Wasatch County School Board appoints Jake Collette after split deliberations

The Wasatch County School Board appointed Jake Collette to fill the open board seat after a lengthy series of candidate interviews, public comments and deliberations.

Collette, an organizational communication consultant who emphasized listening and bringing people together, was approved after board members cited his problem‑solving focus and capacity to help mend community divisions as the reason to choose him. The board’s final vote followed a narrower earlier motion to appoint another candidate that did not carry unanimous support.

Why it matters: The appointment comes at a moment of heightened community scrutiny — board members said they want someone who can rebuild trust as the district opens a second high school and implements major capital projects.

Board deliberations centered on three themes: fiscal oversight, legal/municipal experience and the ability to communicate with groups that feel alienated. Several members said financial expertise is valuable; others stressed the immediate need for a candidate who can help heal community rifts. One candidate, Dan Dahl, withdrew his application before the vote, saying he did not want to create "unwanted, unwarranted and unintended scrutiny" for the district.

Public comment at the meeting also focused the board’s attention on student safety and complaint processes. Parent Jill Lawson told the board she had reported alleged policy violations by a high‑school coach and remains concerned that "policy is just words on a paper" if the district lacks people willing to act on them. Her husband, Ryan Lawson, said he searched neighboring districts’ websites and found a clearer emphasis on safety there; he urged Wasatch to make safety messages and reporting mechanisms more visible.

Board counsel and several trustees discussed the 30‑day timing for filling the seat and legal interpretations of when a vacancy begins; the meeting record notes the board followed legal counsel and USBA (Utah School Boards Association) guidance on the timing issue. The board then moved to public deliberation and a final appointment vote.

What happens next: Collette is scheduled for an oath of office the following day; the board said it would present a united front behind the appointee and asked community members to work with the new member to address local concerns.

Representative quotes: "At no time was I ever approached by anyone on the floor or in the school district about applying," Dan Dahl said in explaining his decision to withdraw, calling the insinuations "completely without merit and false."

On safety, Jill Lawson said: "Policy is just words on a paper. It's people that keep our kids safe."

Jake Collette told the board: "I'm a glorified problem solver... I want to solve problems by communicating, strongly encouraging lines of communication."

Ending: The appointment closed a contentious public process that included strong endorsements for several candidates. Trustees said they would prioritize communication and restoring trust while the district moves forward on facilities and programs.