AMERICAN FORK — Hiring certified, competent teachers and paying them according to talent and tenure is just one of myriad suggestions given to Alpine School District by a community focus group.

In a district-sponsored activity called "What Counts," 64 people gave the Alpine District feedback Tuesday night. The invitation-only event continues with a different set of selected people tonight in the district's professional development center.

Alpine School Board members and district administrators provided the names of those they believed should participate in the event. They include city leaders, civic and business officials, ecclesiastical leaders, members of school and district community councils and high school students.

"We want you to share your values so we can see what we're doing and what we may need to refine or do differently," Alpine board chairwoman Debbie Taylor told the group Wednesday. "Your input tonight will make a difference to us."

Mossi White was the main facilitator, posing two questions to the group, which was divided into roundtables for discussions. White was twice president of the Utah School Boards Association and is the former president of the National School Boards Association.

"You are here to help determine where education — the children of Alpine School District — will be taken," she said.

White said all discussions should be positive, not negative.

"We want this to be constructive, good suggestions that can be used by the district to improve the education in this district," she said. The two questions were: "What do you value about your local public schools?" and "What are the characteristics of a quality school?"

Participants at one table said they liked the communication from the school, as well as the fact the school is a part of the community.

"It's not a separate entity," said Ted Barratt, former mayor of American Fork.

Amy Gonzalez, a senior at Orem High School, said she values the educators at her school.

"I just have amazing teachers. They make it fun for me," she said. "All of my teachers are really passionate about what they teach. Each class I go to, I know my teacher loves what they do. I can have conversations with them."

Kim Poulson, a member of the American Fork Junior High Community Council, said, "To me, it's access. I get in there and am heard."

When stating what characteristics make a quality school, the roomful of contributors culled it down to a few top answers, including:

• Retain qualified teachers by providing tools, resources and compensation.

• Have educators who are enthusiastic and passionate about their teaching.

• Implement well-rounded academic programs.

• Provide students with proper tools, higher expectations and a variety of opportunities to meet individual needs.

District administrators and board members plan to use the feedback for future goals, budgets, strategic planning and other decisions with the district.

"We'll use it as an evaluation of what we are currently doing," said Alpine District Superintendent Vernon Henshaw. "You have to be in sync with the public. You don't have to agree with everything but you have to come together and see how to work together for the best of the children."

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