Alpine School District board approves FY26 capital outlay budget, names Sage Canyon Middle School and backs Purple Star Schools; Foothill parents ask for extra

At its regular meeting Tuesday, the Alpine School District Board of Education approved the fiscal year 2026 capital outlay budget, adopted a district resolution supporting the Utah Purple Star Schools program, and voted to name the new Eagle Mountain middle school Sage Canyon Middle School. The board also retired an administrative harassment policy and heard multiple public commenters ask the board to restore staffing for the ALL (Academically Limited Learners/gifted) program at Foothill Elementary.

Parents from Foothill Elementary urged the board to approve additional full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions for the ALL program. “The reason I'm here tonight is to ask that Foothill Elementary be given 18 FTEs for the 2526 school year so we can maintain this program that has been so beneficial to the gifted community,” said Kathy Thorpe, a Foothill parent. Another parent, Annie Lambert, said the third‑grade ALL class was combined with general education students shortly before school started and added that “Foothill needs to have 3 classes in third grade in order to preserve the integrity of the ALL program.”

The board approved the FY26 capital outlay budget, a motion the board president said had been reviewed in study session and recommended by staff. Board members described the vote as a way to allow facilities, technology and transportation staff to proceed with summer projects, including remodels and bus orders that require advance procurement.

Principal Brian Jolley presented three name options for the new Eagle Mountain middle school and described community and student input. Jolley said the naming committee and students favored the mascot associated with the Coyote Ridge option but that community feedback more often supported Sage Canyon. “The Coyote Ridge Mavericks is one that stands out just a little bit more,” Jolley said, but the board ultimately voted to approve Sage Canyon Middle School.

The board unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Purple Star Schools program, a Utah State Board of Education‑sponsored designation intended to recognize schools that provide resources and transition supports to military‑connected students. Rich Stoll, the district public relations director, described the program and the district’s role: “The purple star schools program is a Utah State Board of Education sponsored program.” He said the district will supply a web‑page template, training resources and assistance for schools that choose to apply.

On policy, the board moved to retire policy 47.62 (managerial/administrative harassment) and to consolidate harassment policies into a single policy the district will keep and update (policy 71.50). Legal counsel and staff told the board that language and Office for Civil Rights feedback will be transferred into the consolidated policy.

Staff presented draft calendars for 2026–27 and two subsequent school years for discussion only. Chief of staff Joel Perkins reviewed the committee’s priorities and constraints, including the statutory requirement for 180 student days: “State statute requires 180 days of school for students,” he said. Committee members emphasized a two‑week winter break with three weekends, a full spring break week, and ending the school year before Memorial Day; the draft calendars place teacher work days and professional development around those constraints. Board members asked staff to post committee notes and survey results for incoming boards and the public.

Before adjourning, the board moved into a closed session to discuss personnel under Utah Code 52‑4‑205; the roll call recorded ayes from several members and the board entered closed session.

Votes at a glance: • Routine business (consent items including LEA specific licenses and land trust amendments): motion by Julie, seconded by Sarah; approved by voice vote. • FY26 capital outlay budget: motion by Mark, seconded by Julie; approved (voice vote). • Name new middle school in Eagle Mountain: motion by Julie to name Sage Canyon Middle School, seconded by Joylynn; approved, unanimous voice vote. • Resolution supporting Purple Star Schools (resolution number stated in meeting as “2025‑4” in the motion text): motion by Emily, seconded by Stacy; approved unanimously. • Retire policy 47.62 (managerial harassment): motion by Sarah, seconded by Ada; approved unanimously. • Adjourn to closed session to discuss personnel (Utah Code 52‑4‑205): motion made and seconded; roll‑call votes recorded and board entered closed session.

The board asked staff to post the calendaring committee’s minutes and survey feedback, and district staff said they will provide the Purple Star web‑page template to schools that wish to apply. Public commenters asking for more Foothill staffing were offered a follow‑up meeting with a staff member in the lobby after the meeting.

The board did not take final action on the draft calendars; those items remain for future action by this board or successor boards.