Complex challenges often require great creativity and problem solving, and Timpanogos School District (TSD) Board of Education is up to the challenge. They will have many opportunities in this transition to creatively problem solve. One small example of that complexity has to do with hiring of current TSD employees and district finances during the transition. The board is committed to being fiscally responsible and taking care of our valued employees.
Legislative Framework for New School Districts
District finances during the transition from Alpine School District to the new Timpanogos School District (TSD) are outlined in Utah Senate Bill 188 (2025), the state law that established the framework for creating the three new school districts from the division of Alpine School District.
The transition period began in connection with the creation of the new districts in 2024 and will continue until the new districts become fully operational on July 1, 2027. During this time, the law provides guidance for governance, staffing, and funding needed to prepare each district for a successful launch.
As we continue building the leadership structure for Timpanogos School District—including the superintendent, business administrator, executive assistant, and six cabinet leadership positions—the board would like to take the opportunity to share how the district is being financed during this transition period.
Transition Funding
Under SB 188, each new district receives $60 per enrolled student per year for calendar years 2026 and 2027 to support transition activities. With approximately 23,000 students, TSD receives roughly $1.3 million per year during this period. These funds are specifically intended to cover transition and start-up costs, including planning, staffing, and the development of operational systems needed to prepare the district for its official launch in July 2027.
In addition, Alpine School District has committed $10 million to each new district to address immediate capital and facility needs during the transition period. This funding is provided in advance from Alpine’s existing capital assets and represents each district’s future share as the districts separate. These funds may be used for one-time capital needs, including establishing a district office and other facilities necessary to support district operations.
Staffing During Transition
The transition has created a unique staffing environment. There are three types of employees to consider, two of which have some guarantees provided by SB 188.
School Employees
Contract employees who are assigned to a specific school, such as principals, teachers, and counselors, are guaranteed a position in the district where that school is located. Employees who wish to work closer to home or for one of the other new districts, may apply for positions in those districts as they become available.
District Support Staff
District support staff, including those on classified contracts such as bus drivers and maintenance, or contract employees who work in various district departments, may receive an employment offer from one of the three new districts, although their specific job title or assignment may change. The distribution of these employment offers among the three districts will be determined based on the proportional enrollment of students in each district. The new districts will create positions based on their needs which may not match one-for-one with current positions in ASD. We will do all we can to make sure each valued employee has opportunities for continued employment.
District Administrative Employees
District-level administrative positions, however, are not guaranteed placement under SB 188. Current ASD jobs will not translate position-for-position into the new districts. While the total number of positions is likely to be more, in any given district, positions may be combined or layers of administration reduced. Many current and former employees of Alpine School District have expressed interest in helping build our new district and we will benefit from the experience of individuals who already understand the schools and communities that will make up Timpanogos School District.
Employment During the Transition
Because the new district will not become fully operational until July 1, 2027, the employment status of individuals helping build Timpanogos School District during the transition varies, depending on their previous roles and existing employment contracts. Most individuals will continue to be compensated through Alpine School District under existing agreements, while a few have to be paid through the transition funds provided to the new district.
Our superintendent, Dr. Joe Jensen, retired from Alpine School District in July 2025. Because Aspen Peaks and Lake Mountain districts selected current Alpine administrators, Dr. Joel Perkins and Dr. Vicki Carter, for their superintendent positions, Alpine is continuing to pay these individuals through the end of their contracts in June 2026. To ensure fairness among the new districts, Alpine is applying a standardized approach by providing Timpanogos School District with a financial credit based on the average salary of the other two superintendents. A similar approach is being used for business administrators.
Dr. Jensen recently assembled a small leadership team consisting of six cabinet positions that will help design and prepare the district’s operational systems. To remain fiscally responsible during the transition period, these roles may initially operate under a scaled work-ratio model.
With this approach, individuals selected for cabinet positions may begin by working a limited number of days per week for Timpanogos School District while continuing employment elsewhere. As the district moves closer to full operations in July 2027, the number of days dedicated to Timpanogos School District will gradually increase until these positions become full-time.
Additionally, Alpine School District employees who are hired into roles with Timpanogos School District will generally remain on Alpine’s payroll through the end of their existing employment contracts, which may run through June 2027. This arrangement allows Alpine School District to continue operating effectively while also minimizing transition costs and allowing experienced administrators to assist in building the new district. This approach ensures that the new districts are not duplicating salaries, but instead are using existing contracts in a coordinated and cost-effective way during the transition.
Commitment to Responsible Stewardship
The Board of Education is committed to being careful and responsible with district finances throughout the transition period. The funding provided under SB 188 is being used to make sure that when Timpanogos School District becomes fully operational in July 2027, we have the systems, leadership, and planning in place to serve students well from day one.
We also recognize that this transition directly affects existing and future district employees. These are real people with families and responsibilities, and we are committed to handling hiring and staff assignments in a way that is thoughtful, organized, and respectful.
We will continue to share updates as the transition moves forward and remain committed to being open and transparent with our community. Dr. Joe Jensen and Jason Sundberg both maintain an open-door policy and are available to answer questions. Community members are welcome to reach out by email or schedule a time to meet with our leadership team and board.