By: Brynn Carnesecca  

American Fork is filled to the brim with incredible teachers, volunteers and students who help make the schools go ’round. These behind-the-scenes heroes usually stay in the background, but the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) hosts a red-carpet-style awards night once a year to shine a light on their efforts.

Throughout the year, the PTSA contributes immensely to each school in AF. 

“The purpose of the PTSA is to make sure every child has a voice,” said AFHS PTSA president Keri Miner. “We, as PTSA members, are representing, fighting for and advocating for our children.” 

The PTSA holds a dinner and breakfast for teachers, hosts Haunted Hallways with the student council and hosts a grad night for the seniors. 

At the end of each school year, the local PTSA council holds an awards night for each school in American Fork. AFHS, AFJH, and Barratt, Forbes, Greenwood, Shelley and Legacy Elementary schools all choose outstanding people to receive the awards. 

“We honor a staff member, a student and a volunteer that has gone above and beyond in the PTSA or for the school,” Miner explained. 

The awards were given as follows: 

American Fork High School 

Volunteer: Jamila Williams

Teacher/Staff: Lisa Collier

Student: Katelyn Christensen

American Fork Junior High

Volunteer: Kristie Jensen

Teacher/Staff: Kevin Dickerson

Student: Steven Bautista

Barratt Elementary

Volunteer: Stacy Watkins

Teacher/Staff: Karalee Saldivar

Student: Kili Willing

Forbes Elementary

Volunteer: Kandace Zobell

Teacher/Staff: Kate Chavez 

Student: Madeline Arndt

Greenwood Elementary

Volunteer: Amy Shreeve

Teacher/Staff: Rachel Detering

Student: Dayton Ryan

Shelley Elementary

Volunteer: Katie Zollinger

Teacher/Staff: Angi Cummings

Student: Miranda Leck

Legacy Elementary

Volunteer: Megan Handy

Teacher/Staff: Amberlie Benson

Student: Alana Anderson

The PTSA awards aim to recognize individuals for their fantastic work on the community level. 

“We love to award people and make them feel like their efforts are making a difference,” said Miner. “Volunteer organizations are hard because you don’t usually get a pat on the back. We don’t get paid, but it’s important to show them that what we do makes a difference and that someone is noticing you.”

By: Skyler Beltran

Today marked the beginning of the end for Alpine School District (ASD), Utah’s largest school district as we know it. Established in 1915 with fewer than 5,000 students, the district has grown to educate nearly 85,000 students in 2024. 

ASD just recently concluded its reconfiguration study conducted by MGT Consulting. The six-month study, which yielded six viable reconfiguration plans, concluded with a recommendation to the ASD Board by MGT Consulting earlier this month. The proposal recommended a two-way district split, which did not sit well with many cities in the northern and western areas of the district.

In a decisive move, Lehi City convened a special meeting on Monday where the City Council voted to initiate proceedings to form an interlocal agreement with American Fork, Highland, Alpine, Cedar Hills and the portion of Draper situated in Utah County. American Fork held a similar meeting Monday evening. The northeast cities have been in negotiations for several weeks and agreed over the weekend to move forward with a unified district split.

The three western ASD School Board members, Stacy Bateman, Joylin Lincoln and Julie King, all support the interlocal agreement and have been involved in the discussions leading up to this point. Lincoln and King were in attendance at Lehi’s Monday’s emergency meeting. 

“No final decisions are being made today. We’re getting prepared to make a filing with the county tomorrow. There will be a lot of opportunities for discussion and public comment. This is just the beginning of the process,” said Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson. 

The first step in this process will be Mayor Johnson, the designated interlocal agreement leader, formally notifying Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson of the cities’ intent to create their new school district through an interlocal agreement. There will then be a 45-day public comment period with at least two public hearings to solicit community feedback. After the 45-day window, the respective city councils will convene to vote on establishing the new district for voter approval. 

Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Cedar Valley and Fairfield are set to take similar action by voting on Monday evening to initiate the formation of a western school district. This leaves Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Orem and Vineyard in the midst of working through a southern interlocal agreement so each region can determine their educational future.

“The west, who is meeting tonight, will be recognizing support for our interlocal movement, and we should do the same in our motion. We aren’t competing, and we don’t overlap; we’re supporting each other’s interlocals,” said Johnson before taking a motion during Monday’s meeting.

“I’m vested in the success of this split, not only for Lehi but also for all cities to be part of a viable, strong district. There is a long list of things to consider, and ensuring we have good outcomes and paths forward for each district is essential to me. All the cities have shared that same desire with me. The possibility of a split has united the leadership of our cities, and we have formed relationships that will help us look out for each other and ensure that future districts will be empowered to work together to support our teachers and children,” said Lehi City council member Heather Newall in a social media post Sunday night. 

Newall motioned to approve the interlocal agreement on Monday, and council member Chris Condie seconded the motion before receiving unanimous support from the Lehi City Council. 

Voters will ultimately decide the fate of these proposed districts when they cast their ballots in the upcoming November General Election. Voters will only vote on the interlocal agreement district directly affecting their city.

By: Brynn Carnesecca

During the week of April 11, the American Fork High School Orchestra had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., and perform two large concerts. The performances were a smashing success, with over 80 people on the trip. 

Shauna Smith, director of the AFHS Orchestra for over 27 years, has brought students to the nation’s capital in years past but never had the unique chance to perform at the Lincoln Memorial. As part of an annual tour, the 61 students flew to Washington and traveled around the city. Working with the Infinity Tour Company, Smith and her assistant director, Nancy Auga, attempted to get a permit to play at the Lincoln Memorial. The orchestra needed permission from the National Parks Service to perform, but with no permit, the group continued to tour the sights and hoped for a miracle.

The orchestra members, chaperones and directors began their tour by visiting and holding a formal concert at Southern Virginia University. They also saw Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello and the Natural Bridge Caverns, attended a Yo-Yo Ma concert, and visited the harrowing 9/11 memorial. The orchestra’s assistant director was scheduled for 9/11 flight 93, destined to strike Washington, D.C. 

“I think it was really poignant for them to see this,” Smith shared. “It became a lot more real and personal.” 

The orchestra got the miracle they needed at 2 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled Lincoln Memorial performance. Their permit had finally come. The large crew packed into buses and arrived on site to find another permit-holding performance group intending to use the space. After a brief discussion, the orchestra finally negotiated to perform on the steps for thousands of spectators. 

“The minute that we set up and started playing, there were phones everywhere,” said Smith.  

Although the wind blew their sheet music around, superhero chaperones gathered it, and students kept it in place with their feet. 

“They never stopped playing, even when they lost music,” said Smith. “They knew exactly what they were doing, and I was really proud of them. They were so prepared.”  

The orchestra performed traditional Americana songs, including “America the Beautiful,” “Johnny Comes Marching Home” and “Arlington Sketches.”

The audience was touched and impressed by the performance. 

“After we performed at the Lincoln Memorial, I met a lady from Spain who had come to the United States to see the landmarks,” Smith explained. “She walked up to me and told me how proud she was of these kids and how wonderful they sounded. She said, ‘Thanks for making my stay a really enjoyable one.’” Another man who was a tour operator for many years commented that the orchestra was one of the best he had ever heard. 

Ultimately, Smith and Auga hope the students were inspired by the experience and able to learn about music and the country. 

“I want the kids to understand that there is more to music than just playing their instrument,” Smith expressed. “Music is a way of expression and being bigger than just themselves. Whether or not they continue to play as adults, they will appreciate what it takes to create everything.” Smith hopes to continue to stay at AFHS for years to come. “I love the kids, and I love the music; that’s why I’m still here.” 

AFHS Orchestra hopes to have such incredible opportunities in the future.

By: Skyler Beltran

After years of deliberation and a now concluded study by Florida-based MGT Consulting, the largest school district in the state with 85,000 students, the Alpine School District (ASD) is facing an imminent decision on a district split. The district has been at the center of discussions surrounding its structure and organization. With the study’s conclusion, stakeholders face crucial choices that will shape the future of education in the region, and the race to the November ballot is on. 

The study, which started in the fall of 2023, included presenting six viable reconfiguration plans to ASD staff and the public during three open house forums earlier this year. On Tuesday night, MGT Consulting recommended to the ASD Board that they put forth a two-way district split on the ballot. The recommendation acknowledged that while the district currently provides a quality education to its students, according to most parents, there remains a desire among the community to have a say in the district’s future at the ballot box. 

“By and large, everyone believes the district is doing a good job educating kids, but they still endorse a ballot vote,” said MGT representative Lance Richards during Tuesday’s meeting. 

According to the MGT study, while the majority of stakeholders, including parents and taxpayers, support the idea of voting on a split this year, district employees have expressed opposition. 

With recently passed SB221 taking effect on May 1, time is of the essence, and a race to the ballot is on.

SB221 provides four routes for a potential district split: through the school district, a city or municipality, a citizen initiative, or an interlocal agreement between neighboring municipalities. The choice of route significantly impacts the voting process. If ASD initiates the split, all affected voters within the district must approve the change with a majority overall. However, if it arises from a city or interlocal agreement, only residents within the proposed new district vote on the proposal. 

The Alpine School District Board of Education has not indicated when they plan to announce their preferred split option but have discussed option two and option three as the most likely choices from the board. They are also exploring the option of sending both a two-way and three-way split to the voters.

“A majority of survey respondents wanted Lehi to go west, but those in the Skyridge and Lehi High School clusters responded that they want Lehi to go east,” said Richards.  

Meanwhile, cities have been franticly coordinating interlocal options behind the scenes. 

Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield are preparing to file an interlocal agreement to establish a western district during their May 7 City Council meetings. If filed first, this move could preempt ASD’s preferred reconfiguration from reaching the ballot. 

Lehi City officials will also convene next Tuesday to discuss joining forces with Highland, Alpine, and Cedar Hills to the east. Meanwhile, American Fork remains undecided, expressing hesitancy in joining any interlocal agreement at this time.

“This is becoming too political, and Amercian Fork is going to take a stance that we believe strongly that even though interlocasare a tool that has been granted to us by the state of Utah, we don’tdon’t have to use every tool. From American Fork City Council and the residents, we want to empower you to make the right decision and make that decision yours. You have all the data. I know you’re good people and you will make the right decision. Don’t let the city government take this decision away from you,” said American Fork Mayor Brad Frost during Tuesday’s ASD board meeting. 

For an ASD split to be on this year’s 2024 General Election ballot, the entire process must be started by mid-May and completed by the district, city, or an interlocal agreement by August 15.

If voters approve a district split on this year’s November ballot, the new school district or districts will begin education service on July 1, 2027. The new school district boards would be elected in or around July 2025 and spend the following two years addressing asset distribution, policies, and staffing.

By: Jennifer Thomas

The Accent on Excellence Awards are an opportunity to honor educators and employees throughout Alpine School District who are exemplary role models and quality educators. Faculty and employees are selected by each school in the district as “Teacher of the Year” and “Employee of the Year.” 

A select group of district leaders and members of the Alpine School District Foundation Board evaluate the submissions and choose 20 teachers from the submissions to be Accent on Excellence winners, as well as three classified employees/support professionals to be recognized. The district leadership also gives recognition to an administrator of the year. 

Each of the 24 honorees are then surprised by the Superintendent with the announcement that they are recipients of the award. Alpine School District Foundation and local businesses partner together to recognize and celebrate the award recipients. This all happens once every school year. 

Jacob Figueira, Life Skills teacher at Skyridge High School was a winner of the Accent on Excellence Award this year. 

Chad Wiet, assistant principal at Skyridge High School said, “Mr. Figueira has been a teacher at Skyridge for seven years and has worked for a total of 19 years in Alpine School District. He is a dedicated and compassionate Special Education teacher who is a beacon of support for his students, fostering a love for learning. His enthusiasm extends beyond the classroom, as he plays a pivotal role in the success of the Unified Athletics and peer tutor support programs at Skyridge. Jake is all about creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. He is a valued member of our Skyridge faculty and we appreciate his selfless service.”

American Fork High School teacher Allison Noble was also chosen for the Accent on Excellence Award. 

“Alli Noble has been a stellar math teacher for 12 years at American Fork High School. Ms. Noble makes personal connections with students a priority. She starts each class with a fun question so students can display their creativity and feel a sense of community. Her calm demeanor and sense of humor, combined with high expectations has helped students reach high levels of learning in a subject they are required to take. Alli teaches AB Calculus but has always made it a priority to take on classes with the most struggling students. No matter their ability, all of her students share a respect and appreciation for her. She is an amazing leader and works to ensure the success of every student at our school, not just the ones in her class. Her influence goes beyond her own department. She is a respected voice on our faculty and a champion for all students,” said Peter Glahn, American Fork High School principal. 

2024 Accent on Excellence Winners

The Accent on Excellence Awards are important, as they “afford us the opportunity to recognize some of the most amazing educators throughout the Alpine School District. These fantastic individuals lead, love and serve in inspirational ways and do so much good for the students in our schools. It is an inspiration to learn about them and then surprise them with this honor by coming into their classrooms or worksites and celebrating them with those whose lives they affect so deeply. We are grateful for the many generous donors and sponsors who make it possible for us to say thank you to these exemplary contributors in this very special place,” said Tyler Vigue, Executive Director of the Alpine School District Foundation.

If your child is fortunate enough to be in Michael Bottita’s third-grade class at Legacy Elementary in American Fork, you can save on tickets to Universal Studios in Florida—Mr. Bottita brings the enchanting world of Hogwarts right to his students. As a dedicated teacher with a deep passion for literacy, Bottita has earned acclaim for his innovative teaching methods that not only boost reading skills but also bring magical experiences into the classroom. This approach not only enhances learning but significantly enriches the educational journey of his students.

Bottita’s classroom is not just a space for learning; it’s a gateway to magical worlds, particularly the enchanting universe of Harry Potter. His unique end-of-year celebration transforms his classroom into a Hogwarts-themed wonder, meticulously crafted with the help of over 300 volunteer hours. This immersive experience, which has grown significantly over the years, not only celebrates students’ advancements in reading but also ignites their imaginations and love for literature.

The significance of this event cannot be overstated. As Bottita explains, the idea originated from a desire to surprise his daughter with a thematic party, which has since evolved into a beloved tradition. His dedication is evident as he fosters a deep connection with his students, even going so far as to keep the upcoming party a secret to build excitement and wonder.

At Bottita’s Hogwarts celebration, the element of surprise plays a crucial role. Just yesterday, his students were informed about the transformation and the upcoming party. In a delightful twist, an over six-foot-tall character dressed as Hagrid—a beloved figure from the Harry Potter series—delivered personalized letters to each student. These invitations beckoned the young wizards and witches to their transformed classroom, now a replica of Hogwarts, where they would attend the magical school the following day. This immersive, surprise element not only enhances the excitement but deeply engages the students in their literary journey, making reading a truly enchantive experience.

Bottita’s efforts resonate well beyond the classroom walls. He instills a love of reading in his students, transforming reluctant readers into enthusiastic learners. His approach is validated by the distressing statistics linking early literacy struggles with later academic and social challenges. According to Bill Hulterstrom, President & CEO of United Way of Utah County, children who do not meet reading standards by the end of third grade are significantly more at risk of falling behind and eventually dropping out of high school.

This is a concern that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the crucial role of educators like Bottita. United Way emphasizes the collective effort needed to promote literacy and support educational development, recognizing the pivotal role teachers play in combating these emerging challenges.

In celebrating Bottita’s contributions, it’s also essential to acknowledge the community’s role. Parents and volunteers rally behind his vision, contributing to the elaborate setups and breakdowns of the thematic events. Kristen Anderson plays a major roll in volunteering even through she no longer has any students in his class. Anderson said, “I love Legacy Elementary. I love our community. And I love being a part of it.”

Michael Bottita’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a dedicated teacher can have on his students and their broader community. His innovative methods and deep commitment to enhancing literacy not only improve educational outcomes but also enrich the lives of all those involved in the Legacy Elementary community. As we look forward, it is clear that educators like Bottita will be vital in navigating the evolving challenges of education and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed.

By: Skyler Beltran

The possibility of a split within the Alpine School District is closer than ever, whether through an official ASD ballot initiative or an interlocal agreement negotiated between cities and presented to voters. The prospect of dividing the district has sparked conversations regarding the cost of administrative staff. 

This breakdown of ASD employees who made over $200,000 total compensation in 2023 shows the administration salaries and benefits at the top levels.

ASD Position: Salary (Benefits) – Total Compensation

1. Business Manager: $244,219 ($101,698) – $345,917

2. Superintendent: $240,450 ($101,186) – $341,636

3. Director of External Communications: $189,842 ($82,525) – $272,367

4. Director of Educational Opportunities: $175,967 ($78,869) – $254,845

5. Director of Teaching & Learning: $175,976 ($78,790) – $254,766

6. Administrator of K-6 Central Schools: $174,909 ($78,580) – $253,489

7. Administrator of Technology: $174,909 ($78,557) – $253, 466

8. Director of Human Resources: $173,665 ($78,298) – $251,963

9. Director of Internal Communications: $185,220 ($66,555) – $251,775

10. Administrator of K-6 West Schools: $177,220 ($72,756) – $249,976

11. Administrator of Secondary Schools: $170,287 ($77,345) – $247,632

12. Director of Administrative Development: $168,406 ($76,481) – $244,888

13. Administrator of Secondary Schools: $167,976 ($76,834) – $244,810

14. Director of Operations: $167,976 ($76,799) – $244,775

15. Director of Leadership: $166,732 ($77,389) – $244,121

16. Director of Legal: $170,251 ($71,407) – $241,658 

17. Administrator of K-6 South Schools: $161,943 ($75,391) – $236,434

18. Director of Curriculum: $165,845 ($69,745) – $235,590

19. Director of Innovative Learning: $158,298 ($73,604) – $231,902

20. Administrator of K-6 North Schools: $156,421 ($74,067) – $230,488

21. Director of Facilities: $156,421 ($74,032) – $230,453 

22. Director of Student Services: $151,365 ($73,258) – $224,623

23. Human Resources Supervisor: $151,365 ($71,800) – $223,165

24. Director of K-6 Curriculum: $149,668 ($71,333) – $221,001

25. Director of 7-12 Curriculum: $147,357 ($71,009) – $218,366

26. Director of Professional Curriculum: $158,258 ($59,502) – $217,800

27. Transportation Supervisor: $144,432 ($70,238) – $214,670

28. Director of Data Service: $144,432 ($69,345) – $213,777

29. Director of Special Education: $147,357 ($64,216) – $211,573

30. Human Resources Supervisor: $141,318 ($69,200) – $210,519

31. Director of Research: $142,121 ($63,038) – $205,159

32. Student Support Supervisor: $135,188 ($66,904) – $202,092

33. Administrator of K-6 Southwest Schools: $179,531 ($22,355) – $201,886

By: Skyler Beltran

Alpine School District stakeholders have discussed a split of the state’s largest school district, with over 85,000 students, for the last several years. Orem’s failed Prop 2 ballot question and the district-wide bond failure of 2022 have left ASD patrons questioning: What should we do?

ASD is in the middle of a district-split study conducted by Florida-based MGT Consulting. The study started in the fall of 2023, and MGT’s initial results were recently presented to ASD staff and the public during three open house forums earlier this month. MGT shared Six viable reconfiguration plans.

Now what?

With the passing of SB221 this year, an outline for what’s next has been codified in Utah law.

Provo Senator Keith Grover (R) sponsored SB221. He taught in the Jordan School District during its split nearly 16 years ago. In the House, the bill was sponsored by Susan Pulsipher (R), who previously served on the Jordan School District Board after its split.

“I’ve been working on this bill for two years. It came from right in my backyard after Orem had a proposed split. It created a lot of hard feelings. Through that process, we noticed that some ofthe [Utah] code wasn’t helpful…these things are incredibly political and incredibly emotional,” said Senator Grover on the Senate Floor in February. 

The bill requires a feasibility study, public notice and public comment with at least two open houses. If a new district(s) is passed, the formation of new school district boards, asset allocation, and special needs student protections are required. It also requires the existing school district to be dissolved when the new school districts begin providing education services. 

“Should the decision be made to split, it calls for all the districts in the split to become new districts. In the Jordan district split, Canyons became a new district and started over, but Jordan continued as the same district. However, in reality, it wasn’t. That was a situation where that district had 40% of the money and 60% of the kids. It was very difficult for the old district to move forward,” said Rep. Pulsipher on the House Floor. 

“The new district could keep the same name and even the same policies, but that would have to be adopted and done intentionally. It allows a clean start,” continued Pulsipher. 

The bill allows four different routes for a district split: the school district, a city or municipality, a citizen initiative, or an interlocal agreement between neighboring cities or municipalities.

The most likely scenario is the school district sending a split to the ballot, like ASD is currently studying, or a city or interlocal agreement between cities that decide to go on their own. The most significant difference in the process comes from who votes on the proposal. In the district ballot option, all voters affected (district-wide) must approve the change. If a city or interlocal agreement between cities decides to send it to the ballot, only those voters residing in the new proposed district must approve the change.

SB 221 also altered the previous “island” isolation area clause, which would have prohibited many cities from creating their own district.

“The “island” isolation clause would be for areas with less than 5,000 students, similar to the Suncrest area,” said Jesse Riddle, Orem City Attorney, who assisted in crafting the bill and spoke during the Committee Hearing. 

If voters approve a district split on this year’s November ballot, the new school district or districts will begin education service on July 1, 2027. The new school district boards would be elected in or around July 2025 and spend the following two years addressing asset distribution, policies, and staffing.

The interruption for students with disabilities or those requiring special services was also outlined in SB221 by the state legislature, permitting students to attend a school that serves students with disabilities within or outside of each school district boundary for five years.

For an ASD split to be on this year’s 2024 General Election ballot, the entire process must be started by mid-May and completed by the district, city, or an interlocal agreement by August 15.

By: Skyler Beltran

The Alpine School District (ASD) and Florida-based MGT Consulting firm will host three public forums this week. Residents will have the opportunity to see the six proposed ASD split options and to provide feedback to MGT and the district. 

The meetings will start at 7 p.m. each night and will be at three different locations. The meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, March 12 at Timpanogos High School in Orem.

Wednesday, March 13 at Vista Heights Middle School in Saratoga Springs.

Thursday, March 14 at American Fork Junior High in American Fork.

By: Skyler Beltran

The Alpine School District (ASD) has garnered public attention with its recent announcement of plans to issue a lease revenue bond of up to $175 million. The district says the proposed bond is to fund the construction of a new Saratoga Springs High School.

The decision to pursue the bond now suggests a strategic maneuver by the Alpine School District to circumvent upcoming changes to state law. Senate Bill 86 (SB86) will become law on May 1, 2024, and the new State law will impose a cap on school district lease revenue bonds at $200 million within a consecutive three-year period.

The new bond issuance is urgent because the district would surpass the $200 million limit. Last year, ASD issued a $90 million bond to build a middle school in Eagle Mountain. This school construction followed ASD voters’ rejection of a $595 million general obligation bond in 2022.

“The growth in the west continues to climb, and by 2028, Cedar Valley High School and Westlake High School are projected to have a combined enrollment of over 6,000 students. A lease revenue bond would provide current resources allocated to capital to address our current capital needs,” said ASD Spokesperson Kimberly Bird when reached for comment on Wednesday. 

A public meeting with the bond item on the agenda is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at the District office, 575 N 100 E, American Fork, UT 84003.