Alpine School District audit highlights proficiency and recommends strategies for achievement gaps

Alpine School District is set to enhance its educational strategies following a recent audit that highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. During the board meeting on April 22, 2025, officials expressed satisfaction with the district's performance, particularly in proficiency rates, where Alpine outperformed peer districts such as Davis and Jordan. However, the audit also pointed out persistent achievement gaps among students, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

The audit findings revealed that while Alpine School District boasts some of the highest proficiency rates in the state, it has not yet met the new state-set proficiency targets. Board members acknowledged the importance of focusing on low-achieving groups and committed to addressing the reasons behind the achievement gaps. The district plans to leverage successful practices from schools that are effectively narrowing these gaps.

Another significant highlight from the audit was the recognition of the district's innovative administrative mentoring program, which has been noted as a model for other districts. This program aims to build the capacity of new administrators and has shown promising results in enhancing school leadership.

The audit also praised the district's strategic plan, known as the coherence map, which aligns with best practices in educational planning. With 96% of school administrators aware of this strategic plan, the district is encouraged to continue fostering understanding among all faculty and staff, as only 57% reported familiarity with its guiding principles.

In terms of operational improvements, the audit identified some internal control issues, particularly regarding school safety measures, such as incomplete fencing at several elementary schools. The district is urged to collaborate with local municipalities to secure these properties effectively.

As Alpine School District moves forward, the board is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on closing achievement gaps and enhancing educational practices to ensure all students succeed. The next steps will involve implementing the audit's recommendations and fostering a culture of collaboration among educators to share best practices across the district.