Dr. Joel Perkins has been sworn in as the first superintendent of Aspen Peaks School District after unanimous approval by the Aspen Peaks Board of Education. He is currently an associate superintendent in Alpine School District.
“This is my community. I have lived and worked here for the last 27 years. My family and I have invested our hearts and souls into the schools in this area. I love the students, families, and employees here. It is the honor of a lifetime to partner with this community to build the new Aspen Peaks School District,” said Perkins.
Aspen Peaks was created in November 2024 as a result of the passage of Proposition 11 by voters in Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, the Utah County portion of Draper, Highland, and Lehi. In November 2025 voters elected its first school board.
“Our first and most important priority has been to find the right leader to take on the extraordinary task of helping us build our new school district,” said Diane Knight, president of the Aspen Peaks School Board. “It was clear to every board member that Dr. Perkins was uniquely qualified to take on the work ahead.”
The board had initially planned more time for selecting a superintendent, but didn’t want to delay after they concluded that Dr. Perkins was the clear choice.
“When you see the exact right person to lead our organization sitting in front of you, you don’t let him go,” said Knight. “With other districts interviewing some of the same candidates, we moved forward decisively.”
Perkins’ appointment is historic. For the first time in Utah, a school district will be dissolved, and three new districts will be created in its place. Aspen Peaks will be the largest of the three new school districts and will assume all operations of public education on July 1, 2027. Between now and then, Perkins and the board will have to hire district staff, determine funding for learning programs, and consider school boundaries.
Dr. Perkins' priorities include establishing a clear district identity founded on gratitude, pursuing excellence through continuous improvement, and ensuring high levels of learning for all students.
“I believe in all of our students. We have students from all walks of life and from all abilities. I know that they can learn and we will never stop working to find the best ways to help them reach their full potential.”
“We are incredibly excited about this selection and are confident that our Aspen Peaks community will be delighted that we have chosen such an excellent superintendent,” said Knight.
Perkins will serve in his role as associate superintendent of Alpine School District until June 30.