2011T12 ANNUAL BUDGET - Granite School District

Granite School District
2011-12 Budget
Organizational Section
For the 2012 school year, the district will operate eight accredited high schools, sixteen junior highs, and 62
elementary schools, along with several special schools and educational centers. The district is an equal
opportunity employer and actively recruits teachers from universities throughout the nation. Certificated
employees are hired to teach students in district schools and centers. Granite employs more teachers than
any other school district in the state and is one of the largest employers in the state. Classified and
secretarial employees are also hired to support the instructional activities in the district.
Governance and Fiscal Independence
The district is governed by a Board of Education comprised of seven board members. Each board member
is independently elected from a geographic precinct in the district. Board members serve for a period of
four years at which time they may choose to run for re-election. The Board of Education directly appoints
two principal officers, the Superintendent and the Business Administrator/Treasurer. Both positions are
established and required by state law. Other administrative employees are recommended by the
Superintendent and are then approved by the Board.
The district is fiscally independent. The laws of the State of Utah give the district power to levy taxes,
determine fees and other charges, approve and modify budgets, and issue debt without approval from any
other government. There are some administrative approvals required of Salt Lake County and the State
Tax Commission for the purpose of assuring that the district has followed the law regarding budgeting and
assessing taxes, but there are no substantive approvals required. The district is also subject to the general
oversight of the Utah State Board of Education. This includes a budget approval process that is
compliance oriented and is more ministerial in nature than substantive.
Mission and Goals of the District
In 2010, the Granite School District Board of Education approved a new mission statement and two broad
goals intended to guide the district as it moves forward into a new decade. This effort was the result of two
years of communication with stakeholders and various constituencies through focus groups, district wide
surveys, and solicited public input. In the spring of 2011, the Board of Education provided further direction
by approving focused targets for the two identified goals to guide schools and district administration in their
efforts to provide a high quality education for every student in Granite District.
Granite School District Mission Statement
In partnership with the community, enable and enrich all students with the knowledge, skills and
character needed for lifelong success and responsible citizenship in a changing world.
Goal: Increase achievement for every student
• Eliminate systemic barriers to student achievement in district policy and instructional program
design as needed.
o Focus on one division at a time: Teaching and Learning, School Accountability, Business,
Educator Support and Development, Support Services.
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