Alpine School District audit highlights achievement gaps and strategic plan successes

The recent Legislative Audit Subcommittee meeting highlighted significant findings regarding the Alpine School District, Utah's largest school district, which serves nearly 85,000 students across 90 schools. The audit, presented by Darren Underwood and Lindsay James, emphasized the district's strong performance in student achievement while also identifying critical areas for improvement, particularly concerning achievement gaps among economically disadvantaged and minority students.

Alpine School District has been recognized for its high proficiency rates, outperforming peers such as Davis and Jordan School Districts. However, the audit revealed that despite these successes, Alpine still falls short of legislative targets by 12 to 15 percent in various subjects. The committee urged the district to investigate the causes of these achievement gaps and implement targeted strategies to address them, particularly in schools where disparities are more pronounced.

A key focus of the discussion was the district's strategic plan, known as the coherence map, which aims to align goals from the district level down to individual schools. The audit found that while many school employees are aware of this plan, there is a need for greater engagement and understanding among all staff to ensure effective implementation. The district's superintendent, Dr. Shane Farnsworth, acknowledged the audit's findings and expressed commitment to enhancing efforts in areas such as bullying policies and school safety.

The audit also addressed concerns regarding administrative costs, clarifying that Alpine's per pupil administrative expenses are among the lowest in the state. This finding counters misconceptions about excessive spending within the district. The committee recommended improved financial reporting practices to enhance transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, the audit serves as both a commendation of Alpine School District's achievements and a call to action to address persistent challenges. The district's leadership is committed to leveraging the audit's insights to foster continuous improvement, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. As the district moves forward, the focus will remain on closing achievement gaps and enhancing educational outcomes for every student.