NGSS: Standards for Grades 5, 9-12. My Letter to the State Board
Dear State Board Members:I am concerned with the standards-adoption process I've observed since 2010. Due to a lack of opportunity for the public to be involved during the Common Core adoption process...
View ArticleThank You
I want to thank you for your support and for your involvement in our school district. The real answer to anything that ails us in government is "We, the People." If we are informed and involved, we...
View ArticleTax Incentives for Development: Eagle Mountain CRA
Not all taxpayer dollars go directly to the schools. Often developers get tax incentives to build things sooner and increase property values, providing a rebate, if you will, of their property taxes...
View ArticleDivine Providence in America's Founding
Note: This blog is written from a Latter-day Saint (LDS) perspective, including a quote from LDS Scripture. The providential events listed are acknowledged by many scholars, and attested to by those...
View ArticleTax-rate increase hearing: August 14, 2018
This Tuesday, August 14, at 6pm at the District Office (575 N. 100 E., American Fork) the Alpine School Board will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing. This is where you, the taxpayer, can have an...
View ArticleClik here to view.
ESSA Opt Out Denial from the Feds: My Comments to the State Board
In June, the State Board was notified by the US Department of Ed, that their ESSA waiver request was denied. The State Board requested the waiver in order to comply with Utah's Opt Out law that allows...
View ArticleClik here to view.
"What Kinds of Human Beings Do We Wish to Produce?"
October 9, 2018: Study Session/Board Meeting at the District Office1. Study Session (4pm): Social Emotional Learning2. Board Meeting (6pm): Includes an agreement with Orem City for the School Resource...
View ArticleNo on Question1 and School Board Races| A Philosophy
Please vote NO on Question 1! There are so many reasons why, but the most important is that it sets a very dangerous precedent. I'll also discuss the school board candidates below [Spoiler: State...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Goodbye but not Forgotten
Today is the last board meeting I will attend as your elected representative on the Alpine School District Board of Education. To say it has been an honor but a difficult responsibility is an...
View ArticleNo on HB118: Just Say No to Legal Bullying Incentives
Contact the Utah Senate Education Committee Members TODAY (Monday, Feb. 18) and ask them to VOTE NO ON HB118. Please be courteous, put NO on HB118 in the subject line, and write your own letter....
View ArticleClik here to view.
NOHB118: Not good for teachers; not good for students
A few years ago, the legislature passed a law that prohibits teachers from being evaluated based on state test scores. I was very supportive of this legislation. The arguments against allowing...
View ArticleNo on SB149: Don't tie funding to the state test!!!
On Monday, March 4 at 4pm, the House Ed Committee will hear the bill SB149: The Teacher and Student Success Act. Please come, if you can, to ask our reps to vote no (or to amend) SB149!! If not,...
View ArticleSubstitute SB149: Test metrics are flawed. Funding shouldn't follow
This is my letter to the House Ed Committee asking for a substitute for SB149.**************************I would like to request a substitution to SB 149 that removes the funding tie to school grading...
View ArticleWhere to build an elementary school?
There could be some lively discussion this Tuesday on who needs an elementary school more: the West or Vineyard. At Board Meeting for Tuesday, Sept 10, 2019, the ASD board has a discussion item: Plan...
View ArticlePhase 4 of the Bond: Promises Made on Faulty Data
Tomorrow, Oct. 8, 2019, the Alpine School Board will decide which two areas will see elementary schools built as part of Phase 4 of the bond. In November, 2017, the Alpine School Board designated a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Be One: Three Keys to Being Respectful from the Sermon on the Mount
Note: This message is given from a particular perspective (LDS) and cites additional scripture. However, the three keys are taken directly from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew. I believe the...
View Article2020 Education Legislation that Must be Opposed: Feb. 25, 2020
Lots of really lousy education bills are on the docket for tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 25. First, in the Senate Ed Committee at 8am, and then in the House Ed Committee at 4pm. If you are able to attend...
View Article2020 Candidates for Governor: Spencer Cox
Here are my notes from my interviews with the Candidates for Governor of Utah: 2020.Spencer Cox:Spencer Cox is the current Lieutenant Governor. I received no outreach, as a delegate, from the Cox...
View Article2020 Candidates for Governor: Greg Hughes
Greg Hughes:Greg Hughes is a former Speaker of the Utah House. His campaign was very good about doing Zoom meetings and answering any and all questions, including the hard ones. Here are my notes,...
View Article2020 Candidates for Governor: Jon Huntsman
Jon Huntsman:Jon Huntsman held telephone townhalls. They were more difficult for me because I like to see people as they respond. But that's personal preference.COVID-19: Health and Economy are both...
View Article2020 Candidates for Governor: Thomas Wright
Thomas Wright:Thomas Wright held multiple Zoom meetings and answered whatever questions were brought up. He also gave his personal cell number and asked people to call with any additional...
View Article2020 Candidates for Attorney General: Sean Reyes
Sean Reyes:Sean Reyes is the current Attorney General. He held telephone townhalls, which are harder for getting questions in (IMO) and you can't see the candidate's reactions to questions.Dad was a...
View Article2020 Candidates for Attorney General: David Leavitt
David Leavitt:David Leavitt is the current County Attorney in Utah County. He held lots and lots of Zoom meetings and was willing to take any and all questions. Very...
View Article2020 Candidates for Utah County Commission: Nathan Ivie and Tom Sakievich
Nathan Ivie is one of our current Utah County Commissioners:Nathan Ivie participated in debates and held virtual townhalls. He was very accessible.Tom Sakievich is a retired Marine and has worked to...
View Article2020 Candidates for County Recorder: Andrea Allen and Brian Voeks
Andrea Allen is the current Deputy Recorder.Brian Voeks currently works for County Commissioner Bill Lee.These are notes from the County Recorder debate which included additional candidates--Paul Child...
View Article
