Uta h Pre ss s ociation 467 Eat Third South Silt Lake City, U. 84UI Vol. 2 No. 38 Thursday. September 18, 1980 Alpine School District Superintendent Max Welcker, seemingly reacting to the flood of recent criticism, has called for an outside group to do an unbiased evaluation of the district's policies and programs. It's been a number of years since we've had any look' at the school district from outside," said Welcker in asking for the 20 cents single copy formation of a team "that would report directly to the board, totally apart from the administration." The evaluation team, made up of For news, advertising 7567669. 768 9696, 785 31 1 1 prominent educators, businessmen and others "that have no connection with the do would a district," "thorough e.aluahon," pinpointing district strengths and weaknesses. "We could take a couple of people from within the district, but I think we would be getting the biases ol the people involved. It would be good for the board to get an fine next year. Dr. Welcker also explained that about 12 elementary school classes throughout the district will be participating in new reading program created and directly supervised by Dr. Grant Von Harrison of BYU. His which involves training in both program, phonics and sight reading, also incorporates the use of individual tutoring. The program has recently been adopted by the State of Arizona as its official, statewide reading program. It has also been used extensively in Texas, Minnesota, and other areas around the country. objective evaluation," said Welcker. Board President Phil Shumway, who atter 20 years on the board of education came in second in the primary election to a district critic and then promptly withdrew the race for "personal reasons," noted that BYU has an external evaluation every 10 years or so and thought a similar from n examination might be helpful for the school district. "The biggest thing is who you select. And an external evaluation without an internal evaluation is not good," said Shumway. "I think 1', will be good, although I'm not sure ,A ' how far we are prepared to go." district resident in the audience, having moved into the area (rom another district, felt the district could benefit from honestly comparing the effectiveness of its programs with those of other districts around the state and nation. :: Welcker agreed that some comparisons ', would be made, but Shumway argued, "I don't think the value would be in One WW mil n ACCIDENT This 1979 - drive vehicle was demolished, its driver injured when it rolled off - waw presenting comparisons. It would be in assessing the specific programs." Welcker, who was named to replace and into the Mill Pond. letiring Superintendent Dan Peterson just :o months ago, suggested that at least Man Injured n: Freeway Accident- man on his way home from work critical injury when his vehicle escaped overturned in the Mill Pond adjacent to between American Fork and Lehi. Franklin Mark Veteto, 26, 1775 North 80 East, Orem, was treated at Utah Valley in Provo for a concussion, Hospital lacerations, bruises and amnesia following the accident, said Trooper David Sheen of the Utah Highway Patrol. An Orem Sheen said Veteto apparently dozed at the wheel as he traveled southbound on His vehicle struck an auto abandoned in the emergency lane of the freeway, flipped sideways, rolled twice, and came to rest atop a section of the Interstate fence, upside down in the Mill Pond. His 1979 demolished, drive as was the unit was 1973 model ... FIRE ris m , ,,.,.., DESTROYS MJ J HOME- -A Jydh.Sn, late night fire Monday destroyed the trailer home of Rose Hamblin. 1150 North 200 West, Lehi. Damage was estimated at nearly $12,000. from the state education citn:e be involved in the evaluation and that the state school officials help locate one individual compact station wagon owned by Kristen Sundall, 355 North 100 East, Provo. The fence sustained an estimated $400 in damage. Sheen said the small station wagon had been abandoned earlier in the day after being disabled by an engine fire. The accident happened shortly before 4 p.m. last Thursday. 0' he; qualified evaluators. He also suggested that the evaluation be scheduled to begin in about three months, providing adequate time for the school district to do some preliminary work. The board gave its tentative approval. I - The board meeting Tuesday was the first one m several years to be scheduled for I late afternoon and early evening hours, also coming about because of parental criticism ilia' board members and administrators ft 1 1 making themselves inaccessible by holding their meetings in the morning were : ' : " ' ;i ! I 1 1 r 1 - j when most concerned parents and citizens could not attend. And while most school board meetings in the past have been amended by only a handful of people, this one was attended by nearly 50 (not all staying foi the entire meeting). also called for an adDr. Welcker ministrative district. in the school reorganization for increased staffing in He asked purchasing, accounting, public relations and personnel. Assistant Superintendent Kent Abel Ti i l F if Davis (Wolfman), Jay Jones (Whiskey), Don Austin (Smelly), left to right, speak with youngster. Great Basin Brigade, the trio are dressed in authentic mountain men costume. MOUNTAIN MEN-J- defended, "I dare say there is no business, no school district, and no government entity this size with this small of accounting staff." "It will increase our efficiency in the im Local Mountain Men Take office tremendously," said Welcker. "We're way under the recommended ratio of Membeis of the Part The board also approved the laying of sod at the Sego Lily Elementary School in Lehi now that sprinkling systems have been In Eureka 'Depot Days' It was like a day out of trie old West, as Men from the Great Basin Mountain cunning" with competition in such activities as tomahawk throwing and musket Brigade gathered at the Eureka City Park to help add an authentic air to the city's shooting. "We get together at various times and Among those on hand was Lehi's Jim Davis better known to many as "Wolfman - Jim." Davis is known for his wild animal zoo and for his talks to school youngsters about the many animals found in the mountains around them. The rendezvous included "contests of great skill and strength, courage and installed. Board member Ken Whimpey the principal had thought that an agreement had been finalized with Lehi City to provide the sod in exchange for using the ball fields for city recreation programs. Apparently thai arrangement will not be worked out as expected. The board approved hiring of new teachers. Several teachers in the district had resigned just before school started, despite a contractual stipulation calling for a $200 fine if resignations are given without 30 days notice. Assistant Superintendent Quinn Hatch said the stipulation will be difficult to enforce since the teachers had not yet begun work. President Shumway suggested that enforcement be carried out where possible and that the board consider increasing the said places during the year," one "Mountain Man" explained, and hope to keep the memories of the "days of the early West alive for present and future generations." Depot Days. Teepees, trading Hems, and men and women dressed in the buckskin costumes of thi bygone era were in evidence. administrative staff to teaching personnel." Welcker's requests, which were approved would require hiring an by the board, assistant purchasing agent, an accountant, a public information officer (serving simutaneously as assistant director of personnel), and a directoi of personnel. four or five district adCurrently ministrators are involved with the hiring of personnel. "If they're going to be able to carry out their responsibilities, we need to take away their employment responsibilities," said Welcker. e Census Records Growth The Census Bureau has confirmed what local residents already knew North Utah County population has been growing at a phenomenal rate over the past decade. The Highland area experienced probably the greatest increase, but since it did not exist in 1970 as an incorporated city, there can be no population comparison. It now has a population of 2,320. In the decade between official census surveys, however, Alpine grew 153 percent, Pleasant Grove 101 percent, American Fork 57 percent and lehi 47 percent, and Lindon 67 percent. Utah County as a whole grew 58 percent in population. CantinM4onPaf(Z) MIwB(MwMlliMaril in mi mm Family Escapes Mobile Home Fire A midnight blaze Monday destroyed a trailer home belonging to Rose Hamblin, 1150 North 200 West, Space number 23, it was reported by Max Ray, Lehi Fire Chief. Chief Ray said the blaze was started by a electric clothes dryer in the faulty bathroom and spread to a bedroom. A door between the bedroom and living room was closed and Mrs. Hamblin and her two small children were in the living room and did not smell the smoke. Their first alarm was when a can of hair spray in the bathroom exploded from the heat and flames. The Chief said that the entire back part of the 1972 trailer was destroyed and the front part received smoke damage. He estimated damage at approximately $6,000 to the trailer and the same amount to the contents. He indicated the loss will be partially covered by insurance. The alarm was received at 11:30 p.m. and 22 men and four pieces of equipment responded. They remained at the scene for hours. Chief Ray said damage was confined to the Hamblin trailer. two Local Aeromodelers Fly In Show A fun fly, designed to acquaint area residents with the enjoyment of flying radio controlled airplanes, will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at the flying site just south of the Although most of the airplanes are made from kits, some people prefer to build theirs from scratch. golf course in Provo. The public is invited to the 9:30 a.m. display Public School Test Scores To Be Reviewed and demonstration, said Boone Hunsaker, American Fork. "There are quite a few in the area who enjoy this sport," Hunsaker said, explaining he first became acquainted with the remote control airplanes when but a boy. "I was full of old nick," he said, "and a his high school shop teacher took me under This to the me introduced and hobby. wing was in the late '30'$ and I've been hooked ever since. "It's a good way to keep kids off the street They can't be out getting into trouble if they are down in the basement working on an airplane." Citizens for Better Schools, a group of local citizens who are concerned about the quality of education in the Alpine School District, have alleged that students in the district perform poorly standardized tests. on nationally District patrons will have an opportunity to hear test experts comment on these allegations at a public meeting Friday, Sept 26, at 8 p.m., at the American Fork Junior High School, 1000 North Center Street Further details on the program announced next week. . will be