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Looking Forward: Critical Interim Decisions for Aspen Peaks School District

Aspen Peaks School District will officially become operational on July 1, 2027. With roughly twenty months to prepare, many critical decisions must be made to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Interim Work to Be Done

Alpine School District has shown great vision in planning for three strong successor districts. I deeply appreciate the efforts of each department for reporting on their current status and outlining what needs to happen moving forward.

Transportation

We currently have two transportation divisions—East and West—but must develop a plan to service all three new districts. While Alpine has an adequate fleet of buses, there is a critical driver shortage.
As a result, many routes are doubled up. Students on the first wave arrive significantly early, while those on the second wave experience long after-school wait times before being transported home. Additionally, unfunded secondary bus routes will not be supported after this year, making it essential to address transportation efficiency.

Data Centers

At present, Alpine operates two data centers, but three districts will require separate infrastructure. We should explore the feasibility of partnering with a third-party provider rather than building a third center.
This could convert a significant capital expense into a predictable operational expense, allowing for flexibility and scalability while minimizing upfront costs.

Student Information Systems

Currently, Alpine uses Skyward and Alio. It’s critical that the system we select for Aspen Peaks is implemented well before July 2027, ensuring schools and departments can operate seamlessly from day one.
This decision must be prioritized early to avoid disruption in student enrollment, attendance tracking, and payroll systems.

Physical Facilities

This department includes HVAC, plumbing, glass, and grounds. In some areas, only one specialist currently serves the entire district. After the split, we will likely need to duplicate or expand services to maintain consistent quality and response times across all facilities.

Three Districts Working Together

Each of the three new districts faces unique challenges that must be addressed collaboratively:

• West District: Experiencing rapid growth and must focus on building new schools to meet increasing demand.

• South District: Facing declining enrollment, requiring difficult decisions around school consolidations or closures.

• Aspen Peaks District: Enrollment is generally stable, with the exception of the North Point and Cold Springs Ranch areas. Strategic decisions will be needed regarding boundary realignments and the potential construction of a new elementary school.

I have spoken with candidates in all three districts and understand the scope of these challenges. When new boards are elected, I am ready to collaborate immediately, ensuring a smooth transition and shared success.

I am committed to protecting the assets of Aspen Peaks School District while ensuring that each district has the tools, resources, and funding necessary to thrive independently.

Closing Thoughts

The next twenty months will shape the future of our schools, our communities, and our children’s educational experience.
By working together—across departments, districts, and communities—we can ensure that Aspen Peaks begins its journey with stability, transparency, and strength.