NEWS RELEASE 

For additional information, contact:  Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to BOE/Supt at lpearce@pcschools.us 

Board of Education Actions & Accomplishments – May 17, 2022

by Erin Grady, BOE President 

The PCSD Board of Education met on May 17, 2022,  at our regular monthly business meeting. The meeting started at 3:00 P.M. at the District Office with a planned legal update for the BOE in a Closed Session.  At 4:10 P.M. the Board reconvened into Open Session and were so pleased to welcome our retirees for a formal resolution and recognition of Years of Service.  Over 161 years of experience are retiring from public service this year, and each of you will be sorely missed.

During the open meeting, the Board of Education heard from both employee groups and district leadership as well as hearing from our Student Board of Education member.  We are appreciative of our Student Board voice and participation. 

Mary Wood Morgan, representing PCEA Leadership, shared celebrations, current projects underway including LPA updates as well as future planning including discussions. The BOE appreciates partnership with PCEA to ensure educator voices are informing key policy decisions. 

Jen Bramson, representing PCCEA Leadership, shared her concerns related to Transportation compensation and shared a comparison study of neighboring districts and other businesses that could recruit our drivers.  The proposed budget does include strategies to support our ESP areas in addressing market and cost of living adjustment. 

The Board welcomed Heidi Matthews who shared her appreciation for the support she received during her 6 year tenure as the statewide UEA President. Heidi’s advocacy across the state for educators and public education has been commendable, and we are pleased to welcome her back to PCSD for the Fall 2022.

Dr. Hunt shared commendations and recommendations from two recent state visits including TItle III and PBIS reports.  Teaching and Learning, as a department, have been working with data and found the reports to be on point with their recommendations and next action steps as well.  We are appreciative of the Park City Education Foundation in supporting the PBIS incentives to ensure the program is bolstered district wide.

Mr. Tanner provided an Operations update highlighting that COVID is in a medium transmission index; however, mitigation such as enhanced cleaning and monitoring indoor airflow is still in place.  Spring activities are scheduled as planned. 

An overview of the master facility plan has us on time and on budget for our schools’ projects with a great opportunity to hit our energy efficiency goals. The building sizes are aligned to the Master Plan and Bid specifications with some site work planned for mid-June as we launch a two-year construction cycle.

Mr. Hauber shared an overview of the Budget Proposal as well as information related to class sizes as projected for the 22/23 school year.  Our target for elementary classes is 23:1 with registration currently in progress.  We appreciate input received in this process.  

#GoMiners!

###

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA 

Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con:  Lorie Pearce, Asistente Ejecutiva de BOE/Superintendente en lpearce@pcschools.us 

Acciones y logros de la Junta de Educación – 17 de may de 2022

por Erin Grady, presidenta de BOE 

La Junta de Educación de PCSD se reunió el 17 de mayo de 2022 en nuestra reunión de negocios mensual habitual. La reunión comenzó a las 3:00 p.m. en la Oficina del Distrito con una actualización legal planificada para la BOE en una sesión cerrada. A las 4:10 p.m., la Junta volvió a reunirse en sesión abierta y estuvo muy complacida de dar la bienvenida a nuestros jubilados para una resolución formal y reconocimiento de años de servicio. Más de 161 años de experiencia se retiran del servicio público este año, y cada uno de ustedes será extrañado.

Durante la reunión abierta, la Junta de Educación escuchó a los grupos de empleados y al liderazgo del distrito, así como a nuestro miembro estudiantil de la Junta de Educación. Agradecemos la voz y participación de nuestra Junta de Estudiantes. 

Mary Wood Morgan, en representación de PCEA Leadership, compartió celebraciones, proyectos actuales en curso, incluidas actualizaciones de LPA, así como planificación futura, incluidas discusiones. La BOE aprecia la asociación con PCEA para garantizar que las voces de los educadores informen las decisiones políticas clave. 

Jen Bramson, en representación de PCCEA Liderazgo, compartió sus preocupaciones relacionadas con la compensación de transporte y compartió un estudio de comparación de distritos vecinos y otras empresas que podrían contratar a nuestros conductores. El presupuesto propuesto incluye estrategias para apoyar nuestras áreas de ESP para abordar el mercado y el ajuste del costo de vida. 

La Junta dio la bienvenida a Heidi Matthews, quien compartió su agradecimiento por el apoyo que recibió durante su mandato de 6 años como presidenta de la UEA en todo el estado. La defensa de Heidi en todo el estado para los educadores y la educación pública ha sido encomiable, y nos complace darle la bienvenida nuevamente a PCSD para el otoño de 2022. 

Dra. Hunt compartió elogios y recomendaciones de dos visitas estatales recientes, incluidos los informes de Título III y PBIS. Enseñanza y aprendizaje, como departamento, han estado trabajando con datos y encontraron que los informes también son acertados con sus recomendaciones y los próximos pasos de acción. Agradecemos a la Fundación de Educación de Park City por apoyar los incentivos de PBIS para garantizar que el programa se refuerce en todo el distrito.

Sr. Tanner proporcionó una actualización de operaciones que destaca que COVID se encuentra en un índice de transmisión medio; sin embargo, la mitigación, como la limpieza mejorada y el monitoreo del flujo de aire interior, aún está vigente. Las actividades de primavera están programadas según lo planeado. 

Una descripción general del plan maestro de instalaciones nos muestra a tiempo y dentro del presupuesto para los proyectos de nuestras escuelas con una gran oportunidad para alcanzar nuestras metas de eficiencia energética. Los tamaños de los edificios están alineados con el Plan Maestro y las especificaciones de la oferta con algunos trabajos en el sitio planificados para mediados de junio, ya que iniciamos un ciclo de construcción de dos años.

Sr. Hauber compartió una descripción general de la propuesta de presupuesto, así como información relacionada con el tamaño de las clases según lo proyectado para el año escolar 22/23. Nuestro objetivo para las clases de primaria es 23:1 con el registro actualmente en curso. Agradecemos los aportes recibidos en este proceso.  

#GoMiners!

NEWS RELEASE 

For additional information, contact:  Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to BOE/Supt at lpearce@pcschools.us 

Board of Education Actions & Accomplishments – April 19, 2022

by Erin Grady, BOE President 

The PCSD Board of Education met on April 19, 2022 at our regular monthly business meeting. The meeting started at 3:00 P.M. at the District Office with a planned legal update for the BOE in a Closed Session.  At 4:00 P.M. the Board reconvened into Open Session where the Board of Education held a moment of silence in recognition of Board Member Kara Hendrickson who passed away on April, 8, 2022. Her Board work has left a positive and indelible mark on PCSD. She is sorely missed.

During the open meeting, we conducted interim appointment interviews for the open Board of Education seat.  Three excellent candidates emerged from the community with a strong willingness to serve in support of our schools, our students, and our staff from District 4. We are fortunate that any of the three are excellent spokespersons for the work of the PCSD and wish to encourage positive growth and support of the community’s excellent education system. The appointment of the seat will be made publicly on April 25 at 5:30 P.M. during a special meeting of the Board of Education and the Building Authority. 

Dr. Hunt shared information on the goals and expenditures of the School Student Achievement Plans. The School Community Councils at each site (elected parents, educators, and the principal) develop and approve these plans within the parameters of the LandTrust and TSSA dollars. For 22/23, school goals and plans are aimed at supporting student growth, providing interventions for struggling students, and ensuring high quality professional development.  

Dr. Hunt also reminded our families that annual standardized assessments will begin soon, and that this data helps to measure the school system’s progress so that we are able to adjust instruction to best meet the needs of our students. We appreciate the support of all families in sending students to school on test days well rested and encouraged to try their best. 

Mr. Tanner provided an Operations update highlighting no confirmed COVID cases as of right now and school system operations returning towards a “new normal.” Mitigation such as enhanced cleaning and monitoring indoor air flow are still in place.

The Facilities team is working through the Capital Outlay budget for 22/23 understanding the myriad of priorities facing PCSD as we head into renovation and construction these next two years. This June, the Tech Team will be moving the servers into the District lower level to ensure smooth operations throughout the construction phase which will lead to 0 phone service or internet access June 6-8, 2022. The Security Committee meets quarterly and will meet tomorrow. The committee includes representatives from across the county – law enforcement, fire protection, and volunteer community members. 

Dr. Mahon-Reynolds provided the Board with an update on the Coalition for Safe & Inclusive Schools. With participation from our administrators, educators, staff and community partners, we believe in the power to positively impact student outcomes and ensure a sense of safety and belonging for all within the Park City Schools. Dr. Mahon-Reynolds reiterated the overarching goal of the committee as well as key take-aways and priorities from the Coalition’s 4/6/2022 meeting.  The next meeting of the Coalition is Wednesday, April 20 from 3:30 – 5:00 P.M. at the Blair Education Center. 

Students who serve as ambassadors for the Children’s Justice Center in Summit County shared with us a Proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This Proclamation reiterates a focus on the complex and ongoing societal issue of abuse and neglect. We appreciate student voice and leadership as an integral aspect of a healthy and vibrant community. 

An overview of the master facility plan has us on time and on budget for our schools projects with a great opportunity to hit our energy efficiency goals. The collective commitment towards clean energy is a hallmark of our renovation and construction efforts. 

Mr. Hauber announced that the Bond Sale was successfully completed.  The Board’s next meeting is a special session scheduled for Monday, April 25, 2022 at 5:30 P.M. at 2700 Kearns Blvd. 

#GoMiners!

###

NEWS RELEASE 

For additional information, contact:  Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to BOE/Supt at lpearce@pcschools.us 

Board of Education Actions & Accomplishments-March 15, 2022

By Erin Grady, BOE President

PCSD Board of Education met on March 15, 2022 at our regular monthly business meeting. The meeting started at 3:30 P.M. at the District Office with a planned legal update for the BOE in a Closed Session.  

During the open meeting, we heard updates from PCEA and wish to thank our educators, staff and administrators for strong partnership as we tackle any issues that emerge together.  The Board appreciates the opportunity to meet on any number of topics from calendar planning to budget development input.

Dr. Mahon-Reynolds provided the Board with an update on the Coalition for Safe & Inclusive Schools. With participation from our administrators, educators, staff and community partners, we believe in the power to positively impact student outcomes and ensure a sense of safety and belonging for all within the Park City Schools. 

An overview of the master facility plan has us on time and on budget for our schools projects with a great opportunity to hit our energy efficiency goals.  

We received an update of the monthly budget development process as well as legislative impacts to the 22/23 school year. Currently, the budget includes the third year of a four year compensation plan that will include a planned truth in taxation increase in August 2022. 

Our strategic planning areas for budget priority include: 

Increasing Academic Achievement

Provide a Safe School Environment that Supports the Whole Child

Attract and Retain Outstanding Educators and Staff

Strengthen School, Family and Community Engagement

Ensure Fiscal and Operational Responsibility

Grade realignment planning and implementation for 2024-2025 school year

We have also  had an opportunity to hear about legislative updates – many of the approved Bills went through the last 24 hours of the session.  It will take some time to ensure all policy and practical implications of new legislation makes its way to our day to day operations. 

The Board of Education is so proud of our educators’ day to day accomplishments. Did you know that in the mid-year academic progress reports provided by the CAO, that ALL student groups are making expected progress and growth?  That is an amazing achievement, and we know how hard everyone is working to keep our students on track.  

Thank you to our educators and staff for keeping our students at the forefront of the critically important work that you do each and every day.

#GoMiners!

Recent events at Park City High School and TMJH have reminded us that hate and bigotry still exist in all corners of our society. 

The use of hurtful language and symbols isn’t new in our community nor will it likely ever go away, and we must address and use each incident as a learning opportunity for our children, our parents, and our fellow community members. 

As many of you remember, several years ago we had racist graffiti at apartments on Kearns that was quickly painted over. Students and faculty rallied and showed support for our Latinx neighbors by boldly stating that this hate was unacceptable in our community. Today should be no different. 

Over the last couple of weeks, racist words and hateful symbols including a swastika have been displayed and drawn on our school campuses, harming and insulting our community. The reaction from the community has rightfully and appropriately been one of shock, anger and sadness. We feel these emotions alongside each of you.

In particular, to those who have been targeted by these hateful actions, we stand with you.  How we respond together will dictate how we move forward as a community in combating hate and bigotry. 

When our students use graffiti and words to spew hatred it must be a teaching experience dealt with by not only our schools but our entire community. 

In the past several days, many community members have reached out, some asking what they can do to help and how to support signaling their support recognizing that we are stronger together. Thank you.

Unfortunately, others have responded using harsh words of their own, personal attacks, and accusing the Superintendent and school board of being complicit in the propagation of hate. 

Equity and inclusion are not just buzzwords for our school district. All decisions we make are intentionally evaluated and analyzed through a lens of equity, inclusion, and belonging.  

The safety of our students and staff is a key tenet of education in our community. We will continue to investigate these incidents while also working to make this a learning experience for all that hate of any sort is not welcome in Park City.

Most importantly, as we move beyond these incidents of hate in our community, we must work together and in good faith with one another to combat hate, and not undermine or work against one another. 

Email campaigns and personal attacks and nasty comments on social media against the board and administration are misplaced, unnecessary, and further perpetuate division in our community. It feels particularly harmful given that the majority of the school board is in fact Jewish. 

We ask that if you have the bandwidth, the desire, the time, and the ability, to please reach out with ideas to share, offers of help to move along, and support to keep our community connected and working together. 

Let love fight hate and let’s do this together and rest assured that educating against hatred will always be a priority in Park City schools.

Andrew, Erin, Anne, Kara and Wendy

PCSD School Board 

For additional information, contact:

Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to Superintendent and Board of Education lpearce@pcschools.us

January 18, 2022

News from PCSD-BOE

by Erin Grady, BOE President

The Park City School District Board of Education will meet twice this month as we continue to address the impacts of COVID19 and the most current Omicron variant which currently has a high transmission rate community-wide. We continue to listen, learn, and navigate this challenging time together in support of our students, our staff, and our community.

At the conclusion of the regular meeting this evening, we learned that the Utah Senate had passed a resolution (SJR-3) 22-5 that would end the local Summit County and Salt Lake County mask mandates. That resolution has been forwarded to the House of Representatives for their consideration. On Wednesday, January 19, 2022 will begin the same way that today’s school day did – with full implementation and enforcement of the current Public Health Order of Constraint – a full county-wide mask mandate – until we hear otherwise.

In the event the mandate is terminated by Utah legislators, the CDC and the UDOH has continued its strong recommendations that all within the school environment wear face coverings for the foreseeable future. We continue to adjust and modify as the guidelines adapt.

During the regular Board of Education meeting, we heard an update from CAO, Dr. Amy Hunt, on the current work that is ongoing with the 5-year instructional strategic plan. It is exciting to hear the positive results that even some small, intentional shifts make in student outcomes and academic attainment. We are proud of the ongoing work of our educators, our staff, and our administrative team. Thank you.

The meeting also included an update on the Master Facility Plan and our work to meet/exceed minimum code requirements in “future ready” planning and thinking about school sites, energy consumption and a net zero goal, as well as escalating costs due to supply chain issues. And, we approved a Basin Rec easement at Trailside for a walking pathway near the field entrance.

The Board of Education has elected to host a work session on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. to continue its dialogue on ways to best support our educators and staff, consideration of budget adjustments as necessary to bolster substitute force, grant writing efforts to secure reimbursement funding for those who have missed school due to COVID, and future staffing needs.

We appreciate ongoing partnership and support of our parents and families, our educators and staff as well as the community. We are all in this together.

#Go Miners!

For additional information, contact:  Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to Superintendent and Board of Education lpearce@pcschools.us

News from PCSD-BOE

by Erin Grady, BOE President 

The Park City School District Board of Education met twice this month.  We held a Remote Work Session on Monday, December 13 to hear from the design-build teams on their work to expand Park City High School, Ecker Hill Middle School and each of the 4 elementary schools.  The presentations highlighted some updated drawings, and it is exciting to see the implementation of the master plan beginning to take shape!

At the December Regular Business Meeting, MOCA, the Owner Representative for the Master Plan, summarized the work of the architect/design-build teams.  In addition, we approved travel requests, SCC Land Trust Plan amendments, and new course proposals proposed by PCHS faculty.  The Board of Education also authorized a resolution for the issuance and sales of $79,200,000 of the Bond proceeds so that work can continue on master facility plan implementation.  

We are looking forward to a safe return to the 2022 half of the school year and will incorporate a voluntary “Test to Start” program for those seeking COVID testing the first weeks back to school with COVID tests available from 7:15-9:15 AM at Eccles Lobby or at the Ecker Hill Middle School Aquatic Center for students and staff. 

The Board of Education extends its wishes for a warm holiday season to all.

#Go Miners!

For additional information contact Lorie Pearce, Executive Assistant to the BOE/Supt at lpearce@pcschools.us

News from PCSD-BOE

         by Erin Grady,  President – Board of Education 

At the November 2021 Board of Education Meeting, President Grady opened the meeting with a statement on the PPES mask mandate, assured the public that the BOE and administrators have walked through each school in order to ensure schools are prepared for the mask mandate if tripped by case increases (elementary through middle school/junior high), and that there will not be another public comment on this matter as it is under investigation. 

PCEA made a shared a report on the handling of the concerns related to the mandate and acknowledged the safe and supportive school year that is underway.  

We heard an update on Academics where Dr. Hunt provided a special message of thanks for our Educational Support Personnel this month and highlighted the new Science curriculum.  Mr. Tanner, our COO, updated us on the work of the Safety/Security Committee that will meet tomorrow, open positions and hiring, master planning, as well as the capital budget development for FY23.  Dr. Gildea shared 5 H’s that we see throughout PCSD.

Mr. Hauber provided an overview of the school enrollment data, and the district’s schools are identified as “Closed” for the 22/23 school year based facility utilization.  Open Enrollment paperwork will be available 12/1/2021 for those interested in applying for any positions that are available within a grade level.  For those students already enrolled, they will move forward with their cohort. 

Dr. Sorenson shared information related to the updated Teacher Evaluation policy, and the Board of Education appreciates the committee that has worked across a couple of years to bring forward an aligned plan to the Instructional Framework.  Great teamwork!

As a Board Team, we’re reviewing policies that are up for 5-year or legal reference updates, and Dr. Sorenson will be working with educators and staff on any substantive changes or updates that may be needed. 

#GoMiners!  

To the Community:

We would like to reiterate that several of our schools are currently implementing the mask mandate issued by the Summit County Health Department. Communication from the Board and District will continue with all relevant and important communications  posted on the District newsroom web page.  Each school homepage lists out the current number of COVID cases at the school as well as if the mask mandate has been triggered. 

We continue to encourage our families to cooperate with the enforcement of the mask mandate and please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school administrator with any questions. 

As always we are here to represent our constituents and will respond to questions and concerns via our PCSD email. If you would like to communicate with the District directly please email us at communication@pcschools.us. 

Please accept all of our best wishes for a Happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Park City Board of Education 

November 15, 2021

To the community,

For the past two years, the Park City School District has focused and prioritized the safety and health of the students and staff while also keeping our schools open for in-person learning. We have spent countless hours adjusting to ever-changing guidance and laws on the local, state and national level with regards to the COVID19 Pandemic. 

The Summit County Health Department conducted four separate compliance site visits at Parley’s Park starting last Monday, November 8th at 10 am in light of the County’s Public Health Order. Every walk-through has shown that Parley’s Park has been in compliance with the mask mandate issued in accordance with the Order. We have included a report from SCHD for your review. Report can be viewed here.

After continued evaluation, Parley’s Park Elementary School staff, administration, and students have been found to be in compliance with all protocols outlined in the Public Health Order 2021-02.

Additional inspections will be conducted at the discretion of the Summit County Health Department.

The conclusion  is that “PPES has taken necessary measures with staff, students, parents/guardians, visitors and the physical environment to ensure compliance with the Public Health Order.” 

We are actively preparing each of our school sites that fall under the Public Health Order to ensure compliance if a mandate is to be triggered. Those school sites include McPolin, Jeremy Ranch Elementary, Ecker Hill Middle School and Treasure Mountain Junior High School.  Parley’s Park remains in a mask mandate until further notice.  Trailside Elementary School has initiated its first mask mandate November 15, 2021.

We want to thank the community for continuing to partner with us to ensure our children stay safe, healthy and in school especially as we enter the winter months.

Erin, Wendy, Anne, Kara, Andrew

---