Elena Leppard will represent Millcreek-area families on the Granite School District Board starting Jan. 1, 2027, after the board appointed her to the vacant District 1 seat at its Sept. 1 meeting.

Leppard emerged from a field of 11 candidates who interviewed for the position on Aug. 25. The board narrowed the pool to four finalists — Leppard, Marilyn Taft, Benjamin Ungricht and Janelle Williamson — before selecting Leppard after second-round interviews on Sept. 1, according to the district's September board report.

District 1 covers families whose children attend Olympus High School, Skyline High School and their feeder schools, a footprint that includes Millcreek.

The seat opened after Board President Nicole McDermott accepted board member Julie Jackson's resignation at the Aug. 4 meeting. Jackson announced on Instagram on Aug. 5 that she had won her Republican primary for the Utah House of Representatives and would step down effective Dec. 31. She was in her sixth year representing Precinct 1.

In that Aug. 5 post, Jackson said she was "anxious to make sure the next Precinct 1 board member is set up for success," the Cottonwood Times reported.

Applications were open Aug. 5 through Aug. 19. McDermott led the appointment process.

Board member Clarke Nelson raised concerns during the Aug. 25 interviews about the legal requirements governing how the board identifies top candidates. He said he hoped for changes to those regulations in the future.

The district has not released details about Leppard's background or stated priorities.

Other business from the Sept. 1 meeting

The board heard presentations on athletic participation data, the district's strategic plan and a parent-teacher conference pilot program. Students from Wilson Elementary performed a constitution-themed reverence to open the meeting.

School safety reminder

The district warned families that creating or sharing fake threats of violence on social media is illegal and can lead to a minimum 10-day suspension, a Safe School Referral or criminal charges. Bringing weapons onto school property can result in removal for at least one year and criminal prosecution. Residents can report threats around the clock to Granite Dispatch at 801-481-7122 or through the SafeUT app.

What's next

Superintendent Ben Horsley will host a town hall on Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cottonwood High School's Media Center. Leppard's term begins Jan. 1, 2027, when Jackson's resignation takes effect.