School board gets update on construction projects

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan School Board received an outstanding report in reading scores, got an update on construction projects and, as previously reported, approved a study to consider closure of La Sal Elementary at their latest meeting.
School District Superintendent Christine Fitzgerald shared encouraging data for the district compared to others in Utah at the September 8 meeting (see story on page A4).
The San Juan School district achieved the second-highest relative percentage growth in Utah for third-grade reading proficiency between 2024 and 2026.
The district’s third-grade reading proficiency rose by about 16 percent, increasing from 59.4 percent in 2024 to 68.9 percent in 2026.
Business Administrator Jacob Swanson shared an update on ongoing construction across the district.
At Albert R Lyman Middle School, the board approved $41,000 to construct a concrete fire lane and retaining wall as required by the State Fire Marshal to accommodate new classrooms at the school.
Upgrades are progressing at Monticello High, where the safe entry project is also adding restrooms near the gym and library renovations. It was noted that water infiltration along the east foundation will require future drainage remediation.
Capital projects are also underway in Montezuma Creek with the district housing in Montezuma Creek and Whitehorse High upgrading to xeriscaping to conserve resources. Additionally some carpet replacement is underway at Montezuma Creek Elementary.
Members of the board also approved updated policies, including how the district handles suspension or expulsion of students with disabilities. That process is guided by state school board special education rules, with input from district special education directors as well.
Other policy updates include elimination of specific forms formerly required by the state activities association related to school teams traveling over 150 miles for an event, although board members will still review school teams schedules. Another policy update is aimed at definitions of equipment for accounting methods.
Members of the board also tabled a decision on district involvement in the Navajo Youth Risk Behavior Survey to resolve compliance requirements relating to survey opt-in forms at school registration.
Members of the board also recognized district staff with the San Juan Sweet Job awards, including Jessica McFarland at ARL Middle School and Ryan Mercer at Monument Valley High.
As reported in the September 16 edition of the San Juan Record, the board also approved a study to consider closure of La Sal Elementary School.
The study will include two public meetings in La Sal before a potential vote of closure in mid December.
District staff estimate that $500,000 in needed facility repairs are needed. The school serves students in Kindergarten through second grade. Students third grade and up are bussed about 40 miles to Monticello schools.
Enrollment over the past ten years has ranged from five and 15 students, with enrollment the past three years of six, five and seven students.
Members of the school board approved a study to explore closure of the school. District staff emphasized it doesn’t mean the school will closed but that the board will gather information for a vote in mid-December.
As part of the legal process to close the school, the district has put out a notice to La Sal and Monticello Elementary parents who would be impacted by the change. A school board meeting will be held at La Sal Elementary on October 13. A formal public hearing will be held in La Sal on November 10. A final vote will take place on December 15.