District explores Franklin K–12 expansion, Shepherd 7–12 academy and participatory staffing at small schools

District leaders presented three linked proposals as planning items for the 2026–27 school year: (1) explore converting Franklin/Brimhall from K–8 to a phased K–12 school (rollout by grade over several years), (2) expand Shepherd junior high into a small 7–12 College Prep Academy, and (3) begin a participatory staffing pilot at five small schools that would allow site communities to recommend staffing models and special-area emphases.

Franklin/Brimhall: staff said parents requested the Franklin expansion and district enrollment trends motivated an evaluation of capacity. Brimhall currently has 55 classrooms but staff estimated a 150‑student K–12 configuration would require about 69 classrooms, not counting specials (music, PE, art). Staff said they are considering a paired model (Wilson Elementary as a K–4 campus and Brimhall as a 5–12 campus) because of building capacity. The district intends to present a recommendation to PABDEC (the boundary advisory committee) on August 18; PABDEC hearings and public hearings were scheduled across September with an anticipated governing‑board decision and recommendation from PABDEC on October 23. Staff emphasized that any boundary changes will follow board policy and include mailers, ParentSquare notifications and public hearings.

Shepherd 7–12 College Prep Academy: Shepherd Principal Jill Benza described community outreach and planning. Shepherd staff have surveyed families, reviewed course sequencing and met with district staff to map a 7–12 course pathway. Shepherd emphasized smaller cohorts and arts programming (band, chorus, musicals) and said athletics offerings would be limited (no football). Principal Benza said some junior high teachers already have credentials to teach high‑school courses; the district noted there will be professional‑learning and certification pathways for staff who need secondary credentials.

Participatory staffing pilot: five small schools (Washington, Lehi, O'Connor, K–8 STEM at Red Mountain Ranch, and Shepherd) will engage parents and school communities this fall to recommend staffing models and special‑area emphases aligned to available budget and enrollment. Staff described this as an approach for small schools to preserve campus viability by tailoring programs (for example, a music academy or a STEM focus) to local needs while staying within revenue/expense constraints.

Board members asked detailed questions about impacts on neighboring schools, transportation and preserving the Wilson family legacy; staff said they will meet with affected principals and communities, and will provide PABDEC and public hearings as required. The district stressed that choice and niche programming must be balanced with comprehensive high‑school offerings and that the intent is to retain students who otherwise leave the district at grade transitions.