Granite alternative schools may be split into 2 parts

Granite School District's umbrella system of alternative high school programs may now be split into two smaller learning communities.

To ease administrative headaches and space concerns, district leaders proposed this week that Granite High School share its 3300 South and 500 East location with an expanded Granite Technical Institute. At the same time, the Newcomers Program for refugees will move in with the Central High alternative high school program at 3900 South 500 East to create a new Granite Peaks Learning Center.

Central High's name would be changed to Granite Peaks High School, though that name is also in flux, said district spokesman Randy Ripplinger. The Granite Board of Education is slated to vote on the proposed changes March 6.

Adult and community education also would move into the 3900 South building, and the Young Parents program would stay at its West Valley spot under the umbrella of Granite Peaks.

"There are a couple of things moving this. No. 1, what is the best way to serve all of these kids?" Ripplinger said. "What's good for the students to give them a rigorous, relevant education?"

The plan would sever Granite High School from the Granite Peaks program, whereas the two programs are now overseen by one principal, even though they are in several different locations.

The extra space at Granite High School on 3300 South would facilitate an expansion of the Granite Technical Institute — a career and technical program.

The Granite High program would also be expanded to allow ninth-graders from Granite Park Junior High to opt into the school, which emphasizes smaller learning communities rather than the typical high school.

The plan would cost about $3.5 million. Most of that cost — about $2 million — would go toward additions and renovations to accommodate new programs at Granite Peaks Learning Center at 3900 South, while another $1 million is needed to upgrade the fire alarm system at the aging Granite High building. Another $500,000 would go to expand the Granite Technical Institute.

---

E-mail: estewart@desnews.com