Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

The 2025 general election winning count shows Brad Frost winning his third term as mayor with 4,863 votes to George Brown’s 1,364. That’s about 78% of voters choosing to re-elect Frost as Mayor through 2029.

In the City Council race, Ryan Hunter had the highest votes with 3,873, followed by Staci Carroll with 3,843, Deb Anderson with 2,990, and Seth Stewart with 790.  With the highest two vote counts, Hunter and Carroll secured their re-election to the council. 

The inaugural Aspen Peaks School Board elections also drew attention, with two races on the ballot — Seats 6 and 7. In Seat 6, Jeanne-Marie Burrows edged out Tyler Bahr by only 99 votes, 1,715 to 1,616. Seat 6 includes portions of both American Fork and Lehi.

In Seat 7, Jason Theler finished on top with 2,876 votes, ahead of Stephanie Jones, who had 2,041.

By Rob Shelton

The preliminary count shows Brad Frost leading with 2,714 votes to George Brown’s 754. That’s about 78% of voters choosing to re-elect Frost as Mayor through 2029.

In the City Council race, Ryan Hunter and Staci Carroll are essentially tied for the two open seats. Hunter earned 2,160 votes, while Carroll finished just seven votes behind at 2,153. Deb Anderson, a first-time candidate, pulled in 1,619 votes, and Seth Stewart placed fourth with 457 votes.

The inaugural Aspen Peaks School Board elections also drew attention, with two races on the ballot — Seats 6 and 7. In Seat 6, Jeanne-Marie Burrows appears to have edged out Tyler Bahr by only 66 votes, 928 to 862, in early results. Seat 6 includes portions of both American Fork and Lehi.
In Seat 7, Jason Theler finished on top with 1,577 votes, ahead of Stephanie Jones, who had 1,193.

Election officials released this first batch of results Tuesday night, noting that provisional and absentee ballots are still to be counted.

Matt Hemmert | American Fork Citizen

Many Utah County voters expressed concern and confusion about the voter information and instructions they received from the Utah County Clerk’s office regarding the general election ballot.

The voting instructions included a warning that voters must include the last four digits of a valid Utah driver’s license, state identification card, or Social Security number, or risk “your ballot not being counted.” However, ballot envelopes do not designate a place for a voter to provide that information.

On October 20, the Utah County Clerk issued a clarification that only a signature is required for a ballot to be returned and that voter instructions align with a new Utah voter ID law that isn’t yet in effect. County clerk Aaron Davidson explained that the county included a place for identification numbers on the primary ballot, but that Davidson didn’t like it and omitted it from general election ballots. Rather than reprinting voter instructions, he continued, he decided to send incorrect ballot information and answer questions afterward.  

What is required on my ballot envelope?  

After sealing your ballot in the return envelope, your signature in the designated space on the envelope is all that is required to return your ballot.

How do I submit my ballot?

You can submit your ballot envelope in multiple ways.

• Through the U.S. Postal Service with no postage required. Please note, however, that a ballot must be received by the Utah County Clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on November 4, regardless of when you place it in the mail.
• By dropping it off at the designated ballot drop box no later than 8 p.m. on November 4. Lehi’s drop box is located on the south side of the Lehi Public Safety Building (120 N 100 E, Lehi). Other drop box locations can be found on the Utah County Elections Division’s website.

Can I vote in person if I want to?

Yes, you can vote in person.

• Through November 3, you can vote early in person at the Utah County Elections Office (100 E Center Street, Provo).
• On November 4 (Election Day), you can vote in person at the Broadbent Community Room in the Lehi Public Safety Building (120 N 100 E, Lehi). Other vote centers can be found on the Utah County Elections Division’s website.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Two veteran teachers aim to lead American Fork students through the most significant change in local education history, but they view the path forward differently. Jason Theler and Stephanie Jones both bring classroom experience to the race for Aspen Peaks School District’s Seat 7. Yet, their recent interviews revealed contrasting visions on everything from tax policy to teacher unions.

The candidates sat down separately for rapid-fire interviews with the American Fork Citizen, fielding 15 questions from readers with just one minute to respond. They hadn’t seen the questions beforehand, and their answers revealed both common ground and sharp divides on key issues.  Here are some highlights of the interview.  Recordings of the full interviews are available to watch at the bottom of this article.

Election Day is Nov. 4. Mail-in ballots began to be sent out after Oct. 14. Voters who don’t receive a ballot in the mail should call the Utah County Elections Office at 801-851-8683. Mail-in ballots must be received by the elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Voters are urged to mail their ballots early or use an official county drop box to ensure they’re counted.

The winner will help shape the new district when it splits from Alpine School District in July 2027.

Tax policy divides candidates.

The proposed tax increment emerged as a flashpoint. Jones said she was in favor of the one increment increase, calling it “imperative that we work with the legislature to make this not so complicated.” She argued that the burden of school funding falls too heavily on school boards and property taxes.

Theler framed the issue differently. “You can’t have everything you want, but you can have some things you want,” he said. “You just have to determine what some things we’re not going to have.”

Union relations spark contrast.

Where did the candidates differ more sharply than on teacher unions? Jones, who belonged to the Alpine Education Association for years, said flatly: “I am in favor of teacher unions.” She praised the collaborative relationship in Alpine School District and added, “I think it’s important that teachers believe that they have a voice, that they have an advocate.”

Theler acknowledged that unions provide “some advocacy” and a “collective voice,” but warned about overreach. “When unions start to drift off into other things that are only related to education on the margins, I think that’s when not only they get off task and off target, but that’s where a lot of the frustration comes,” he said.

Both lean on Alpine’s framework

Regarding policy development, both candidates aim to build upon the Alpine School District’s existing policies. “Alpine is a great starting spot with the current policies they have,” Theler said, noting Utah’s legislature is unusually active on education issues.

Jones agreed, pointing out “the legislature has made it clear that for the first year, we will operate under the existing policies and procedures from Alpine school district.” She called the extended timeline a gift, saying, “We’ll know we’re successful if our students don’t even realize they’re in a new school district.”

Budget priorities and operational gaps

When asked about creating the inaugural budget, Theler offered a simple test: “If you can’t draw a direct line from a certain budget category to student or teacher success, then that needs to go to the bottom.” He named transportation, teachers, and facilities as clear direct-line items.

Jones emphasized the need to “hold teachers harmless” while conducting a thorough audit. “None of it happens without the great work of our teachers,” she said.

During the transition, Theler identified a key challenge: balancing the needs of current students with the construction of three new districts. “How do we not only allow those current professionals to serve our current students and our current staff as best as possible, and still give them some time if they are highly coveted professionals to help set up these new districts?”

Charter schools and parental choice

Both candidates supported school choice with caveats. “There needs to be parity in funding and parity in expectations,” Theler said. “Otherwise, it’s apples and oranges.”

Jones was more pointed. “As a school board member for Aspen Peaks, my loyalty lies with Aspen Peaks and the public-school students who attend the district,” she said, opposing the diversion of constitutional education funds to alternative programs.

Personal appeals

Theler closed by highlighting his energy for public service. “I love people. I’m a people person,” he said. “I don’t get upset. I enjoy rubbing shoulders. I enjoy solving problems. That amps me up.”

Jones urged voters to check her website and join her mission. “I am all in for Aspen Peaks. I am passionate about our students, our public schools and public education,” she said. “I believe I bring something different. I am not the same old.”

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Ask Tyler Bahr and Jean-Marie Burrows what qualifies them to be board members of the new Aspen Peaks School District, and you’ll get completely different answers. Bahr points to his spreadsheets and budgets at Salt Lake City’s library system. Burrows talks about her years in PTA meetings and the teachers in her family tree. Their contrasting backgrounds shaped every answer they gave in their interviews. 

Tyler Bahr, Chief Financial Officer for the Salt Lake City Public Library, and Jean-Marie Burrows, a longtime PTA volunteer with educator parents, fielded 15 questions from Lehi Free Press readers during separate recorded interviews.

Complete video interviews with both candidates are available at the end of this article via YouTube.

Tax funding divides candidates

The candidates split sharply on the passed tax increment proposal that Alpine School District voted on earlier this year, which the Utah State Tax Commission later rejected. Burrows said she would have voted for the increase, arguing “education needs more money all the time” and blaming poor communication for its defeat.

Bahr took a more cautious stance, saying the district should first examine reallocating existing resources before seeking new revenue. “I think there are a lot of resources currently that might be reallocated in the new school district,” Bahr said, noting that Utah funds education at about 70 percent of the national average per student.

Class sizes top both priority lists

Both candidates identified reducing class sizes as their top priority but differed on implementation strategies. Bahr emphasized his financial background would help establish sustainable funding, while Burrows drew on her classroom volunteer experience to argue that teachers need more direct support.

“I’m not a politician. I don’t want to be a politician, but this is a pivotal moment for our community,” Bahr said during his closing statement.

Burrows countered with her educational pedigree: “I love public education. It’s been a part of my life forever, before I even started at the age of five, with both of my parents being educators and my grandparents being educators.”

Different approaches to controversial topics

On classroom materials and health curriculum, the candidates took different approaches. Burrows repeatedly deferred to state law, saying “I’m a law abider” when asked about library resources and classroom displays. Bahr preferred community input, suggesting the district should “set clear guidelines and examples” based on feedback from teachers and parents.

Technical education gains support

The candidates found common ground on expanding opportunities for technical education. Both praised the existing MTECH programs and supported the creation of more career pathways for students. Bahr highlighted that his nephew had graduated from high school with half of his diesel mechanics certification completed, while Burrows expressed interest in exploring the possibility of a dedicated technical high school.

Teacher relations reveal philosophical differences

Teacher relations emerged as another dividing line. Burrows strongly supported union involvement, saying some teachers “feel like they don’t have a voice at all” and backing their right to organize. Bahr viewed unions as complementary but emphasized collaboration over formal bargaining agreements, noting the unique labor law restrictions in the state of Utah.

Operational challenges ahead

When discussing the district’s separation from Alpine, both acknowledged operational challenges ahead. Bahr warned against throwing “the baby out with the bathwater” and urged careful evaluation of any changes. Burrows suggested that the smaller district could “lean out” administrative positions while maintaining essential services, such as transportation.

School choice strategies differ

The candidates diverged on addressing school choice and voucher programs. Burrows said she has “advocated against that voucher program” through her PTA work, calling for evaluation of funding fairness. Bahr focused on making public schools so attractive that “people are begging to bring their children to them rather than choosing alternatives.”

Budget building philosophies

In building the inaugural budget, Bahr’s financial expertise was evident as he detailed staffing allocation priorities and resource management. Burrows emphasized the importance of establishing clear goals first, saying, “Our budget has to align with those goals,” and suggesting that the smaller district could explore innovative programs previously impossible in larger Alpine.

Both emphasized the importance of enhancing legislative relationships, with Bahr advocating for proactive engagement outside of session periods and Burrows citing friends who worked directly with lawmakers to illustrate the impacts of education.

Election details

The election mirrors recent municipal races where growth and educational direction have driven voter engagement. Early voting begins on Oct. 27 and continues through Nov. 3, culminating in Election Day on Nov. 4.  Vote-by-mail ballots have been mailed out and must be received by the County Clerk by Nov. 4.  Vote-by-mail voters are encouraged to mail in their ballots early enough to ensure delivery to the County Clerk by Nov. 4.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Former City Councilman George Brown is challenging incumbent Brad Frost, who’s seeking his third term as mayor. Brown says the main reason he’s running is to help prevent attacks in the community. Frost defends his record of managing growth.

Both candidates sat down with the American Fork Citizen to answer reader questions. They each got 15 questions with one minute to respond, tackling topics from road funding to taxes to immigration enforcement. This article highlights the key points; however, you can watch the full interviews on YouTube to gain a more comprehensive understanding (see the links at the end of the article).

Growth and density concerns

High-density housing emerged as a flashpoint. The 2024 city survey showed 61% of residents expressed concerns about density.

Brown opposes additional high-density development. “I am not in favor of having more density, high-density housing in American Fork,” he said. “I think we’ve got enough high-density structures now.”

Frost defended the city’s approach. He said American Fork purposefully designed density around transit access and I-15. “We have, in a very purposeful way, designed it in and around areas that have easy access,” Frost said. But he drew a hard line on commercial zones. “We are done as far as giving up other spaces for the density.”

Road infrastructure challenges

Both candidates acknowledged problems south and west of the freeway. Growth has outpaced road development in the transit-oriented area.  Candidates were asked about immediate solutions for this area.

Frost pointed to regional solutions involving UDOT and UTA. “We have the funds in place to finish 200 South,” he said. “We have other things, but they will take time to have it built out into a grid that will connect it over to the boat harbor road.”

Brown offered fewer specifics. “I don’t think there’s a way of saying immediate,” he said. He’d sit down with the City Council to discuss problems and move forward with their support.

On general road policy, Brown drew from his National Guard engineering experience. “They taught me about roads, they taught me how important the crown of a road is,” he said. He wants to ensure proper road crowns to extend pavement life.

Frost emphasized measuring success in terms of lane miles treated when asked how to measure road improvement success beyond just dollars spent. He said the city now uses internal departments for road work. “We’re using our own people,” he said, noting this approach maximizes efficiency during inflationary periods.

Budget efficiency and communication

Asked about fiscal responsibility, Brown stressed caution. “I think we should always be very, very cautious with expenditures of the city, because it comes from taxpayers’ contributions,” he said.

Frost identified three efficiency priorities: cutting-edge technology, including AI; an employee mindset focused on daily improvements; and conservative use of city infrastructure, particularly water.

Both supported transparency in communication. Brown backed the online streaming of work sessions. “I think the public should know what’s going on,” he said.

Frost supported transparency but noted that work sessions present challenges. “Sometimes we go there to learn things, even for the first time,” he explained. Frost mentioned that complete information becomes available when items move to council action.

Fitness center and other priorities

The 2024 survey identified the fitness center rebuild as the top project priority for residents.

Brown, a regular fitness center user, sees its value but wants to prioritize other needs. “I just don’t want to spend a lot of money right now, when we’ve got other things that are pushing us, like the irrigation systems and the water systems,” he said.

Frost expects the fitness center to be on next year’s ballot. The 1990s facility was built for 35,000 people. The city has avoided significant investments pending a decision on the bond. “Leave it to them to make that choice,” he said.

Immigration enforcement

The candidates diverged on whether local law enforcement should assist ICE.

Brown supports cooperation. “I do support that,” he said, citing concerns about illegal immigration and security. “I think we should participate with them.”

Frost took a more cautious stance. “I’m going to leave that direction” to federal policy and law enforcement professionals, he said. “Compassion has to be a part of this equation.”

Election details

The American Fork General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Ballots have been mailed to registered voters beginning Oct. 14.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the Utah County Elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Voters should mail their ballots early or use an official county drop box. Those who don’t receive ballots should call Utah County Elections at 801-851-8683.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Two city council seats hang in the balance as American Fork residents prepare to decide who’ll tackle the city’s thorniest issues. Some of those issues include crumbling roads, high-density housing with its accompanying problems, and an aging fitness center. The Nov. 4 election pits four candidates for two open seats.

Ryan Hunter, Deb Anderson and Staci Carroll sat down with the American Fork Citizen to answer questions from its readers. Seth Stewart received multiple invitations but never responded. Each candidate tackled 15 questions with one minute per answer, covering everything from road funding to immigration enforcement. What follows hits just some highlights, but the full interviews are on YouTube (see the links at the end of this article), and readers are encouraged to watch them to gain a complete picture.

High-density housing emerges as a key issue

All three interviewed candidates oppose adding high-density housing beyond what’s already in the city’s general plan. This sentiment comes after a 2024 resident survey showed 61% of residents are concerned about density.

Hunter emphasized his consistent voting record. “I am not in favor of increasing densities anywhere in the city that aren’t already master planned for that,” he said. Hunter noted he was the lone dissenting vote on a recent density change and met with a developer requesting “significant density increase to the tune of basically double.”

Anderson agreed the city has enough. “I think we have plenty of high-density housing,” she said, adding that infrastructure needs to improve before considering more development.

Carroll clarified recent decisions. “We did not put in any high-density in that area. We just increased it from very low density to a medium density,” she explained regarding a controversial rezoning near the train station.

Road infrastructure tops concerns

Areas south and west of I-15 have seen explosive growth, but roads haven’t kept pace. Each candidate outlined plans to address the problem.

Anderson acknowledged the severity. “I’ve been out there at 5:30 at night, and I agree 100% that something needs to be done,” she said, though she cautioned against expecting immediate fixes to such a significant problem.

Hunter identified specific projects as prerequisites. “The first thing would be the extension of the Lakeshore drive,” he said. “The second thing that we need to tackle is a frontage road between basically paralleling the on-ramp southbound of I-15 and the train tracks.”

Carroll pointed to funding progress. “We have the funding mechanism, finally, for 200 South,” she said, noting plans for a new roundabout at 300 West and improved connectivity throughout the area.

Fiber internet divides opinions

Since 2019, American Fork has explored city-owned fiber while neighboring cities like Lehi and Pleasant Grove have moved ahead with construction.

Carroll backs a public-private partnership approach. “I don’t want the city running an internet service. I want a private industry to do that,” she explained, noting this model hedges costs while maintaining city revenue share.

Anderson strongly supports the project, citing personal frustration. Her street lacks access to quality internet providers. “For me and for my husband, who works from home most of the time, absolutely, I would like to see something better,” she said.

Hunter changed his position on full city ownership. “I used to believe that we could fund it and own it 100% as the residents of American Fork,” he said. Construction costs pushed him toward supporting significant partial ownership instead of complete control.

Fitness center rebuild sparks debate.

The aging fitness center topped the 2024 survey as residents’ preferred project, yet candidates split on priorities.

Carroll wants more analysis first. “We need a pretty good options analysis,” she said, promising any rebuild would go to voters for approval.

Hunter supports rebuilding eventually, but not yet. “I believe it’s a desire, not a need,” he said, ranking it fifth or seventh on his priority list. He opposes bonding for a facility where “45% of our people who are patrons at the fitness center are not from our city.”

Anderson backed reconstruction based on her seven years working there. “There is not another place in American Fork that can service people from birth all the way up to we had patrons coming in that were in their 90s,” she said.

How to vote

Ballots were mailed to registered voters beginning Oct. 14. Voters who don’t receive a ballot in the mail should call the Utah County Elections Office at 801-851-8683.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Voters are urged to mail ballots early or use an official county dropbox to ensure they’re counted.

Voters will vote for two candidates to fill the two open seats.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

The general campaign season for the 2025 Aspen Peaks School District elections is in full swing. The American Fork Citizen reached out to candidates whose emails were provided on the county’s elections page to request candidate profiles for our readers. The profiles below are provided in the order in which they were received.

Seat 6:

Jeanne-Marie Burrows

Why did you decide to run for the new Aspen Peaks School District Board, and what are your top priorities for ensuring students have the best possible academic outcomes?

I have volunteered in the schools in my area for over ten years. During that time, I have been on four School Community Councils (SCC) and PTA boards at every level of schools, and I just finished a two-year position as Lehi Council PTA President. Volunteering in schools has become not only my passion, but also my lifestyle. Running for the school board is the next step in showing the teachers, parents, and students in the area that I am committed to helping them.

My top priorities are to communicate, collaborate, and reduce class sizes. Being amongst our communities and honestly explaining public education, how it works, and the needs will help gain their support. Ensuring our teachers feel supported through collaboration and smaller class sizes will help not only them but also our students.

What is your experience with education administration and hiring executive-level positions like district superintendents? How would you approach selecting leadership during the district split?

Through my PTA and SCC experiences, I have met monthly with the superintendent, principals, and other district administrators. I have observed the difference between a good and a great leader. I have been asked to write recommendations for multiple administrators seeking promotions in the Alpine District. Although I have never helped with hiring a superintendent, I know what qualities and qualifications I would look for in a superintendent and other leadership roles. I will approach leadership selection by looking for those qualities, finding leaders whom all employees can trust, and then supporting them long-term to build a great district.

What will you do to attract and retain high-quality teachers?

We have amazing, dedicated teachers in our schools already! My primary concern is keeping the teachers we have, and their happiness and success will attract other high-quality teachers. As I speak with our current teachers, their main concerns with the district split are stability, compensation, and support. As the new Board prioritizes these things and continues to seek teacher input, worries will leave, and teachers will feel supported and heard.

How will you ensure the district budget is transparent and fiscally responsible?

My hope is that community members will have a desire to be more involved in all aspects, including the budget. With a smaller district, I believe community and employee information nights about budgets would help all feel more invested. Regular reports and audits will be available at these community nights, allowing for transparency. With the help of community/teacher involvement and student performance data, we can prioritize spending and determine both long and short-term needs that are fiscally responsible.

Tyler Bahr

Why did you decide to run for the new Aspen Peaks School District Board, and what are your top priorities for ensuring students have the best possible academic outcomes?

I am running for a seat on the new Aspen Peaks School District Board because I believe education is critical to the future of our children and our community. We have large families and love our children. They are worth the investment.

My top priorities are:

1. Reduce class sizes and focus resources in the classroom. Classrooms with more than 30 students are simply not conducive to optimal academic and emotional development, even with the compassion and dedication the miracle workers we call teachers demonstrate every day.

2. Protect teachers’ and staff compensation, retirement, and opportunities for training and collaboration. Our teachers deserve our support, not just in the form of kind words, but also in the financial means to succeed as well.

3. Enhance financial sustainability and collaboration with partners, including cities and other school districts. We serve the same or closely associated communities, and we need to work together.

What is your experience with education administration and hiring executive-level positions like district superintendents? How would you approach selecting leadership during the district split?

I have led and served on various teams responsible for hiring and evaluating the performance of executive leadership roles with the City of San Antonio (including the Pre-K 4 SA initiative), Highland City, and the Salt Lake City Public Library. The Board must first set a clear vision and priorities that honor our communities’ desire for educational progress before commencing a leadership search. Conduct open recruitment to identify candidates who align with and possess the necessary experience to execute the Board’s vision.

Special consideration should be given to existing Alpine School District staff who are already familiar with our community.

What will you do to attract and retain high-quality teachers?

My top two priorities are to (1) reduce class sizes and focus resources in the classroom; and (2) protect teachers’ and staff compensation, retirement, and opportunities for training and collaboration. My compensation philosophy emphasizes paying employees slightly higher than competitors to promote trust. With smaller classes and a focus on resources in the classroom, our teachers have already demonstrated an ability to return value. Let’s make sure they can earn a respectable living.

How will you ensure the district budget is transparent and fiscally responsible?

School district financial reporting supports transparency, but the volume and complexity can be overwhelming. True fiscal responsibility means clearly showing how tax dollars are spent and the value they provide. As CFO of the Salt Lake City Public Library, with 25 years of experience in finance and 12 in local government, I know how to simplify complex financial data, ask the right questions to ensure accountability, and identify opportunities to secure additional funding.

Seat 7

Stephanie Jones

Why did you decide to run for the new Aspen Peaks School District Board, and what are your top priorities for ensuring students have the best possible academic outcomes?

I’m running for the Aspen Peaks School Board because I believe deeply in public education and have the experience, time, and dedication to help our new district succeed. With over 30 years in education—as a teacher, librarian, and district leader—I understand what strong schools need to thrive.

My priorities include hiring a visionary superintendent, attracting and retaining excellent teachers, and preserving programs that engage and motivate students. I’m committed to working closely with parents to understand their concerns and priorities, and to ensuring transparency and accountability in every decision.

As we navigate financial uncertainties, including potential federal funding cuts, I will advocate for smart, sustainable budgeting that protects the classroom. This is a rare opportunity to build something exceptional, and I’m dedicated to making the transition smooth for all students, teachers, and families.

What is your experience with education administration and hiring executive-level positions like district superintendents? How would you approach selecting leadership during the district split?

I understand how important strong leadership is in building Aspen Peaks. We must find a superintendent with vision, integrity, collaboration skills, and a commitment to helping every employee and student reach their potential. During this transition, I support a transparent, inclusive process: broadly announcing the vacancy, screening candidates with clear criteria, and conducting thoughtful interviews with a diverse panel. Our first superintendent must be both visionary and grounded, someone who supports teachers, unites stakeholders, and builds a strong, student-focused foundation from day one. The right leader will shape the future of our schools and community.

What will you do to attract and retain high-quality teachers?

To attract and retain high-quality teachers, we must maintain competitive salaries and benefits comparable to Alpine School District. Just as necessary, we need supportive administration, meaningful professional development, and positive school environments. Teachers should feel valued, heard, and included in decision-making. They excel when given opportunities to collaborate to produce strong student outcomes. A collaborative culture, excellent training, and sufficient resources build trust and stability, ensuring we keep dedicated educators.

How will you ensure the district budget is transparent and fiscally responsible?

To ensure a transparent and fiscally responsible budget, I will encourage stakeholders to stay engaged in the process. We need to hire a qualified business administrator and follow all laws carefully. Budget information should be easy to find and presented with clear explanations and visuals. As we divide assets, it’s vital that patrons see how funds directly support student learning. Transparency builds trust, and I’m committed to open communication and community involvement at every step.

Jason Theler

Mr. Theler did not provide a response as of the date of publication.

By Rob Shelton

The Tuesday, August 12th primary narrowed down the candidates for the Aspen Peaks School board candidates.  Jeanne-Marie Burrows and Tyler Bahr captured the top two spots in Seat 6, while Jason Theler and Stephanie Jones advanced from Seat 7, setting up November matchups alongside the city’s mayoral and council races.

Theler gained the most votes for the Seat 7 race with 47.39%, followed by Stephanie Jones (20.87%), Michael King (17.00%) and Pamela Engles (14.74%). Seat 7 covers only American Fork neighborhoods. Burrows captured 48.66% of the vote in Seat 6, which covers parts of both American Fork and Lehi, followed by Tyler D. Bahr (30.01%) and Alyn Toalepai (21.33%).

The school board winners will join American Fork’s municipal candidates on the November 4th general election ballot. Unlike the school district races, no municipal primaries were needed as only two candidates filed for each contested office.

American Fork Municipal Races Set

American Fork voters will decide between incumbent Mayor Brad Frost and challenger George Brown Jr. Both previously served on the city council and are competing for a four-year term.

Four candidates will compete for two open city council positions. Incumbents Staci Carroll and Ryan Hunter both filed for reelection, facing challengers Deb Anderson and Seth Stewart. These positions carry four-year terms beginning January 2026.

Complete Aspen Peaks Primary Results

Seat 1 (Lehi, 5-year term): Diane Knight won with 49.36% (618 votes), defeating Megan Mullins 31.71% (397 votes) and Jenny Timmerman 18.93% (237 votes).

Seat 2 (Lehi, 3-year term): Stacy Bateman led with 43.92% (1,023 votes), followed by Steve Sparti 26.58% (619 votes), David K. McArthur 24.04% (560 votes) and Victoria Richmond 5.45% (127 votes).

Seat 3 (Highland/Alpine, 5-year term): Nicki Brammer captured 49.43% (1,134 votes), advancing with Mary Thomas 31.82% (730 votes) over Jonathan Bejarano 18.74% (430 votes).

Seat 4 (Highland, 5-year term): Amber Bonner won with 51.72% (1,160 votes), defeating Wendi Jensen 35.49% (796 votes) and Nicole Gearing 12.80% (287 votes).

Seat 5 (Lehi, 3-year term): Jason Hart led with 40.63% (713 votes), followed by Mindy Quist 28.83% (506 votes), Jean Rivera 20.00% (351 votes) and David Fawcett 10.54% (185 votes).

Seat 6 (American Fork/Lehi, 3-year term): Jeanne-Marie Burrows 48.66% (762 votes), Tyler D. Bahr 30.01% (470 votes), Alyn Toalepai 21.33% (334 votes).

Seat 7 (American Fork only, 5-year term): Jason Theler 47.39% (1,090 votes), Stephanie Jones 20.87% (480 votes), Michael King 17.00% (391 votes), Pamela Engles 14.74% (339 votes).

Voter turnout reached 17.13% countywide, with 55,186 ballots cast from 322,090 registered voters.

The November 4th general election will finalize leadership for both the new school district and American Fork City, with winners taking office in January 2026.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

Utah County has received national recognition for its compassionate and proactive approach to homelessness during the winter months. On July 9, the National Association of Counties (NACo) presented the county with an Achievement Award for its Winter Response Task Force, which helped provide safe shelter to hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness during the coldest part of the year.

The award honors the county’s ability to bring together multiple community partners to meet a growing need as housing costs and inflation continued to rise following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Last year, we faced a tough challenge: coming up with a plan to provide safe, dignified shelter for our homeless population,” Utah County Government stated in a release. “With determination, collaboration and heart, we delivered.”

The effort began in early 2024, when Utah County leaders recognized a troubling trend: an increasing number of residents facing housing instability, with few emergency resources available. While many nonprofit organizations were doing all they could, gaps remained, especially during the dangerously cold winter nights.

Utah County formed the Winter Response Task Force, collaborating with the State Homelessness Committee, Community Action Services, United Way and local mayors to create a coordinated plan. Together, they opened warming centers throughout the county, which operated from October to March, providing emergency shelter, warm meals and basic care.

“We appreciate the recognition—we’ve worked hard as a community to address this persistent issue,” said Utah County Commission Chair Brandon Gordon. “By partnering with state agencies and local organizations, we’ve helped bridge gaps, save lives and protect our community.”

The county was one of only two in the state to have its warming center plan approved ahead of the state’s deadline, allowing for early preparation and immediate impact once temperatures dropped.

The warming centers gave people more than just a bed for the night. They offered dignity, safety and a connection to critical services. According to NACo, Utah County’s approach ensured “unhoused individuals would not freeze on the streets overnight and provided coverage for a critical gap that our nonprofits had been experiencing.”

The program successfully kept hundreds of people safe during the harsh winter months. It also created a blueprint for future winter response efforts; one that other counties across the country can adapt.

The NACo Achievement Awards, now in their 54th year, recognize innovative county programs that enhance public service and improve the quality of life. Utah County’s Winter Response Task Force stood out as a model of collaboration and timely action.

The county’s leadership was formally recognized at NACo’s national conference in Philadelphia earlier this month, where counties from across the U.S. gathered to share ideas and solutions.