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School District chooses new board member

Frank Fisher, of the Record staff

In November of 2006, two candidates ran to represent Precinct 5 on the Park City Board of Education. Both ran honorable, positive campaigns and to the very end admitted they had great respect for one another’s capabilities.

Charles Cunningham topped Michael Boyle in the final tally. But less than a school year into his term, Cunningham and his family moved to a home outside the precinct, requiring him to resign from the board.

Boyle was chosen to take Cunningham’s place, after he and others submitted letters of interest to fill the position. He will be sworn in at the Sept. 18 board meeting. But the position is temporary.

School board members are elected for four-year terms. Elections are staggered every two years, with members from Precincts 1, 2 and 3 coming up for election one year, them members from Precincts 4 and 5 facing elections two years later. Boyle will hold the position until the Nov. 2008 election. A board member will be elected for a two-year term, to get the staggered elections back in sync. Boyle has the option of running for the position, something he said he will consider next spring.

"I enjoyed the election process," he said on the Nov. 2006 election. Everybody should do it. It’s a great way to meet neighbors, and focus on issues. It’s a great lesson in civics.

"My wife and son (who will attend Park City High School next year) support me. They realize this will be a substantial time commitment."

Boyle is the operations manager at the Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District, and said he is comfortable working with large budgets, knowledge he will likely draw upon soon after taking over the position.

Boyle sees the major challenges facing the Park City School District as "most immediately, finishing the high school on time and under budget," he said. "We also have the ongoing challenge of balancing of the budget.

"I’m looking forward to the long-term sustainability of the district, through long-term budgeting," he said. "I want to help this district to the best of my ability, reach a level of sustainability."

He said he has two responsibilities: representing the people in Precinct 5, and representing the people as a whole. "I look forward to hearing from people. I will share any comments people make with the board. I can appreciate there is more than one side to a story."

He said he believes the board listens very well and attempts to meet people’s needs. "I’ve met with the board members and staff. I want people to know how caring they are. We have an excellent board of dedicated, classy people."

Boyle is a strong proponent of public education, and what it can do for every child. Referring to the need to educate undocumented children, he said, "I believe an educated populace is imperative to society. I support the policy that schools should educate every child who walks through that door."

Of his new challenge, Boyle said, "I hope I’m ready. All I can say is that I’ll do my best. I want to give back. I love this town."

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