AMERICAN FORK — Besides welcoming new board member Terry D. Peterson, Alpine School Board plans to discuss boundaries and vote on increasing board member compensation today.

The board meeting is at 6 p.m. at Alpine School District offices, 575 N. 100 East, American Fork.

Peterson, 53, of Orem, is replacing former board member Andrea Forsyth, who resigned in November due to health reasons. He will represent Precinct 7, the Orem High area.

Peterson, who is a graduate of Orem High School and Brigham Young University, said excellent educators have helped him and his six children — and it's time to pay it forward.

"I want to do something to support these teachers and administrators who have done so much for my family," he said.

Serving on the school board will also give Peterson a chance to use his numbers know-how. He works for Morgan Stanley as a wealth advisor, managing money for wealthy clients as well as foundations and corporations.

He graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in business management with an emphasis in finance.

"I can bring something to the table as far as finance," Peterson said.

This school year Alpine district is in phase A of spending its $230 million bond funding. On the docket is a new high school in Saratoga Springs and a new elementary school in Eagle Mountain; improvements to Pleasant Grove High School and Orem Junior High School; and new classrooms added to Highland and Eagle Valley elementary schools.

Peterson plans to discover the issues of Alpine district. Growth is an obvious concern. The district is at around 58,000 students with another 10,000 expected in the next five or six years, according to district officials.

He also plans to listen to the patrons.

"I want to hear people's input and concerns," Peterson said. "That is what a board member is supposed to do."

Peterson was appointed after submitting his resume and undergoing an interview by the board.

"I am excited and honored they would choose me," he said.

Alpine district superintendent Vernon Henshaw said, "Terry brings good experience and background to the board."

Peterson comes from a long line of educators. His grandfather's brother, Dan Peterson, was the superintendent of Alpine district. Peterson's wife's parents were both teachers in Alpine district. Peterson's mother was an English teacher in Alpine district and his father was a BYU professor.

In other business, the board plans to discuss and possibly vote on boosting members' compensation. The Utah Legislature passed a law in 2007 allowing school boards to determine their own compensation.

Alpine board is proposing an increase from $250 per month to $500 per month.

The board will also hear a report on boundaries. Input was gathered during recent public hearings regarding boundaries for the new Saratoga Springs High School and Eagle Mountain Elementary School. The board plans to vote on boundaries during its Jan. 22 meeting.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com