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Pleasant Grove approves $20,000-plus contribution to hire lobbyist for new Timpanogos school district transition
Summary
Council approved Resolution 2025-026 authorizing the city administrator to enter an agreement with the Lockhart Group to provide lobbying and consulting services related to the Alpine School District split and formation of the Timpanogos School District; Pleasant Grove—s share is projected at just over $20,000 for an initial one-year engagement.
Pleasant Grove City Council voted to approve Resolution 2025-026 authorizing the city administrator to execute an agreement with the Lockhart Group to provide legislative and transition consulting related to the split of Alpine School District and creation of what officials described as the Timpanogos School District.
Scott Darrington, the city administrator, said the four cities expected to be in the new district (Orem, Vineyard, Lindon and Pleasant Grove) formed an interlocal agreement to assist the transition and prepare the incoming board when elections occur in November. Darrington told the council that recent state legislation raised financial questions for the new district and that the interlocal parties recommended hiring outside lobbying help to pursue state legislative fixes or appropriations that could affect millions of dollars across the new district.
Darrington explained five primary tasks the Lockhart Group would perform: advising the Timpanogos reorganization committee on split-related issues; serving as representative and liaison among the three new districts; assisting the district in identifying and procuring state and federal appropriations; working with legislators to improve law governing district splits; and other consulting as the reorganization committee deems appropriate. He said state law prohibits school districts themselves from hiring lobbyists, so the cities are contracting through the interlocal agreement.
Darrington stated Pleasant Grove—s initial contribution would likely be "just over $20,000" for a one-year engagement, with the option to renew if further legislative sessions require continued assistance. He said the interlocal contemplates an equal cost split and an equal vote among the four partner cities for these transition matters.
Council member Williams moved to approve the resolution; council member Rogers seconded. The roll call vote recorded council member Limon yes, council member Rogers yes, council member Williams yes and the mayor pro tem yes; the resolution passed. Council discussion emphasized the urgency of protecting future school funding for the new district and the desire to keep involvement focused on achieving financial stability for students and taxpayers.
