Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

The Aspen Peaks School Board unanimously voted Monday night to appoint Joel Perkins, Ph.D., as the first superintendent of the newly formed Aspen Peaks School District, marking a milestone in creating the district’s leadership team.

Board member Steve Sparti made the motion to nominate Perkins, which was seconded by board member Jeanne-Marie Burrows. Board voting was unanimously affirmative.

Since 1999, Perkins has served in a wide range of roles in the Alpine School District. He began his career teaching social studies and coaching athletics at Lehi High School.

After seven years in the classroom, he moved into school administration at Orem High School, where he helped coordinate the construction and transition to a new building.

Perkins served as principal of Lehi Junior High School and was selected to open Skyridge High School as its founding principal. Under his leadership, Skyridge became the first school in Utah to be recognized as a National Unified Champion School in 2019.

After six years at Skyridge, Perkins advanced to district-level leadership, serving as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Chief of Staff, and most recently, Associate Superintendent.

Perkins holds three degrees from Brigham Young University, including a doctorate in educational leadership earned in 2017.

The vote followed an extensive search and interview process that included feedback from more than 70 parents, educators, administrators, and community leaders. The board received applications from 20 candidates, and the community committee helped narrow the field to the final interview round.

Several board members noted the strength of the applicant pool and the difficulty of reaching a unanimous decision. Board member Nicki Brammer said that while the decision initially seemed daunting, the board reached consensus on the second day of interviews.

“Do you know how hard it is [for the decision] to be unanimous?” Brammer said. “But it was clear. We believed Dr. Perkins was the right leader for this moment.”

After reaching a unanimous decision, the Aspen Peaks Board moved quickly to secure Dr. Perkins for the position, as he was also interviewing with the newly formed Lake Mountain and Timpanogos school districts. Board members said they did not want to risk losing a candidate they felt was uniquely suited to lead the new district.

Board President Diane Knight said the board was seeking a leader who would respect and build upon the strong foundation already established in local schools.

“We were looking for a leader who would honor the strong foundation of excellence already in place,” Knight said. “Dr. Perkins brings extensive experience in the Alpine School District, wisdom, and a deep understanding of innovation.”

Knight said she personally contacted his references and reviewed his letters of recommendation, noting that “almost every single one mentioned innovation,” along with repeated stories that illustrated Perkins’ character.

One story shared during the meeting highlighted Perkins’ compassion and one-on-one leadership in supporting a special needs student while principal at Skyridge High School. “That story shows you where Joel’s heart is,” said board member Jason Theler. “He is deeply committed to student success, support, and excellence.”

Theler spoke about his long professional connection with Perkins, sharing a guiding principle he lives by: “Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved.”

Burrows emphasized that the board was not simply searching for the best superintendent on paper, but the best superintendent for Aspen Peaks at this pivotal moment.

“We are building a new district right here and right now,” Burrows said. “We wanted someone who has been a teacher, who understands what it really means to be educating our children today. After meeting phenomenal candidates, it became very clear that Dr. Perkins met all of the criteria.”

Board member Amber Bonner highlighted Perkins’ experience opening Skyridge High School and intentionally building a strong school culture.

“Opening a high school is a huge responsibility, and he did it thoughtfully and successfully,” Bonner said. “When we looked at the parallels to opening a new district, I felt confident Dr. Perkins would be careful, deliberate, and student-centered.”

Board member Jason Hart said a personal conversation with Perkins early in the board’s formation stood out to him.

“He cares deeply about community and about what kind of people our students become, not just academic outcomes,” Hart said. “That’s the community we’re creating.”

Following the vote, Perkins was sworn in, signed both an interim and permanent employment agreement, and officially began serving immediately. His permanent contract will begin July 1, 2026.

Perkins thanked the board for its trust and emphasized gratitude as a guiding principle.

“The secret of my success has always been surrounding myself with good people and supporting them in their work,” Perkins said. “This new district truly stands on the shoulders of giants. Alpine School District laid a foundation of excellence that we will only build upon.”

A community meet-and-greet and question-and-answer event with Perkins is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at the Alpine School District office from 6-8 p.m. Community members may submit questions in advance to [email protected].

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

The Aspen Peaks School District is involving the public in its search for the district’s first superintendent by holding a public question and answer event with candidates applying for the position.

Hiring a district superintendent is a key milestone in establishing leadership and systems for the new district, which will begin operating independently in 2027 following the Alpine School District split.

A Superintendent Community Review Committee has completed its review of applications, and the school board is now conducting interviews to narrow the field of candidates.

“The search for a Superintendent of the Aspen Peaks School District has been a great experience,” said School Board President Diane Knight. “We received applications from 20 highly qualified candidates. More than 70 community leaders, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff members helped narrow the field for our first round of interviews. School board members are currently conducting these interviews and are in the process of selecting finalists.”

Once the applicant pool has been narrowed to two or three finalists, the district will invite the public to meet the candidates at a Superintendent Community Open House on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Alpine School District Office.

The event will begin with a moderated question-and-answer session from 6 to 7 p.m., led by John Dougall. A one-hour meet-and-greet with the finalists will follow, allowing community members to interact directly with the candidates.

The public can submit questions for the Q&A session by emailing them to  [email protected]. Questions must be submitted by Jan 26.

“We are excited for our community to meet the finalists,” Knight said. “Giving community members an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the candidates will help ensure that our district’s superintendent will be a good fit for Aspen Peaks and the families it serves.”

District leaders say community involvement will remain a central part of the process as Aspen Peaks School District continues to build its leadership team ahead of becoming a standalone school district.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

The newly formed Aspen Peaks School District (APSD) is inviting high school students within the district to help shape its visual identity through a logo design contest.

The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who attend schools in the APSD boundaries. They began accepting submissions Jan. 6 with a final deadline of Jan. 31. Logo submissions should be emailed to [email protected], and designs should be submitted in a PDF or PNG format.

District leaders say the contest is intended to showcase student creativity while giving young designers a meaningful role in the launch of the new district. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three designs, with $500 for first-place, $250 for second-place, and $150 for third-place.

Aspen Peaks Board President Diane Knight said the district is enthusiastic about involving students in this defining project.

“Our students are incredibly talented, and this contest gives them a voice in launching our new district,” Knight said. “Finalists will have the opportunity to work with professional designers to refine their submissions, providing a valuable, real-world learning experience. We can’t wait to see their creative ideas come to life.”

The Aspen Peaks name was selected last year following extensive community input after voters approved the division of Alpine School District into three separate districts. The name reflects both the region’s geography and its sense of community. The “Peaks” reference the area’s close connection to the mountains, while “Aspen” symbolizes the aspen tree, known for growing in interconnected groves with shared root systems.

District officials hope the logo will reflect these themes of connection, growth and local identity as APSD repares for its first years of operation.

Katie McKellar | Utah News Dispatch

Almost five years ago, Utah lawmakers set a goal of 70% third-grade reading proficiency by 2027, but Utah’s elementary students don’t appear to be on track to meet it. Nearly half of all K-3 students in Utah are currently reading below grade level.

That’s according to a new report released Monday, Jan. 5, by the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute that the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation commissioned. According to the report, only 50.3% of Utah third graders in 2025 had grade-level proficiency in reading. Earlier grades saw similar rates.

Reading proficiency also varies widely, the report says, from below 30% to above 70%. “Large gaps” exist for English-language learners, students with disabilities, Hispanic and Latino students, and economically disadvantaged students, the report says.

Last month, Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox highlighted the need for improved reading and literacy for young learners. Cox made it a centerpiece issue in his budget recommendation, which he announced at the Salt Lake County Library in Kearns.

As part of his budget proposal to the 2026 Utah Legislature, Cox recommended using $80 million for paraeducator grant programs. That includes $60 million for “targeted behavioral interventions in K-3 classrooms” and $20 million for reading support in elementary schools that have not met the statewide proficiency benchmark of 70% of third graders reading at grade level.

During his budget announcement, Cox also urged lawmakers to follow Mississippi’s example. This state once sat at the bottom of national elementary literacy rankings and now ranks near the top. A policy known as the “Mississippi Miracle” requires third graders to score high enough on a reading test before advancing to fourth grade. Cox, during his budget recommendation, called on Utah lawmakers to pass a similar law.

“We’ve implemented some of the things that have happened in Mississippi, (but) we need to implement the rest of those things and get everybody pulled together,” the governor said.

The Gardner Institute report included a section on the “impacts of third-grade retention” policies, pointing to states including Mississippi, Indiana and Florida.

“A large body of research has examined these test-based retention policies and show that most retained students experience reading gains, though long-term outcomes are mixed,” the report says. “That said, more recent evaluations occurred in states that provide extensive supports alongside retention, making disentanglement of reading retention and intensive interventions difficult.”

However, “the strongest evidence suggests that the supports students receive when flagged for retention—not retention alone—primarily drive the improvement,” the report said.

By passing SB127 in 2022, Utah lawmakers have set a statewide goal of 70% third-grade reading proficiency by 2027. The bill requires the State Board of Education to administer programs to improve early literacy in K-3 students, which would require more than $9.1 million in ongoing funding and $9.4 million in one-time funds to hire staff and provide training, according to its fiscal note.

“State and district implementation of SB127 continues in phases, reflecting the time required for the state board of education, schools, districts, and preparation programs to adopt new materials, strengthen training, and build capacity,” the Gardner Institute report says. “Research shows that the impact of early literacy reforms depends not only on policy design but also on consistent, high-quality implementation, underscoring the importance of continued attention to fidelity, monitoring, and support.”

Cox, however, also said “70% is too low of a goal.”

“It should be 100%. We know we can get there,” he said. “We’re seeing it in places like Mississippi.”

The report’s author, Andrea Thomas Brandley, a senior education analyst at the Gardner Institute, wrote that research shows strong early literacy skills help “build the foundation needed for lifelong learning.”

“Early childhood literacy is not just an academic benchmark; it is the cornerstone of a child’s future success,” Thomas Brandley said in a prepared statement. “The ability to read proficiently by third grade profoundly impacts a student’s entire educational journey, their economic opportunities, and their capacity to engage fully in civic life.”

The governor, first lady, and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson held a Literacy and Reading Symposium on Jan. 6 in Ogden, aimed at discussing “practical ways to strengthen literacy and get more kids and adults reading,” according to the governor’s office.

Last month, Abby Cox said social media has created a “big hole” in kids’ and adults’ lives that needs to be filled with books.

“It’s not unconnected to social media,” she said. “The issues that we’re having with literacy is a direct result of us not reading and children not having access to books and not being read to.”

This story was originally published by utahnewsdispatch.com and written by Katie McKellar. Adjustments for style and clarity have been made.

Donna Barnes | American Fork Citizen

“I can’t be late for Mr. Geddes’ class, a 7th-grade student at Mountain Ridge Junior High told her mother. “He is my favorite teacher, and I love his class.” (Mr. Geddes teaches the Careers class). These are not unusual responses from students across the Alpine School District who participate in CTE (Career, Technical Education) programs. The mission is to prepare students for post-secondary training, successful careers, and enriched lives by ensuring all students acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions in each CTE course.

CTE classes are offered in every secondary school throughout the district. The intent is to help students learn which skills are needed for jobs in today’s economy. With so much emphasis on technical skills in today’s workplace, more students are choosing classes that offer hands-on training and experience. High schools in the area offer courses in agriculture, horticulture, auto mechanics, culinary arts, home construction, woodworking, welding, marketing, computer programming, electrical work, and more.  Many of these pathways can be continued at MTEC (Mountainland Technical College), where certification can be earned. One student who continued his welding program at MTEC recently completed his certification and was offered a substantial annual salary. “I had other options for employment, too,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Megan Birchall Barnes, CTE agricultural instructor at American Fork High School, has taught horticulture and animal science for four years. She inspires students passionate about plants and animals to achieve personal success, and as the FFA advisor, she supports students in showing animals throughout the western United States.

As the horticulture teacher, she teaches her students to grow bedding plants for sale to customers in the spring and to grow poinsettias for Christmas. She explains, “We have a greenhouse and show the students how to plant the seeds, water, and nourish the plants, and then sell them during December and May. This year, we had 800 poinsettia plants, and by the third week of December, we had sold all but 100. We sell them for $10, and they sell quickly. The students learn to display them in foil containers and colorful bows. They enjoy the project and see success in the money that can be earned from their work.” She said, “I have seen the enrollment in my classes grow each year.”

Ryan Nield, Director of CTE for Alpine School District, said, “As Alpine School District moves toward the creation of three new districts, Career and Technical Education will continue to play an important role in preparing students for the future. In each district, we will keep looking for ways to support our students better, strengthen local industries, and build stronger communities by connecting learning in the classroom to real-world skills, careers, and college pathways.”

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Each year, American Fork High School Student Council hosts its annual “Light Night.” The drive-thru holiday light display has been raising money for families in need since 2020. The tradition started during COVID as a fundraising option for the school. Throughout December, the school will raise funds through various activities to assist over 10 families with temporary needs during the holidays.

“Definitely our biggest turnout yet,” said Student Council Advisor Tommie Valentine of “Light Night”. This year was the school’s largest display of lights and most attended. “The line gets longer and longer every year,” shared Valentine.

Numerous cars full of children admired the creative Christmas-themed displays from movies such as “The Grinch”, “Elf,” and “The Polar Express.”

Valentine assists the students in the planning, setup, and teardown of the displays. She calls the evening “really rewarding.” Valentine wanted the students to recognize how many people they brought together for a good cause, saying, “money doesn’t matter.”

“It’s so fun seeing it all put together. It is a lot of work, but it’s really awesome to see the whole vision come together. It’s amazing,” stated junior and student council cabinet member Mya Valenzuela.

Senior Ellie Carnesecca has been on the student council since she was a sophomore. “We’ve had way more cars, way more lights, and way more donations, not just with money, but donations via lights so we can put up more,” said Carnesecca.

“I am very happy with the results,” said senior Landon Carver, who was in charge of “Light Night.”

“I think this is the best year we’ve ever done, so I’m very happy with how it turned out.”

“It gets hard doing lights all day, but when you think about who it’s for, it makes it all worth it, and you realize that you’re helping people all around the community. It just fills your soul with joy,” added Carver.

Ruby Collette shared, “I loved talking to everyone around the community, and it was so fun to meet people.” She said it was nice knowing that the student council was actually helping people around the school and community.

“We’ve been here all day, but it was super fun and rewarding to see everyone super happy, and all the kids’ faces light up. And it was for a good cause too, so it just made me feel in the Christmas spirit,” stated Gwen Heyborne. Her favorite part of the event was collecting donations and seeing the kids who had saved their money give it up to help other families.

Organization for the event begins months in advance, with display planning handled by committees. Student council members also took a day during Thanksgiving break to start preparing. On the day of the event, students spent 10 hours setting up and over 3 hours hosting it. Tear down of the evening was completed just after midnight.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

The Aspen Peaks School Board addressed community concerns about overcrowded schools, approved its first working budget, and took several steps to shape the newly formed school district at its December 11 board meeting. The meeting was held at the Alpine School District offices in American Fork.

The board unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026 budget, reflecting the district’s transition away from Alpine School District and the uncertainty of startup costs. The budget includes funds for hiring a superintendent and business administrator, board member compensation, benefits, communications, and operational expenses.

The budget is funded primarily by state allocations of $60 per student. With approximately 34,000 students, Aspen Peaks School District is expected to receive about $2.04 million for the 2026 calendar year, with roughly $1 million available during the first half of the year.

Planned expenditures total approximately $794,000 and include $225,000 for superintendent, business administrator, and potential assistant positions; $100,000 for stipends; $91,000 for board member salaries; $217,000 for board benefits; and $36,000 for board expenses.

Additional allocations include $100,000 for communications and marketing and $25,000 for general expenditures, with no capital expenses anticipated during the initial startup period.

Aspen Peaks School Board Member Amber Bonner noted that many line items were intentionally overestimated to ensure financial stability.

“We wanted to be really conservative,” Bonner said. “We just have no idea what it’s going to be, so that’s what we decided to do. I think the hope is that all of these amounts are slight or extreme overestimates.”

The board also discussed board member compensation, indicating it plans to continue Alpine School District’s current $1,000-per-month stipend. Members explored offering a stipend instead of health insurance benefits to save money.

“A lot of us already receive insurance through a spouse or another job,” said board member Jason Brammer. “This is a way to save the district money and also increase the compensation.”

Any changes to compensation will require a public hearing, scheduled for January.

The board voted to open a search for a business administrator and empowered a committee to explore multiple recruitment options.

Members also approved the creation of an Aspen Peaks School District 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation to allow individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible donations in support of district programs and students. Amber Bonner was appointed as the board representative and chair of the new foundation.

The board also discussed opening a district-wide boundary study to address enrollment imbalances across Aspen Peaks schools, including areas experiencing growth and others with declining numbers. They stressed that the study would not predetermine outcomes but would help guide long-term planning.

“This gives us an opportunity to really address the needs of our local community,” said board member Jason Hart. “We can hopefully address the needs of our communities within the new parameters of our school district.”

Board members emphasized that the discussion does not signal a predetermined outcome.

“This does not mean that we are making a decision one way or the other,” Bonner said. “We are gathering all of our information.”

The board announced plans for a district logo design contest open to students in grades 9–12, allowing students to help shape the district’s identity.

“We are a brand-new school district, and there are a lot of new things we have to do, including needing a logo,” said Burroughs. “We want the whole community involved, and we want it to look professional.”

The contest is expected to open before winter break, with submissions accepted through January and final selection in February.

During board member reports, several members emphasized the amount of work underway behind the scenes and encouraged ongoing community involvement.

“We have been so busy,” Bonner said. “We want this to go well for kids. We want it to go well for teachers. We want it to go well for the staff. We want it to go well for everyone.”

Board members also expressed gratitude to Alpine School District staff for their support during the transition. “They are basically serving four school districts right now,” Bonner said. “I can’t speak highly enough of the employees of Alpine School District and their professionalism.”

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

The newly formed Aspen Peaks School District (APSD) held its first official board meeting on Nov. 25 in Lehi’s Broadbent Community Room immediately after being sworn in to office. Family members, incoming administrators and community leaders filled the chambers to witness the historic moment.

The evening marked a major milestone in the transition away from the Alpine School District (ASD) and the launch of three new, locally governed districts. It was also Mayor Johnson’s final meeting as chair of the interlocal board overseeing the transition.

“Tonight is an important night,” Johnson said as he opened the proceedings. “This is my last interlocal meeting, and I’m excited to turn this over to another group. We didn’t have all the answers, but we worked things out, and the split has gone a lot smoother than we ever anticipated,” Johnson said. “Bringing things closer to local control is important, and I believe all three new districts will find greater success because of this.”

As part of the Aspen Peaks Board’s first agenda, ASD honored Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson for his leadership and collaboration during the district-split process.

ASD Interim Superintendent Rob Smith surprised Johnson with the Alpine School District Influencer Award, noting that the honor has been given only eight times and never before to someone outside the ASD organization.

“Mayor Johnson has had tremendous influence, not just in Alpine School District but on me personally,” Smith said. “We want to thank him for his leadership, his friendship and the service he has given our communities.”

Mayor Johnson told the Lehi Free Press, “I am greatly appreciative of this award, but it was not simply mine to receive. This award belongs to everyone who was engaged in the very difficult discussions and decisions that have happened over the last couple of years. It was not easy for any involved but, in the end, and with much fortitude, the right decisions were made. We were all ‘Influencers’. This award is for many.”

The new board’s first official action was selecting a leadership team. After nominations from fellow board members, Diane Knight was elected board president and Amber Bonner was elected vice president.

The board voted unanimously to adopt Aspen Peaks School District as the district’s permanent name. Members noted that community feedback gathered earlier this year heavily favored “Peaks” and “Aspen,” and several spoke about the symbolism of aspen groves as individual trees connected by a shared root system.

The board then adopted its first policy, Community Comments, as Policy 1001, and opened the floor for public input.

A steady stream of parents, teachers and local officials offered congratulations and expressed concerns about overcrowding, boundary studies and the need to prioritize construction of new schools.

Rebecca Langley, a teacher at North Point Elementary, urged the board to move quickly.
“We are overcrowded. We’d love the boundary study to be continued and for Cold Creek Elementary to be built as soon as possible,” she said.

State Board of Education member Cindy Davis also addressed the group, offering support both as a parent and policymaker. “I support you and I’m happy we’re moving forward,” she said. “I look forward to partnering with you for the great students and teachers of this district.”
Several speakers encouraged the new board to build strong relationships with teachers, with cities, and with their communities as they navigate the challenges of forming a district from the ground up.

The board approved its 2025-26 meeting schedule, with meetings held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the ASD Boardroom, with adjusted dates in January and April due to conflicts.

Board members then voted to immediately open the search for a superintendent and appointed the Utah School Boards Association to assist with the hiring process.
The meeting concluded with applause and photos, marking a new era of school governance for families in Lehi, American Fork, Highland and surrounding communities.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

Taking a significant step in public education in Utah County, the newly elected Aspen Peaks School District board took the oath of office Tuesday, Nov 25, in the Lehi City Council Chambers. The swearing-in marked the official beginning of a multi-year transition that will shift operations from Alpine School District to three newly created districts.

Aspen Peaks, covering the central portion of the former Alpine School District boundaries, is one of three new districts approved by voters. Newly elected members of the Lake Mountain and Timpanogos districts were also sworn in Tuesday during ceremonies held separately in Orem and Saratoga Springs. It represented the first time in state history that three full school boards were sworn in on the same day.

Seven board members were sworn in to represent the newly formed Aspen Peaks School District: Diane Knight, Seat 1 (5-year term); Steve Sparti, Seat 2 (3-year term); Nicki Brammer, Seat 3 (5-year term); Amber Bonner, Seat 4 (5-year term); Jason Hart, Seat 5 (3-year term); Jeanne-Marie Burrows, Seat 6 (3-year term); Jason Theler, Seat 7 (5-year term).

The interlocal board made up of Aspen Peaks area Mayors and City Council members presided over the swearing-in. The oath of office was administered by Utah Judge John J. Nielsen, recently appointed to the Utah Supreme Court.

Following the swearing-in, the new Aspen Peaks school board held its first meeting. The first order of business was to elect a board president and vice president.

Diane Knight was elected Aspen Peaks’ first president and Amber Bonner was elected as the board’s vice president.

“I am thrilled to work with our new board and be part of making the Aspen Peaks School District into something truly extraordinary,” Knight told the Lehi Free Press.

The board also voted unanimously to approve Aspen Peaks School District as the official name of the new school district.

“I especially like the aspen metaphor. I like how aspen trees are connected underground and are the same community, but above ground they all look different and have different needs,” said board member Amber Bonner.

Jeanne-Marie Burrows told the American Fork Citizen, “I’m excited and optimistic about the start of our new district. Over the past couple of weeks I have had opportunities to get to know the other board members better and feel like we have a great combination of talents which will benefit our new district. I am most excited about getting into our schools to meet students and teachers and learning from them. As we hire a superintendent and create the vision of our district, I would love for our communities to be a part of the process. We have an opportunity to create something truly special for our students now and for the future.”

Board member Jason Theler told the American Fork Citizen, “I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow board members on behalf of the students, parents, and employees in our Aspen Peaks school community. I’m equally humbled (and yes, a little anxious) by the immense responsibility that comes with the role. I think this healthy nervousness is a sign of my desire for us to get this right by setting both a strong foundation and a positive trajectory for our new district.”

With the oath complete, the board now begins the complex work of shaping a new district from the ground up. Over the coming months, Aspen Peaks board members will meet with Alpine School District officials to determine how resources, facilitiesTaking a significant step in public education in Utah County, the newly elected Aspen Peaks School District board took the oath of office Tuesday, Nov 25, in the Lehi City Council Chambers. The swearing-in marked the official beginning of a multi-year transition that will shift operations from Alpine School District to three newly created districts.

Aspen Peaks, covering the central portion of the former Alpine School District boundaries, is one of three new districts approved by voters. Newly elected members of the Lake Mountain and Timpanogos districts were also sworn in Tuesday during ceremonies held separately in Orem and Saratoga Springs. It represented the first time in state history that three full school boards were sworn in on the same day.

Seven board members were sworn in to represent the newly formed Aspen Peaks School District: Diane Knight, Seat 1 (5-year term); Steve Sparti, Seat 2 (3-year term); Nicki Brammer, Seat 3 (5-year term); Amber Bonner, Seat 4 (5-year term); Jason Hart, Seat 5 (3-year term); Jeanne-Marie Burrows, Seat 6 (3-year term); Jason Theler, Seat 7 (5-year term).

The interlocal board made up of Aspen Peaks area Mayors and City Council members presided over the swearing-in. The oath of office was administered by Utah Judge John J. Nielsen, recently appointed to the Utah Supreme Court.

Following the swearing-in, the new Aspen Peaks school board held its first meeting. The first order of business was to elect a board president and vice president.

Diane Knight was elected Aspen Peaks’ first president and Amber Bonner was elected as the board’s vice president.

“I am thrilled to work with our new board and be part of making the Aspen Peaks School District into something truly extraordinary,” Knight told the American Fork Citizen.

The board also voted unanimously to approve Aspen Peaks School District as the official name of the new school district.

“I especially like the aspen metaphor. I like how aspen trees are connected underground and are the same community, but above ground they all look different and have different needs,” said board member Amber Bonner.

Jeanne-Marie Burrows said, “I’m excited and optimistic about the start of our new district. Over the past couple of weeks I have had opportunities to get to know the other board members better and feel like we have a great combination of talents which will benefit our new district. I am most excited about getting into our schools to meet students and teachers and learning from them. As we hire a superintendent and create the vision of our district, I would love for our communities to be a part of the process. We have an opportunity to create something truly special for our students now and for the future.”

Board member Jason Theler told the American Fork Citizen, “I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow board members on behalf of the students, parents, and employees in our Aspen Peaks school community. I’m equally humbled (and yes, a little anxious) by the immense responsibility that comes with the role. I think this healthy nervousness is a sign of my desire for us to get this right by setting both a strong foundation and a positive trajectory for our new district.”

With the oath complete, the board now begins the complex work of shaping a new district from the ground up. Over the coming months, Aspen Peaks board members will meet with Alpine School District officials to determine how resources, facilities, staff, and programs will be divided. The transition is expected to unfold gradually, with the new district assuming full responsibility, including budgeting, staffing, and curriculum decisions, by July 2027., staff, and programs will be divided. The transition is expected to unfold gradually, with the new district assuming full responsibility, including budgeting, staffing, and curriculum decisions, by July 2027.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

Top junior high and middle school choir students in the Alpine School District had the opportunity to hone their skills under a guest conductor during the annual Honor Choir Fest on Nov. 19. After an all-day training experience, the group presented a concert at Timberline Middle School in Alpine that evening.

This year’s guest conductor was Emily Duncan, the director of choral arts at Lehi High School. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in vocal performance from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in Music Education from Arizona State University.

According to her official biography, Duncan has performed in theaters all across Utah, including Hale Centre Theatre, HCTO, West Valley Performing Arts Center, SCERA and the Lehi Arts Center. She has been teaching for nearly a decade.

“Working with the district junior high honor choir was a highlight of my career,” Duncan said. “These students were selected by their teachers because of their skills, talent and dedication to music and singing.

“Working with an entire choir of students who were so well prepared to make beautiful music was thrilling. I so enjoyed their energy, their personality and their drive to make our concert interesting, fun, and memorable. I will never forget that experience,” Duncan said.

The combined chamber and concert choirs from Cedar Valley High School opened the concert with three numbers as special guests.

The Honor Choir followed with four numbers practiced that day under the direction of Duncan with Jill Ensign as the accompanist.

The first piece was “When Dreams Take Flight,” a gospel-style concert work by Rollo Dilworth based on a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar about the strength of dreams.

Next the students performed the traditional spiritual “I’m On My Way” using an arrangement by Anthony Trecek-King.

The boys then stepped into the spotlight with an energetic rendition of “Heave Away Me Jollies,” a traditional sea shanty from the island of Newfoundland, Canada arranged by Jill Gallina.

The choir closed out their performance with a moving rendition of “Ad Astra” (To the Stars) by Jacob Naverud. It was an inspirational program showcasing remarkable musicianship, especially considering that the concert had been prepared just that day.

Students from 11 schools participated in the program. They included American Fork Junior High under director Matthew Thornton, Mountain Ridge Junior High under director Rebekah Lindsley, Lehi Junior High under director Jill Smith and Viewpoint Middle School under director Alan Larson.

The other schools participating included Canyon View, Orem, Lake Mountain, Lakeridge, Sage Canyon, Vista Heights and Timberline.