The Aspen Peaks School District Board of Education met on October 8 to share key updates on district policies, community feedback, and local school visits as the district shapes its path forward.
The meeting began with an opening from Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning Kari Shirk, who focused on honoring the district's roots while embracing the road ahead.
“Every decision that we make serves as a stone in the foundation for learning; we are not just managing a system, we are nurturing the potential of every child who calls Aspen Peaks home,” Shirk shared. Expressing appreciation for the surrounding community and history, she added, “As we look to our future, we must first look back with gratitude... we owe so much to Alpine School District. Their stewardship helped prepare the soil in which Aspen Peaks will grow.”
Shirk noted that building a new district offers a unique chance to put students first in every decision. "The beauty of being a new district lies in our agility and our clarity of purpose," she said, urging leadership to focus on what truly serves kids rather than simply sticking to routine.
New Policies for Discussion
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to establishing clear, supportive guidelines for teachers and staff. The board introduced for discussion a 484-page packet containing the personnel policies from Alpine School District. These policies are known as the 4000Series.
Chief Legal Counsel Doug Larsen explained that adopting the policy set as a whole is designed to provide consistency and peace of mind for employees during the district transition.
“The plan is to adopt the 4000 series in total in order to comply with state statute and as a means for maintaining stability and creating continuity for the employees of Aspen Peaks,” Larsen noted.
Board Member Jason Theler reassured staff and families about the scope of the updates, clarifying, “Our understanding is that all that has been changed is Alpine School District to Aspen Peaks School District.”
District leadership noted that a few specific early retirement incentive policies (4253, 4414, and 4752) were previously approved on May 14. The remaining personnel policies were presented for open discussion and will return for formal adoption at the upcoming meeting, with approved policies scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2027, through July 1, 2028.
Boundary Study Reflection
The board also highlighted the crucial role community feedback plays in shaping local schools. Director of Transportation, Dr. David Ludwig reported that over 600 residents participated in a recent boundary study survey, sharing valuable details about their thoughts on school sizes, transportation, and boundary alignment. Ludwig thanked every family who took the time to contribute, emphasizing that their voices will directly guide upcoming decisions to ensure every student feels supported and well-cared for.
District-Wide Tour Conclusion
Superintendent Joel Perkins shared enthusiastic news about administrative efforts to connect with the incoming schools, announcing the completion of a district-wide facility tour.
“Today we completed the full tour of every school in the future Aspen Peaks as well as every building. It’s been amazing,” Perkins said.
These campus visits gave board members an inside look at what makes each school distinct. They were able to step directly into classrooms to hear candid feedback from students and observe what a typical day looks like across the district. From exploring Legacy Elementary’s Pumpkin Walk, exchanging a few words in French at Belmont Elementary, and visiting the underground tunnels at Lehi Elementary, to taking a peek at the BTS arts program at River Rock Elementary and even giving board member Diane Knight a nostalgic return to North Point Elementary where she taught kindergarten for 15 years, the district tour showcased the rich personality of every campus. Just as importantly, board leaders connected directly with staff across all roles, chatting with teachers, custodians, and student interns participating through the BYU-Public School Partnership. Together, these experiences provided the board with valuable firsthand insight as they work to build a cohesive, community-centered district.
According to Dr. Perkins, “We have outstanding schools and students. We are so grateful for the incredible employees who are focused on supporting every student every day!”