Click to View Debate from 10/23/2014 on YouTube

Unsolicited Support from ASD Teacher 

I received this letter today from one of my supporters. A teacher. He has allowed me to share it with you. Thank you to all the many teachers who have supported me as a board member and as a candidate. He contacted me Unsolicited.

Dear Alpine School District Resident:
I am a teacher in the Alpine School District, and I am asking for your help. You probably aren't aware of how critical this upcoming school board election is. I have no insider information, but if you look at Superintendent Henshaw’s tenure and compare the amount of gray hair he has now to his picture from just a few years ago, it is likely he is closing in on retirement. In my opinion, he will leave a legacy of excellence in the Alpine School District. A superintendent provides the leadership and direction for all educators and students in a district. Our upcoming school board will likely select a new Superintendent. That means that this next election will profoundly impact the future of approximately 73,000 students and 15,000 educators and support staff. You need to study the candidates, and you need to get out and vote!
I am suggesting that the following individuals have the right vision and capability to lead Alpine forward.

• Paula Hill (Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs and Cedar Valley area)
• Lynn Mower (Alpine, Highland, Cedar Hills and part of Pleasant Grove area)
• John Burton (American Fork and part of Pleasant Grove area) 
• Jodee Sundberg (Orem area).

I have taught junior high math in Alpine for nearly ten years. It has been my privilege and blessing to do so. I am passionate about mathematics, and I am passionate about students’ success. I have experienced success teaching at-risk students and gifted learners. I have consistently seen Alpine’s student learning be among the best in the state.
Here are a few of the successes I have witnessed:

•  Statewide assessments consistently ranked well above the state average.
•  Schools tests results consistently ranked among the highest in the state.
•  Multiple schools awarded “Best of State”.
•  Our superintendent being named superintendent of the year.
•  Principals being named principal of the year.
•  A school receiving a National Blue Ribbon Award.
•  Funding for core and elective subjects alike.
•  Stability in a shrinking economy.
•  Multiple fiscal responsibility awards received.

I attribute this success to leadership and a foundation of sound principles. Local control is a reality in Alpine. Alpine works to make sure that the most important decisions and discussions happen at the school level. Alpine believes the key to student improvement is continuous adult improvement. With the principles that are already in place and embraced in Alpine there will always be progress. Here is what they do to ensure it.

• Teachers meet to provide a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all students in a school, no matter who the teacher is.
• They develop common assessments so they can gather and compare data to determine what practice results in the highest levels of learning. They plan how to respond when students have not learned the desired targets.
• The seek ways to meet the needs of at-risk learners and gifted learners alike.

I believe that Alpine is headed in the right direction. A district does not do this alone. This vision and leadership development only flourishes when a community and a school board share that same vision. We have been very lucky to have such a school board. They understand where the real power lies in Alpine, and they have paved the way to great things. Please get out and vote on Tuesday, November 4th. Please research the candidates to know their vision of Alpine. Please consider Paula Hill, Lynn Mower, John Burton, and Jodee Sundberg.

Thank you for your time.
Patrick Fossat
Math Teacher