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Board opens formal boundary studies after dozens of public comments on overcrowding and closures
Summary
The board voted unanimously to begin formal boundary studies in two areas — Lehi and Saratoga Springs/Eagle Mountain — after substantial public comment about Northpointe overcrowding and potential Cedar Valley closure. Staff outlined timelines, public hearings and build-time considerations.
After public comment that drew more than a dozen Lehi and Cedar Fort residents, the Alpine School District Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to initiate formal boundary studies in two areas of the district.
The board approved notice and a study process for the Lehi-area elementary boundary review, which will consider Northpointe Elementary, Lehi Elementary, River Rock Elementary and Snow Springs Elementary. Board members also approved a separate study covering Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain schools: Black Ridge Elementary, Brookhaven Elementary, Pony Express Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary and Thunder Ridge Elementary.
Operations staff described the process and timeline. Boundary-committee meetings including principals, district staff and parent representatives will meet to develop options; draft boundary options will be posted online in October and an online feedback form will be available to families. Staff said an open house will be held in October (Northpointe for the Lehi study, Thunder Ridge for the Saratoga Springs/Eagle Mountain study) and that public hearings have been scheduled for Oct. 14 (Lehi-area study) and Oct. 28 (Saratoga Springs/Eagle Mountain study). Staff anticipated the board could make a final boundary decision on or near Nov. 18, though they said the date could shift if more analysis is needed.
Operations director staff also explained how a potential school build would fit into the timeline if the board elects to build a new school. Staff said civil and architectural work has been started so the district can respond quickly if the board directs construction; they cautioned a typical elementary build requires about an 18-month schedule and that a single move to build would not produce an opening until 2027 at the earliest. Staff estimated an elementary build could cost in the neighborhood of $40 million and discussed lease-revenue bond options as part of financing conversations.
Public comment preceding the vote included parents and community members from Lehi urging construction of a new Cold Springs Elementary to relieve severe overcrowding at Northpointe (speakers described large kindergarten classes, portables in heavy use, traffic and safety concerns, and students in satellite classrooms). Dozens of Cedar Fort and White Hills residents asked the board to delay any closure of Cedar Valley Elementary, citing small-school culture and community identity; some speakers urged the district to explore building a new facility in the area rather than closing the existing school.
Board members said they had read community comments submitted online and said the formal study process would include staff visits, public notification and committee work to ensure multiple options and community feedback. The board voted unanimously to initiate both studies (motions carried without opposition).
