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Show A-6 The Park Record Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, August 10-13, 2019 Local farms hit century mark SUMMER SALE!! 35% to 50% off MSRP on in stock FURNITURE! An additional 10% off in stock ACCESSORIES! Excluding consignment art and furniture COURTESY OF NELL LARSON The Summit County Council awarded the Double Diamond Ranch and the Richins Family Homestead for their century-long history of working the land in Summit County. Council Chair Roger Armstrong said he was proud to be able to present the families with the award, noting the patience, negotiation and acceptance required to keep such an endeavor going. On the left is the family representing the Double Diamond Ranch, and on the right are members of the Richins family. Nell Larson, who introduced the families, is in the jean jacket in the photo on the left. Continued from A-5 Athletic funding Complimentary Interior Design Consultation Featuring Hancock & Moore, Taylor King, Bernhardt, Four Hands, Charleston Forge, Century Robert Kelly Home 1764 Uinta Way / Park City / Utah 435-615-7125 www.robertkellyhome.com / info@robertkellyhome.com ing sports, but it has resulted in a major uptick in administration time and a restructuring of the way things are done. In addition, the district has added costs like upgrading shoulder pads to the burden of student fees, rather than paying for them itself. At the same time, Sorenson said the board has also asked school administrators to look for efficiencies or ways to reduce their budgets. After checking with other area school districts, including North Summit, Park City and Wasatch County, and those of comparable size elsewhere in the state, the district recommended cutting what it contributes to the athletics program. Now South Summit coaches are feeling the squeeze, and many see it as just one more reason that it’s now harder to teach and coach in the district. Bowen, who was chosen to represent the viewpoint of many of the district’s coaches, said he is “South Summit through and through.” “I love stepping off a bus in green — that we now have to pay for — that says, ‘I’m here from South Summit and you better pack a lunch because we’re coming to play,’” he said. But the district has had difficulty attracting and retaining teachers and coaches, and he pointed to the salaries of comparable districts. “To buy a home in Kamas is $550,000,” the coach said. “Four percent on a $40,000 salary is $1,600. Canyons (School District) is raising $8,000 on $40,000. … I don’t know how we expect people to live here.” He told the story of a fellow teacher who joined the district recently who had given up several days of his summer to help facilitate a leadership retreat in Moab for members of the high school student government, pointing to him as an example of how teachers should act. Despite having taught for more than 20 years, the teacher is making less than starting teachers make elsewhere, Bowen said. At a tipping point The meeting grew contentious at times, though many appeared to be frustrated with the reality of the situation rather than personally antagonistic. Sorenson called it one of the most disheartening he’d been a part of in his time with the district. One parent pointed out the fee increases amount to more than the official total, as they are pressured to participate in fundraisers as well. Woolstenhulme, the board president, said she shares the group’s frustration, but “at the end of the day, we have to have teachers.” She also pointed to the problem of equalizing school aid around the state, which results in what she said is the district sending $300,000 annually to other districts. “It’s very frustrating,” she said, noting that money could instead be used to pay teachers. One coach estimated he’d spent $45,000 of his own money to coach. He said the only answer is to raise taxes, though he acknowledged it would put the board members in a tough spot. “Do truth in taxation, raise taxes,” he told the officials. “Put it on the people. You’re putting it on the parents — put it on the people.” Longtime coach and school board member Dan Eckert wondered whether the glory days were behind the district. Eckert, pausing to collect himself, said one of his biggest regrets and embarrassments being on the board is that he can’t provide more money to teachers and sports. “We don’t have the budget to be an elite program anymore,” Eckert said. “Right now we’re at a tipping point. We could stay where we are or we could fall off the cliff. I don’t think we’ll fall off the cliff — we have too many parents and coaches who care.” KPCW’s BACK ALLEY BASH FREE MUSIC LOCALS’ FAVORITE joy&eric 5-7pm PRESENTED BY Friday, Aug 16th 5-9 pm | Town Lift Plaza Sin City Soul 7-9pm FREE EVENT FOR ALL Plus Food, Beverages, Kids Games, Balloon Twister & Face Painting Food and beverage sales benefit KPCW, your local community radio station. kpcw.org The Sweeney Brothers |