Okay. So we have a motion by board member Wilson and a board member uh and a second by board member Clement. Do we have any discussion? I think this is just an
010assurance for our employees of the stability that we um hope to achieve in our future school districts. Okay. Um we have a motion by board member Wilson, a second by board member Clinton Clement. Yep. Sorry, Mark. Just call me Bill. Okay. Wilson and Clement and you combine it and it's Clinton. So that's how I got there. Okay. Okay. Board member Wilson. I. Board member Lincoln. I. Board member Clement. I. Board member Baitman. I. Board member Peterson. I. Board member Bon. I. Board member King. I vote I. That passes unanimously. Next policy is 4220 medical surgical and extended health insurance. Again, appreciate the committee and the revisions to that bill. We'll give uh some time to council to explain the changes there. And if the board feels so inclined, we recommend that you accept the revisions
011to policy 4220. Thank you. So, two things on this one. Uh, we recognized that it was lacking a statement of policy. Uh, so we added a statement of policy and worked through that as a committee. And then the other thing that we did in 1.4 4 was really to bring the policy um current with our current HR practices, which is when uh employee separates from employment with Alpine School District, their health benefits continue through the end of that month. So they don't terminate on the same day that they leave. And so we made that clarification in 1.4. Okay. Do we have a motion? I move that we approve policy number 4220 medical surgical and extended health insurance. I'll second. Okay. So we have motion by board member Lincoln and a second by board member Baitman.
012Any discussion? Okay, seeing none, uh, board member Wilson, I. Board member Lincoln, I. Board member Clement, I. Board member Baitman, I. Board member Peterson, I. Board member Petson, I. And board member King, I vote I. That passes unanimously. Thank you. Next policy is 5250 electronic communication and devices. You have seen this before and it has been revised. This is in conjunction with the state legislature and the law that was passed this year that requires us to have a ban of communication devices in our schools. And appreciate again the uh board committee the work that they've done here. and we'll recommend if the board feels comfortable your approval of the revisions to this policy and again appreciate uh our legal counsel and the work that's been done on this. Yes. So as the superintendent mentioned this
013policy came before you last month. Uh a couple of the questions that arose last month is um what kind of containers were we going to use? uh we try to give that responsibility or that decision- making to the school. Um it also doesn't say that it has to be necessarily a closed container, just that there's a container. And so um that was one of the questions that that arose. Um, I also understand that uh board member Lincoln had a question with regards to R277 um 495-3 and the to answer your question. It says there an LEA shall provide reasonable public notice and this is referring to electronic devices policy. An LEA shall provide reasonable public notice and at least one public hearing or meeting to address a proposed or revised acceptable use policy. I would
014consider this the OR meeting um and the reasonable public notice that it was posted as part of the board meeting agenda. Um and if the public had comment, they could make comment as part of the open comments. Um we the other uh request that came from the policy committee was to share this out with our principles. Uh we did do that. We shared it out with all principles at all levels. Um mostly good feedback. Uh there was one uh request from a single principal that came in after the board docs were prepared. So I'll just share that with you and you can decide whether or not to act on it. Um their request was that where we have the exception to policy or exception to the use based on like a medical need or or
015those types of emergency that there be that we require paperwork from the parent to make those exceptions. And we didn't delineate that in the policy. So if you so wish, we can add a line that says, you know, for those exceptions, the paperwork or a doctor's note or something like that would be required. So is this on number two? Section number two, if we want to scroll to that. Yeah. So under under that section basically where there's any any time that we make an exception to the general rule, we would just require some sort of paperwork. So, for example, there there's an exception for sped kids. So, if they have an IEP or a 504, right? That would be paperwork that we would use as part of that exception. So, this would be more for
016like a um if the parent had some sort of medical concern where they wanted their student to be able to reach out to them at any point in the day that we have some sort of medical um note or something from a doctor. Okay. Yeah. So 2.1.3 when supported by medical documentation. So maybe they just missed that section when they read through it. But that's what it says currently. If you want to strengthen that, we certainly can. Um that was the one comment that we got from principles. So Craig, are we under a legislative deadline on this? Uh so the legislative code on this changed in July 1 um that has the legislative code. So we're going to be bound by that and then we can make our own adjustments to that. We just can't
017be looser than that. So this this policy goes a little bit tighter than some of the legislation. for example, in the elementary schools. So, absent this policy being passed tonight, we would still be required to follow the state legislation. Um Joel was just pointing out to me that it does indicate the the in the 2.1.3 that there is um support from a medical professional. So um after seeing that I don't I don't think that uh that principal's concern is not addressed in the policy and so I would be comfortable just moving forward as is. Okay. Um I will entertain a motion to move forward. I move that we pass policy number 5250 electronic communication devices the revised version. I second. Okay. So that we have a motion by board member Bon and a second by
018board member Peterson. Any discussion? I move to amend the motion to include an electronic communication devices um means of non-school issued electronic devices such as a cell phone, tablet, smartwatch, smartwatch or earbuds. Um, so adding the word earbuds, students are able to control their electronic devices that are in a bag if they use earbuds during a classroom. And so just including those in an electronic communication device. I see what you mean because it can say, "You received this text. Would you like to respond?" Is that what you're Okay. Are you guys comfortable with the amendments in process? Okay. Do you need So clarify you're adding what language? Just adds earbuds. Just earbuds. Or it does say such as. So, I I saw that I just had a teacher reach out to me this afternoon wondering
019if we could include the earbuds or headphones. So, just something to think about. I actually um have a pair of Ray glasses that also could do it. I'm just saying um I'm supportive to the addition. I know in our secondary schools less students that don't have them in versus the ones that walk around listening to music all the time. So I think clarifying that from the beginning is probably helpful to our our teachers and our students. called a question like. Okay. So, are we going to vote on Are we going to vote on the original or the amendment? The amendment. Okay. So, I have I have a I have a motion by board member Lincoln and a second by board member Baitman. This is for the amendment to add earbuds into the policy. Okay. Board
020member Wilson. Hi. Board member Lincoln. I. Board member Clement. A. Board member Baitman. I. Board member Peterson. I. Board member Bon. Nay. Board member King. I think I'm gonna vote nay on this one. And it still passes. 43. I I guess my only suggestion is I wonder if we could the verbiage could even be trying to think of how it gets written in code, right? Um including but not limited to if if there's a way that we can say that and then it kind of opens it up for things like what Mark was referencing, right? Like the Anyway, just a future thing to consider for you know a future policy thing is maybe like just you know such as but not limited to maybe that leaves the door open enough. Okay, one thing I was
021going to mention with um this policy, we had a policy party and it was a party because those of us that like to write policy, the one thing that I really liked about the policy that we talked a little bit about is that the policy isn't really a one-sizefits-all and there is some differentiation between the elementary school students, our junior high students, and the high school students. And uh you definitely can see the progression reflects a developmental understanding and the rules loosen up gradually as they get older um and as as kids have more responsibilities. And I thought that was one great part about the policy. As far as the consequences of breaking the rules or the law, it was really important I think for at least for me to balance that autonomy with schools
022uh with congruity and which is kind of a delicate balance but I feel like we talked a lot about that and came to a happy balance that individual schools can come up with their own setting up of consequences or misuse and then they can work with their own community councils and put it in a handbook and make sure that they're communicating that annually. Um there even with the exceptions that we had for cell phones, there's there were definite nuances uh as you read through the policy. And so I I feel uh as far as this particular policy, this is one of those ones that um I think a lot of us got a lot of feedback from patrons and parents. Surprisingly, not students. At least I haven't. I'm sure that will come eventually, but uh
023not at the beginning. But I I'm proud of the the policy. I think this is something that we can be proud of is and we'll probably have other districts taking a peek at our policy on this and so appreciate your support on that. Thank you. I would Are you ready? Like to amend my amendment. I I really liked the the language that um board member King just said that um so instead of saying calling out earbuds, I would like to actually amend it to um such as but not limited to cell phones, tablets, smartwatches. Okay, so we have a motion. This is fun. Okay. So, we have a motion by board member Lincoln. Do we have a second? I second. We have a second by board member Peterson. Okay. Let's do this again. Board member
024Wilson. Okay. This is Oh, sorry. Was there Sorry, I forgot to ask. Is there any discussion? This is kind of like a second amendment. So, it's it's uh it will undo what we just did. Okay. Are you um So, it's such as but not limited to. Yes. So, it leaves it open. So it's giving you examples like the cell phones, the tablets, but it's leaving it open enough where if you know AI develops like somebody comes in with like the Google glasses kind of a thing that it includes that as well. Are you um board member Lincoln are you open to including the earbud piece? Um yeah, I would be open to that. I would be supportive of that. Okay. So, the motion was member if board member So, board member Lincoln made a motion
025and board member Peterson seconded it if if they want to withdraw it and make a new motion. I think we could do that. You should actually vote on it. I'm gonna vote on this one first. Okay. Okay. We're going to vote on this. Okay. on the adding the earbuds in but saying the may include but is not limited to. Correct. No, it's taking out earbuds. Okay. Sorry, you're right. Removing earbuds but saying including but not limited to such as Yeah, such as. Can you read exactly how it will be written and and what we're going to be voting on so we hear the verbiage of that? Well, I this is fun. I can't I thought we were making a friendly amendment. I might be able to do that if you would like me to try.
026I would appreciate that, Craig. Thank you. So, this is under 1.2. It's a definition electronic communication device means a non-school issued electronic device such as but not limited to a cell phone, tablet, smartwatch, or other portable device. And then we'd also potentially add in the earbuds. So, the motion that Joelyn has made is to remove the earbuds and add the such as but not limited to. That is the motion we're voting on. Okay. And I I'm just going to say, you know, that this like is hard for me because when we rewrite you don't like us to do I'm just saying that I it it just sounds redundant to me. If we're going to be saying such as, that's such as. And so I'm saying if we do it, I don't think we should include
027the AirPods because the Airbuds are such as. I agree. And I hate to word smith. I hate it. Sorry. So if you say something including but not limited to it, it it it opens up the door for a principal to make a call or a teacher to make a call based on new technology so that we're not looking at code from 1984 or 1982. It's enough flexibility and enough flexibility for future use of things we haven't even heard of. So are you saying you agree with me or you disagree with me? I'm just I'm struggling. I'm saying I I adding the earbuds. I am just saying maybe we can make the motion just more simple if we just stick with the original and then or the second which says including but not limited to that
028way we don't have to include the earbuds because it will be already in there. So the motion that Joy actually made that's her motion. You think her motion is good? Because she said remove ear. She said remove earbuds and then we're doing including but not limited to. No, she said such as. She said such as. Okay. But I Okay. I'm still unclear as to exactly where this would put in. So are you saying and recognize that electronic communication devices including but not limited to cell phones is that is that where the wording would be added? So striking such as can I don't know if this is the way we do it but can I suggest a friendly change to the amendment would including but not limited to blah blah blah blah blah and include the
029word earbuds. Board member Lincoln, are you agreeable to a friendly change to your amendment? Yeah, I would accept that the amendment so has been changed. Including but not limited. We're getting rid of such as. Such as is funky. Including but not limited to. tablet. Let's vote. So, we're getting the included and the including but not limited to and the earbuds both in. Okay. Um, wait a second. I have a motion by board member Wilson, but nobody seconded it. I will second it. Okay. And a second by board member Baitman. Okay. Let's try this again. Okay. We're gonna It's going to take us a couple of votes to get to the cell phone poll. So, we're good. Okay. Board member Wilson, we're voting on her amendment on the one that you just made, which is including
030but not limited to and has the earbuds. I Okay. Board member Lincoln. I. Board member Clement. I. Board member Baitman. I. Board member Peterson. I. Board member Bon. I. Board member King. I. Okay, that passes 61. Okay, so I think we're good. Sort of. Craig, don't let us read it anymore. No more. Go to the next thing. Okay. The last policy is Oh, apologize. Okay, so we're going to vote on this again. Okay, so we're voting on the policy that we have now included with the amended language policy number 5250. Do we have a motion to pass policy 5250? I I'm okay. Motion made a motion. Okay. So, okay. Okay. So, back to back to Bon and Peterson. Okay. They were the ones who made the original motion. Okay. Any discussion? Okay. Board member Wilson.
031I. Board member Lincoln. I. Board member Clement. I. Board member Baitman. I. Board member Peterson. I. Board member Bon. I. Board member King. I vote I. Okay. Last policy is policy 7100, discrimination and harassment. There's been some revisions to that. Appreciate the board policy committee and council and we would recommend you approve the revisions based upon your discussion. So this particular policy uh had some input from associations as well as human resources. The couple things that we did in this policy is update the definition for retaliation. Um, our policy was also lacking a little bit similar to our former uh sexual harassment policies in the area of documentation. And so we clarified not only how we investigate these types of claims, but also how they're documented and where that documentation is housed. And so those
032are the changes that we made to this policy. Okay. Do we have a motion to approve policy number 710 0? I move to approve policy number 71 0, discrimination and harassment. Do we have a second? Second. Okay. We have a motion by board member Lincoln and a second by board member Wilson. Do we have any discussion? Okay. Okay, seeing none, we'll move to a vote. Uh, board member Wilson, I. Board member Lincoln, I. Board member Clement, I. Board member Baitman, I. Board member Peterson, I. Board member Bon, hi. Board member King, I vote I. Okay, this next section, um, thank you all for finishing out the action items on our agenda. Next section, um, we are actually going to do some board member, uh, some board meeting recognitions. Um, I think we're all aware that
033today is the last board meeting for Dr. Farnsworth as well as Rhonda Mortonson. And um, we want to introduce a video that we are going to show. About 15 years ago, I uh, had the wonderful opportunity to be named an assistant principal at American Fork Junior High. Shane was the principal at that time. And as I went in and met Shane as a very nervous and excited individual, um the thing I noticed most about Shane is his ability to love and care for everyone. It didn't matter uh who you were or you know what your background was. He absolutely just valued the relationship piece. whether you were an employee, a teacher, a student or uh you know a parent, he really really valued those relationships and one of the most kind and also one of
034the most one of the smartest individuals I've ever met. Well, I would say Shane is genuine. He's fun to be around. He's smart. I think Shane is kind. and I think he has uh many great attributes that make him a genuine friend and a wonderful professional colleague. He's the kindest man I think I've ever met in my lifetime. I love that he's very accepting and kind to everybody he meets. He treats us all the same. When I was um probably my fifth year of teaching, I had a daughter. She had to go to the hospital uh for some surgeries and we ended up in the hospital for like 12 days which is not what we expected. I remember coming back to school like in the middle of that and he's kind of like why are
035you here? Go be with your family. He wasn't asking me like to make sure my classroom was or like you know the sub had the sub plans and things like that like priority was my family. Rhonda knew what she was doing when she became the assistant for Shane and the board of ed. So, I would say that Rhonda was a little bit more experienced where Shane was a little green in that. I love how they worked together. Rhonda knew some things that I think were very helpful and beneficial to Shane in the very first and second year. I don't know if anybody knows the job of what Rhonda does. Shane's more out in front where Rhonda, you know, was behind and getting things organized and prepared. and things ran smoothly because Rhonda did the behind
036thescenes organizing. The uh the thing that comes to mind is uh Rhonda is a great mom and a great grandma. She puts everything into taking care of the needs of her family and that carries over into the the work that she does. She not only was my administrative assistant, she also took care of all of the board. When you have eight bosses, that's that can be pretty tough at times. But I I certainly appreciated her character, her honesty, her being willing to extend herself well beyond what what was expected, just so things were right, just so things were taken care of. That's the type of person that Ronda Mortonson is. Rhonda really cares about what's right. I really appreciated her ability to kind of see issues and um know where she stands with and I
037love that uh she's been entrusted with so many things and she keeps confidences. She she does the things that are right and uh I just really appreciate any conversation I'm able to have with Rhonda. We all love Rhonda. She is the glue that holds the board together, maybe holds the whole district together along with all of her associates. She is absolutely an angel in so many ways and Rhonda is on top of things and she is incredibly patient. I have seen her at times when people kind of threw her a left curve and she just took it with grace and she adjusted, retyped, redid whatever she needed to do to help us do the best job we could. So, I think Rhonda is remarkable in her ability to see what needs to happen and to
038make it happen in the best way she can. If everybody could be like Rhonda, [Music] this world would be a good place. Anytime that I see Shane on a stage where he is sharing his love for public education, his vision, his commitment, that is a space where I feel I have my my favorite memories of him because he shines and he is able to communicate the story of public education to all perspectives. Anybody who asks me about Shane and doesn't know him, it's so fun for me to get an opportunity to describe him. Sometimes those academia type persons uh don't have a sense of humor, but Shane actually is kind of funny. Employees of Alpine School District, I want to express my appreciation. We're recording, right? We were in Associates. the facilitator just told a
039big long story about hunting and we were all visiting and I can't remember what prompted it but Shane quickly after the story said, "Well, I just want you to know I'm the president of the local pizza organization and I'm very offended by your story." And we all just looked and he was just dead panning and then got a big smile on his face and just knew right then he was a smart, fun, and just a joy to be around. He lives a principal-based life. He takes the best of uh what he reads and understands and and then he incorporates it into his life. I love Shane Farnsworth. I was just so lucky to have him as someone that I could look to as a as a brand new teacher all the way through my career.
040And I'm going to really miss working with him. I feel like I'm a veteran man because of his influence. [Applause] I I would not have had nearly the success in without my team and without Rhonda. And thank you. And uh of all the good things that have been said about Rhonda, I would just add an amen or a second witness. Um she is a person of complete integrity. Just always does what is right. Um does exceptional work. Holds herself everyone else to high standards. Uh it's been like working with an older sister. Just uh a little bit older sister. Okay. Um but uh I would say she's unflapable, but I do remember a couple times in my office when we were both flapping a little bit. So, it's been so wonderful to work with her.
041Uh, as Kimberly mentioned, she just did everything, set everything up so that I couldn't help but be we couldn't help but be successful and really is the glue and the lubricant that makes the district run. And she's had an outstanding career. Uh, has been my privilege to associate with her um, as superintendent. And so, we have an influencer coin for you because of your influence on all of us. Thank you very much. Um, the time is open for board members to make remarks. I'm going to start off since we're in this orderly way of doing things. Um, I just want to say thank you to Superintendent Farnsworth for your wonderful example and I think you've done an exceptional job of keeping the main thing the main thing which is our students, our student learning. So,
042I just appreciate your um focus on that and helping our principles, our leaders in our local buildings to um set goals and to feel like they not just feel like but give them autonomy um in a structured way that helps to move the dial and has moved the dial towards greater stu student achievement in Alpine School District. So, thank you for keeping us on track, keeping the main thing the main thing. And Rhonda, I know that you're supposed to be the the fly on the wall in so many cases um in so many meetings, but so many times I've looked to you to see um you've you've been a guide to me um even in in that role. Um, thank you so much for your leadership. Um, and it has been a leadership um, of
043this board and I thank you. Thanks so much. Okay. I had to write my words down so they wouldn't get jumbled up and I would need four more four motions to get what I wanted across. Um, Shane, I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you. Um, you not only taught strong values, you lived them, modeling integrity, vision, and service every step of the way. You have a remarkable ability to see people's strengths, place them in the right roles, and then trust them to survive. Under your guidance, people don't just work, they excel. Your legacy will be felt in my life and those of others for a long time to come. Thank you. And Rhonda, I want to thank you sincerely for the incredible work that you've done. You have an extraordinary gift for
044handling the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Always ensuring everyone has exactly what they need, often before they even asked. More than that, you've been a trusted confidant and one of the kindest, most generous people I've ever worked with. Thank you for your warmth and dedication. It has meant the world to me. Thank you. So, uh, I think it was about a year and a half ago, I went to a presentation that Shane gave on proving positive polarities. I don't know if you remember that, but I'm still thinking about that. Uh, and I have been impressed by the concepts that you've shared with educators throughout the district, and I know that a lot of them are still thinking and working on improving and becoming better. And uh I just really appreciate that um uh
045that you're a deep thinker, but you know how to apply it to practical situations. And uh Ron, thank you so much for I was going to tell a story about one time when you found a a cheaper flight or something and the whole board got stranded in uh in Texas someplace. And um I guess I just uh I I loved it. I loved it. And so it was it was you know there's so many times that you've just taken care of us and I really appreciate it. Rhonda, I was thinking through uh the eb and flow of what we um go through up here and while we kind of all signed on for the public and whatever version of the public showed up um you really didn't get a say in that. And there were
046so many times where um people were not their best selves and maybe communicated in ways that I would wish they would choose not to do. And your ability to sit up here and to sit through all of that blew me away every time. Um the class and the grace that you have is remarkable. Uh I also echo all the comments on kindness. you know, all the little things for everybody, all the little details. And I think those details are what people make people feel seen um and known. Um I'm slightly concerned about what we will do without your memory. And the number of times we've been in meetings and somebody will say, "Do you remember when we talked about this?" And we all sit and think and Rhonda will say, "Oh, it was this meeting
047on this day. Here's where it's located." Um it's it's a remarkable skill set that you have. Um, but most of all, I just appreciate the way you bring humanity and kindness uh to roles that maybe otherwise don't give those distinctions. So, thank you for all of the times that you have sat here and supported us and everybody else. Uh, superintendent, I thought about maybe going through all the buzzwords. I thought that would be fun, but then realized that would only be us up here. Um, I think there were probably times when superintendent wish he had not shared the differences between thoughts, opinions, and convictions. Um, just by virtue of how many times I use them back with him. Um, I thought that was super fun. Um, I thought we could talk about a little bit.
048Um, and as much as I would have made that funny, I do think you probably have no idea the number of people you have influenced with that. um when I'm subbing out in schools, it is very fun when I see the vision for learning or other things, but I've seen ero everywhere. Um so for those of you who have not been privileged to hear about that there, there was a really big focus on how do we respond to situations? We can't control the events. We can control our response and what outcome are we looking for? And I know that as we have done that, as our employees have done that, um it's changed a lot of things. And so I think this is probably a case of you will never know the depth of your
049influence. Um but I am grateful for it in my life. Uh one of the things that I've loved most about watching you be superintendent is the confidence that you have in people. Um we were talking the other day about um sometimes there were positions created or maybe responsibilities that that someone hadn't previously um done. And I think you have a remarkable ability to see who people can be and what they're capable of. And the reason that they can achieve that is because they know about your confidence in them. And so it has been a privilege from where we sit to watch as different people have grown into different roles and their watch their leadership develop. I think that's for me a hallmark of a great leader is somebody who's invested with the people around them
050and helping them to be better. And so watching people flourish under your guidance has really been um a privilege. And then the last thing I wanted to share. Um so superintendent has embarked on listening tours and um we were invited to go. I sat in the back and my very favorite thing after everyone um parents and employees was it it's like he really cares like he was really listening and I said well it's because he does right there is you bring a genuiness um to a role that could seem maybe far removed and just knowing that you have listened that you've heard their concerns and maybe everything wasn't always resolved um but you put people first and um we will miss that. We thank you. Um Rhonda, thank you for being a wonderful example and
051a trusted mentor. I have absolutely loved working with you. Um when I think of you, Shane, the word that keeps coming up is the principled piece. And it was interesting how often that came up in the video and just how truly authentic you are. Um that you are someone who does not have guile. Um, which to be in a space like this and not have guile is probably a little bit dangerous. Um, but I have always appreciated that. And one of the thing that I think resonates with both of you is that you're both caretakers. So, thank you for taking care of so many of us. Like Joy Lynn, I also had to write down my thoughts. Um, but here I am kind of going off. Um, Dr. Friendssworth, one of the things I've appreciated
052the most is what a great example you are of a, like she was saying, a principled peacemaker. It's such a good example to me because I find myself often just like agreeing with people and and anytime some sort of conflict comes up, you're able to not just approach it, but approach it with grace and kindness and also stand your ground when necessary with that kindness. And it's something that I so admire about you and I've learned so much from you watching you do that. And so many times I've been in a circumstance and I look over at you like, is this normal? Do we normally have this type of situations? But I know that I can look to you and you're always going to smile at me and help me and guide me through it.
053And I just super appreciate that. So I'm gonna go to my words. Um, when I was elected last November, I was nervous to step into my role. But little did I know I'd be landing in such a soft place. From day one, working with you, it's been an incredible experience. You bring grace, diplomacy, and genuine care to your work. In our very first meeting, our first study session, you shared the metaphor about three new trees growing from a fallen one, a mother tree. And it was such a beautiful image of renewal and growth and it set the perfect tone for this year and all of these things. And you bring that to every situation that I see that I have been with you in. You bring um such a great perspective. And while I'm excited
054for this next chapter, um I know that we're losing a very steady and calm leader and you will be greatly missed. So, thank you. and Rhonda. Um, it's been such a joy to work with you like right from the start. You have this gift for putting people at ease and making everything run smoothly behind the scenes. Even though not everybody can see that, I all of us can see it. And your kindness and calm presence make a huge difference for all of us. Even in the short time I've known you, I'm really sad to see you go. And I'm also happy for you because you get to spend some time with your family and with new adventures with your retirement. So, thank you for all of your service and all of your amazingness. Often when
055I'm asked by constituents or even other board members throughout the state and they'll ask me why I love Alpine and I think part of the reason I love Alpine is because Alpine really does support and link arms with families. I have really felt that and I have felt that uh in the district office and as you walk through and you have conversations with Rhonda or Shane uh there's no doubt in your mind that they love their own families and a lot of the decisions and the things that they do in the district is because they care about families and Rhonda often speaks of her children, her husband, her grandchildren and how much she loves them. She has the ability to multitask at a whole other level. I think they want to study your brain and
056how you do what you do because it's it is amazing. I I appreciate all the conversations uh that I've had with Rhonda throughout the years and her her kindness. People have said that already and her steadiness. She's been a true friend. Um I'm I'm grateful for Shane and for his friendship. I appreciate him and Maryanne and Sam and I consider them good friends. And I have learned um from Shane how to dialogue better, how to understand better, how to give goodwill, to give people the benefit of the doubt better. He is principled. That's been mentioned and and that has given me pause of how I can make sure that I'm always making decisions that are principled. and he has and always has been able to adjust so well. He has such a willingness to adjust
057and he understands the bigger picture of things and I'm I'm I'm happy slashsad uh of his his leaving and I I don't even know if the public fully understands what a great job he has done in carrying this district and probably one of the most difficult things that our communities will ever go through. and he has been so principled since the beginning and he has led us with grace and with understanding and so we're we're losing two good people tonight but we wish them the best and we wish them the best with their families and Mariana Todd thank you for sacrificing your time and get and sharing your good good spouses with us. Thank you. Okay, I'll try and keep these comments brief, but for Rhonda, the three words that I wrote down were kindness,
058dedication, and confidence. And then the other thing that really stands out to me, whether I'd be going to see if Shane was in his office or going to talk to Rhonda, um coming to her desk, always felt warmth and love, just uh welcoming and um just such such kindness there. Uh for Shane, I think we both came to the district office about the same time about 12 years ago and have worked together in many different, you know, in different roles that we've had. And I've just really valued the collaboration that he shows as we work through many years ago working through FTE allocations, how to make that easier for principles or just different things that we would work to together in in boundary studies in operations. and for him, he's always been so kind and
059supportive of me and really had so much confidence. So, I really appreciate that. Um, we also recognize that um the spouse with the person who's doing this job also gives significantly. So, Todd and Maryanne, we also have cards for you and thank you for all you do to provide support at home. Sorry, one more. Also, former board member Amber Bonner made this beautiful quilt um for superintendent. It has all of our secondary schools on it, and it was really fun as we were procuring all of the shirts to go to listen to everybody's favorite memory of superintendent. So, we hope that you will enjoy that in your movie watching adventures. Thank you very much, Rhonda. You never get a microphone. I'm good. Okay, before I express any remarks, I would Okay. Uh, thank you board
060of education for your uh graciousness. Thank you for your confidence, your trust in me. Uh, over 26 year career, this certainly last four to five years have been the highlight. Uh, I have grown in ways that I didn't know I needed to. Uh, I've experienced things that I could not have imagined I would have experienced. It has been, as I've said before, delightful um to work with each of you. you are dear friends and uh it has been a challenging joyful opportunity and uh I appreciate the trust the confidence that was placed in me and appointing me to this position and the support along the way as we have handled challenging situations and circumstances and uh and the continued trust uh really the uh autonomy to develop a strategic plan that went after student learning
061that you were fully supporting sort of uh has been just a great blessing uh great opportunity. I appreciate also my team Rhonda I mentioned but uh the senior leadership team we were able to organize them you were supportive of those changes and I think that just accelerated the work we're able to do because of the outstanding people that I was able to associate with. And then uh as was mentioned, I appreciate uh my family. Uh some of them are here today um just uh unwavering support, love and um sharing uh that bandwidth um that I have in limited ways sometimes with others. And I appreciate uh Maryanne heard many a board meeting report on Tuesday nights after I got home. and uh I used to put her to sleep with my dissertation discussion. Um but
062this these these conversations didn't put her to sleep. So uh but again it's been uh a pleasure. It's been uh just a great growth experience and I I could not have scripted a better career for myself than what I was able to achieve in Alpine School District. it has exceeded um what I thought I was capable of, what I thought I deserved, and I'm grateful for um those experiences. My life I am a better person because of my association with you, because of this position and uh I hope to continue to um use those talents and abilities and opportunities I've been given to continue to further uh public education. I am a deep believer, a product of public education and my children are and I believe deeply in the institution of public education. So, thank
063you very much. I know we're going to swear in a new superintendent, a good friend, uh trusted, loyal colleague, and I have full confidence in you, Rob, and uh the work that you will do over the next couple years to create three strong districts. and I appreciate your willingness to do this, your support of your family and their willingness to make a second run at this as well. And Bri, you haven't been noticed yet, but uh thank you for uh filling Rhonda's shoes. And uh it was it's just been delightful to talk with her and and see her level of confidence in you and your capacity and your ability to say that we just won't skip a beat with Bri coming u to this position. So congratulations and I wish you well. So thank you
064very much. [Applause] We can share. Do you have to raise your right arm to the square? Okay. Uh if you'll repeat. I state your name. I, Robertson, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah and the Constitution of the State of Utah. And that I will dis discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. That I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. Thank you. [Applause] Next on the agenda, we have board member and superintendent reports and information items. I just have a couple of thank yous to give out. Um, thank you to Rich Stole and the communications department has been working really hard on rolling out the new websites for the district and each
065of the schools and it's going really well. Everybody's working really hard to make sure that that's going off without a hitch and it's a huge lift. So, thank you so much. I also want to take a moment to thank all of the custodians and sweepers and physical facilities that are working so hard over the summer. Um, my son was a sweeper for a while. They are out there pulling weeds in the morning and they are mowing the lawns and they are waxing the floors. They're working hard to make sure that the schools are ready for the new school year. So, I just wanted to say a quick thank you Okay. Uh, with no other reports, um, I will entertain a motion for us to adjurnn. I move that we adjourn. Okay. We have a motion
066by board member Bon. Do we have a second? Second. Okay. Second by board member Peterson. Um, board member Wilson. I. Board member Lincoln. I. Board member Clement. Hi. Board member Baitman. I. Board member Peterson. Hi. Board member Bon. Hi. Board member King. I And the meeting is adjourned. Thank you. [Applause]