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District Newsletter - October 24, 2025

Posted Date: 10/24/25 (2:37 PM)

Yellow school buses parked in a row, with the words 'School Bus' visible.

October 24, 2025

Dr. Elizabeth Grant

Superintendent’s Message

Dear Salt Lake City School District families and students,

Civic engagement is an important part of who we are as Utah’s capital city school district. One of the goals in our 2024–2029 Strategic Plan is to Develop Civic-Ready and Thoughtful Citizens who understand how government and systems work and are committed to bettering their communities.

This year's municipal election is a good opportunity for our students to learn about the electoral process and how they can participate. For students who will be 18 years old by November 4, 2025 and are U.S. citizens, it’s an important chance to vote in their very first election. Parents and guardians can help by modeling civic involvement and encouraging students to stay informed and engaged. To learn more about local election dates, voting options, and voter registration, visit the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Election page.

Our new Seal of Civic Readiness helps high school students build these skills. Students who earn the Seal share the positive differences they make in our community through their civic knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences. It’s one more way we’re helping students prepare for life beyond high school, and I encourage all high school students to learn how they can earn the Seal by visiting our website.

And for our younger students, remember that long before students are old enough to vote, they can learn how to make a difference by discussing issues, volunteering, and staying informed.

Together, we can strengthen our community and help our students become active, informed citizens.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Grant, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Salt Lake City School District
 

Public Hearing and Public Comment Period

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, during its regular board meeting, the board will hold a public hearing about the proposals for:
  • possible closure of Innovations Early College High School,
  • possible grade reconfiguration for Nibley Park School, and
  • closure of the Magnet Gifted and Talented program at Washington Elementary School.

The hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will take place in the Board Room at the district office, located at 406 E. 100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84111.

The public hearing has no set end time and will continue as long as community members wish to speak. Individual speakers may be limited to three minutes. Signing up in advance is not necessary. All who show up to speak will have an opportunity to address the board.

Additionally, the board will hold a public comment period on:
  • Tuesday, November 3, during the Board of Education meeting held in the Board room of the Salt Lake City School District administration building located at 406 E. 100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84111

The November 3 Board of Education meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. The public comment period typically occurs shortly after the meeting begins. Please arrive on time to ensure your opportunity to speak.

To sign up for public comment, please fill out the online “Request to Speak” form as early as possible.

In addition to speaking during a board meeting or the public hearing, you may also share your feedback about the three proposals by:
  1. Submitting a comment online (shared with all board members)
  2. Filling out a hard copy comment form (available at the front offices of Innovations Early College High School, Nibley Park School, and Washington Elementary)
 

Apply for Free and Reduced-price Meals

The Free and Reduced-price Meals Program ensures that every student has access to healthy, nutritious meals at school. Even if you don’t think you qualify, it’s worth applying to find out. Eligibility is based on household income and size, and many families are surprised to find they qualify.

How to Apply Online
SchoolCafe’s Free and Reduced Online Application makes it easy and convenient to apply for free meals at the click of a button. Before applying, each household must create a SchoolCafe account. Be ready to provide your child(ren)’s full registered name, student ID number, and school of enrollment. If you’re unsure of your child’s registered name or student ID number, please contact your school’s main office.

Once you have created your SchoolCafe account, review the videos below for instructions on how to apply for free and reduced-price meals.

You only need to complete one application per household each school year, even if you have children attending multiple schools. If you’ve already submitted an application for the current school year, you do not need to submit another.

Paper Applications
Parents who prefer not to apply online may print and submit a paper application to their school’s kitchen manager or to the district’s Child Nutrition Department. Paper applications are available in multiple languages. To access translated versions, click the following link: USDA Paper Applications (Translated Print Ready Versions).

For questions or assistance with your application, please contact the Child Nutrition Department by email at freeandreduced@slcschools.org or by phone at (801) 974-8380.
 

Unified Soccer Takes the Spotlight

Earlier this month, Highland High School played host to the Unified Soccer Tournament. The tournament featured seven schools, all with one goal: breaking down stereotypes through sports.

Unified Sports, through the Special Olympics, brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete as teammates, promoting inclusion, friendship, and understanding. By breaking down barriers and stereotypes, the program helps students develop empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills that carry into every part of their lives. The result is a more inclusive school community where every student is celebrated for their abilities

The games were fantastic, and the tournament was featured on KSL TV. You can watch that report on KSL’s website
A group of young people stand on a track, one holding a lit torch.
 

Excellence in Action

  • We’re thrilled to share that Sky View Academy, our Adult Education program inside the Utah State Correctional Facility, has been named the 2025 Adult Education Program of the Year by the Utah State Board of Education!
  • Congratulations to Sayre Posey from Bryant Middle School! The NEA Foundation has named Sayre one of just 48 educators nationwide to receive the 2026 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence.
  • Morgan MacMillan, the district’s new Energy Resource Manager, has been named a Green School Fellow. The fellowship is a leadership development program focused on areas like reducing carbon footprint, improving resource conservation, and promoting environmental literacy.
  • Laleh Ghotbi, a 4th grade teacher at Mountain View Elementary and SLCSD’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, was recognized as the Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher at the Utah Science Teaching Association Conference!
  • Congratulations to Amanda Roberson, a 5th grade teacher at Emerson Elementary for winning the 2025 Extra Yard for Teachers Award!
  • Dani Bainsmith from West High named the Outstanding Biology Science Teacher by the Utah Science Teaching Association!
  • Congratulations to Judy Wallace on being recognized as one of UEA's 10 Super Stars of Education! She is a Literacy Coach at Mountain View Elementary and goes above and beyond for her students to support their journey in education.

Thank you to all of our wonderful teachers and employees for their dedication and commitment.
A group of people pose for a photo in front of a banner that reads '2025 Adult Education Program of the Year'.
 

Helpful Links

 

Upcoming Calendar

November 3, 2025 
Board Meeting and Public Comment Period- 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room (406 E. 100 S., SLC, UT 84111

November 18, 2025
Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room (406 E. 100 S., SLC, UT 84111
Public Hearing – 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room (406 E. 100 S., SLC, UT 84111

November 26, 2025
Non-student Day – all schools

November 27 & 28, 2025
Thanksgiving Recess
 
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406 East 100 South, SLC, UT 84111