Latest news with #AlpineSchoolDistrict
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: Legislation is needed for equitable school district modifications
The November voter approval of two interlocal agreements to reconfigure Alpine School District triggers the creation of three new districts. Critically, one district forms by default, without a direct vote from constituents on its establishment. Utah's recent legislative session, with the passage of Sen. Keith Grover's SB188, purportedly aimed to streamline school district modifications. However, a closer look reveals the bill sets a treacherous precedent for equitable education across the state. This legislation, rather than ensuring fair district divisions, lays the groundwork for potentially devastating divisions driven by financial self-interest, leaving vulnerable communities behind. The core issue is SB188's failure to address the vulnerability of disadvantaged areas during district splits. With Jordan, Canyons and now Alpine as stark examples, it's clear that these divisions are often fueled by wealthier areas seeking to separate from those with greater needs. This isn't just an Alpine problem; it's a statewide threat. The current legislative interest in dividing large school districts in Utah is noteworthy. The Legislature seems to be intent on stripping large districts of their power, potentially to ease legislative initiatives. Large district reconfigurations could lead to a shift in the dynamics between school districts and the state Legislature. This context is important alongside the recent wave of legislative actions affecting education at every level, including classrooms. To prevent future inequitable school district modifications, Utah needs legislation that establishes clear, objective standards to assess the potential harm of a district split. Current Alpine School District board member Ada Wilson has identified criteria to determine a district reconfiguration's viability for all affected areas. Such benchmarks include studying the age of school buildings, poverty and student transiency rates, projected enrollment declines, number of students receiving nutrition assistance, required tax increases to maintain services, English language learner and special education student enrollment, and the cost of essential infrastructure of any potential new district. Only then can we determine if a proposed split will significantly disadvantage potential new school districts. Furthermore, SB188 fails to guarantee the fundamental right of all impacted citizens to vote on district modifications, regardless of the initiation method. In a Senate Education Committee hearing on the bill, Sen. Kathleen Reibe noted this is a concerning oversight that should be addressed. The bill also neglects to reinstate the ability of school boards to place such modifications on the ballot, despite Rep. Brammer's promise in the June 2024 special Senate session that this was a temporary measure. This broken promise undermines local control and democratic principles. Finally, SB188's elimination of mandatory reimbursement for implementation costs to the reorganized district is a consequential injustice for those left in the remaining district. Those who vote to leave a district should bear the financial burden of their decision, not saddle the remaining, often less affluent, communities. This isn't just about the current Alpine District reconfiguration. It's about protecting every student in Utah from the potentially devastating consequences of inequitable district splits. SB188 falls drastically short of this goal. The Legislature must act swiftly to create new legislation which ensures fairness, transparency and the protection of our most vulnerable communities.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alpine School District approves $238 million bond to build two new schools
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) — The Alpine School District voted unanimously to approve a new $238 million bond for the building of two new schools in the western half of the district. Voting during their board meeting on April 22, the ASD board heard from residents who expressed concerns over overcrowding in the schools they currently had, and the need for more space for student mental health. 'This bond is desperately needed,' Eden Davenport, resident of Saratoga Springs, said during the meeting. 'I have seen firsthand the negative implication that overcrowded schools have. I have the difficulties that some of our children face making social connections because our schools are at maximum capacity.' The bond has become apart a timeline of events that began back in 2024 when the district voted to split itself into three separate districts. As a part of the new 'West District,' the bond will fund the building of a new elementary school, and a new high school in Saratoga Springs. Unlike other bonds, the district is issuing 'lease revenue bonds,' which are bonds that primarily funded by leases of public facilities. PREVIOUS: Alpine School District split: Here are the proposed boundaries ahead of final vote As a part of S.B. 188, School District Modifications, which was passed in the 2025 General Session, opened up more options for school districts to raise funds for new buildings and other expenses, including lease revenue bonding. With the future split in mind, the bond itself won't be on ASD forever. The bill also specified that these bonds issued after Nov. 4, 2024, will fall on the new district to fund and pay for once they are formed in 2027. The public comment for the bonds was brief, with only three residents commenting on the proposal. One resident came with concerns regarding the debt burden that the past bonds, and now passed bond will put on residents in the area. 'You're tripling [the bond] just because you can,' John Gad, a resident of the district, told board members in opposition to resolution. 'Which is a really horrible reason to take out debt for the next 31 years. Debt that I am going to be paying, and kids who aren't even born yet are going to be paying property taxes on this debt you are going to be deciding on.' Alpine had originally approved increases to property taxes back in 2023, and 2024. However, with this new funding, they are hoping to be able to provide the funding needed to build the proposed new schools. Along with approving the bond, the ASD school board also approved the purchase of land in both Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs for the proposed schools. In total, the district approved the purchase of 83 acres of land. Alpine School District approves $238 million bond to build two new schools Is AI behind mistaken visa revocations, self-deport emails? Utah expert weighs in Beef & Pasta with Asian Peanut Sauce Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport How to replace your triggers with glimmers Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boundary maps for new Utah County school districts approved by County Commission
PROVO, Utah () — The boundary maps for three new school districts in Utah County were approved by the Utah County Commission. The new boundary maps dissect the Alpine School District three ways – a move that was during the 2024 November election. The three new districts are tentatively named, , and . County Commission officials said the boundaries were drawn out by a redistricting committee after considering 'complex and important factors' such as populations, census blocks, city boundaries, and neighborhoods. 'These considerations help ensure that the districts are organized to provide equal representation for all communities,' The County Commission said in a statement. 'Additionally, the school board member district boundaries will be redrawn after each census with the next redrawing after the 2023 census and every 10 years thereafter.' Not 'just a book': Woman goes viral in search for missing custom Book of Mormon The new districts will not automatically mean children in the area will have to change schools. The new district boards, which will be sworn in and begin serving in December 2025, will be responsible for studying and making changes to school boundaries. The County Commission explained that the law provides flexibility for families who live on district border lines or have unique situations. This would allow children to attend the school that best fits their needs. 'Therefore, while there may be some adjustments in the future, the current school your children attend may not be impacted by the district division,' the Commission said. Next, voters will elect 21 school board seats within their respective school board member districts. In the year after the board members are sworn in, the three new districts will focus on hiring staff, creating policies, and preparing to educate students. The newly formed school districts will completely replace the Alpine School District at the start of the 2027-2028 school year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hook and ladder school: Utah County teens learn firefighting skills
At the very moment Wednesday when many of Laini Roberts' classmates were sitting in history or biology classes, the Cedar Valley High senior was donning a helmet and firefighting gear and executing fire hose drills alongside full-time firefighters. It's hard work — but Roberts, 17, couldn't fight back a smile. 'It's enjoyable, but it's definitely physically demanding,' she said. Roberts is one of several Utah County high school students participating in Orem's Firefighting Career Program — a city-sponsored initiative that introduces local teens to the in-and-outs of the first responder profession. Program cadets receive weekly job skills training from veteran Orem firefighters. They hop aboard engine ride-alongs and enjoy ground-level glimpses into the lives of firefighters and the fire station community. Program participants also earn high school credit and garner valuable networking opportunities inside the firefighting community. Orem Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Hirst said the department had hoped to broaden its fire prevention efforts by including education opportunities. So he and others began working with the Alpine School District to develop the high school initiative. The city's semester-long Firefighting Career Program launched last fall. Now Roberts and several other Utah County high schoolers are part of its current cohort. Each cadet receives about six weeks of ride-along time to supplement their basic fire skills training. 'We run it very similar to the recruit camp that we operate for our new hires,' Hirst explained. 'The (cadets) have skills that they have to pass off and benchmarks that they have to hit. 'Once they've done that, they ride along and go on actual scene calls.' Several of the program cadets hope to become firefighters. Others are interested in nursing, EMT or other medical and public safety careers. Orem's Firefighting Career Program also offers the department opportunities to get to know would-be firefighters and EMTs that might one day join them at one of Orem's fire stations. 'We tell them, 'Your job interview starts today',' said Hirst. 'We hope to hire one of these kids.' Many cadets also boost their public speaking and communication skills at the graduation ceremony after completing Orem's Firefighting Career Program. Hirst saluted the Orem City Council for funding the youth cadet program. It's not cheap. Each cadet is issued the same structural turnout gear as full-time firefighters. Most agencies in Utah, according to Hirst, require firefighter candidates to have passed basic firefighter courses that include an EMT credential. Many enroll in the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy at Utah Valley University. Those courses provide candidates with the basics of hazmat training, managing IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) environments, hydraulics and the mechanics of dousing a fire. And, of course, firefighting's a physically demanding job — so candidates have to stay fit and know how to properly leverage weight. Besides being introduced to firefighting 101, Orem's program cadets enjoy prized opportunities to connect with on-the-job firefighters serving their neighborhoods. Hirst said every firefighter he knows had someone who mentored them early in their careers. 'Seeing these new kids really helps our crews because it reminds us of why we joined the fire service.' Mastering the job's technical basics such as unloading and attaching hoses to hydrants are essential. But the Orem cadets are also learning the intangibles that make a quality firefighter. 'Interpersonal skills, command presence and situational awareness are huge,' said Hirst. Candidates also have to get along with others. Full-time firefighters spend a third of their working lives at the station or responding to calls with their colleagues. 'When we go through a hiring process, our crews get the first take on the hiring pool,' Hirst added. 'And if they don't feel like a person's coachable, or trainable, or unable to live with (fellow firefighters) for 48 hours, they don't move on.' Roberts hopes to serve her community — and help her neighbors during 'their worst days.' Orem's ongoing Firefighting Career Program has nudged her closer to becoming a firefighter. She plans to attend UVU's fire and rescue academy while pursuing her degree. Roberts' points to her time training alongside Orem firefighters as a program highlight. 'It's been great to see how they do their job — and learn some of their tips and tricks.' Timpview High School junior Jimmy Meservy said he's interested in a medical career — and firefighting 'was one that makes an immediate difference every single day.' The 17-year-old added he 'loves the action' offered by Orem's firefighting career program — 'and I love the skills that I'm learning and the professionalism I'm building. Like Roberts, Meservy plans to attend the UVU fire academy and build upon what he's learning as a cadet. 'I've loved going to the ride alongs with the ambulances and also in the fire engine,' he said. 'It's been amazing to meet patients and encounter real world situations where I can feel like I can make a difference.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
It's official — ‘Utahn' (not ‘Utahan') is now the state's name for its citizens
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Governor Spencer Cox signed a bill Tuesday to make 'Utahn' the official designation for a citizen of the Beehive State. H.B. 230 — or Utah Resident Terminology Amendments — was passed during the 2025 General Session. The bill designates the term 'Utahn' as the official name of citizens of Utah, and codifies that the term isn't spelled 'Utahan.' 'There is no need to include the 'A,'' bill sponsor Sen. Dan McCay (R – Salt Lake County) said on the Senate Floor on Feb. 19. 'It's improper … a demonym is how locals like to refer to themselves, and now we are creating a state demonym should S.B. 230 pass.' Gov. Cox signs bill addressing Alpine School District split, signs three others Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R – Salt Lake County), the bill's House sponsor, echoed this sentiment during floor debate, quoting Confucius and saying that things must be called by their proper names. 'U-T-A-H-N is the common way that Utahns would spell it, ' Teuscher said during floor debate. 'But there are those misfits out there who spell it with an '-an,' and so we want to make sure that it's consistent in government documents, media, and education materials. This reflects our historical and local usage and aligns with our state's identity and heritage.' Utah is one of two states that has enshrined an official designation for citizens within state code. The other is Massachusetts, which officially calls its citizens 'Bay Staters' in official government documents. The Federal Government uses a publishing guide for citizen designations as well. The bill was the only one signed by the governor during the March 18 bill review session, bringing the total number of bills he has signed so far to 40. There are 542 bills left for Cox to act on before the Mar. 27 deadline. If a bill is not acted upon before that deadline, it becomes law without needing the Governor's signature. According to the governor's office, Cox will be reviewing bills for the rest of the week, which means there will likely be more bills that will be signed or vetoed throughout the week. The governor has not indicated if there are any specific bills he plans to veto, but he has said he might veto some. For more legislative updates, visit Inside Utah Politics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
