Tillman will be new Eagle Mountain principal

AMERICAN FORK — Vineyard Elementary School Principal Tom Tillman will lead Alpine School District's new elementary school in Eagle Mountain, district officials announced Wednesday morning.

Tillman, 37, of Saratoga Springs, has been at Vineyard Elementary for seven years. "I'm looking forward to the new opportunity," Tillman said.

The principal is known for his excellent leadership skills and kindness toward students, said Vineyard Elementary secretary Carol Graves.

"The kids love him. We'll be sad to see him leave," Graves said. "He's a very friendly and kind person."

Vineyard Elementary has approximately 650 students. The new elementary school in Eagle Mountain is estimated to start with 723 students when it opens this fall. Total capacity of the school is 1,000 students.

Alpine district superintendent Vernon Henshaw said Tillman was chosen because of his passion for his job. "He loves children and is excited for another challenge," Henshaw said.

Construction of the new elementary school began in October. The building cost is $13.9 million according to district officials.

The elementary school's design is similar to Fox Hollow Elementary School.

Voters authorized in 2006 the district to issue $230 million in bonds for construction and remodeling of schools. With that funding, the district plans to build one high school, two middle schools and five elementary schools.

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