WINNER
I received 49.88% of the votes which makes me eligible to run in the general election on November 4 to determine the ultimate winner of the Lake Mountain School Board Seat 4. Elections are not over yet, we are half way there.
It is very humbling to see your name on the ballot and ask others to believe in you, and vote for you. Thank you to those who have been so positive and given words and actions of support. It is truly appreciated and I express my sincere gratitude. Thank you for spreading the word and putting signs in your yard. Your efforts made all the difference.
I look forward to hearing from voters on how we can build the best new district. We are in this together where all voices are welcomed, heard, and considered for our children and the future of our schools.
As a school board member I contribute many years of experience and wear many different hats.
Principal Hat
I want to put on my PRINCIPAL HAT and express my views about Special Education. Special Education requirements fall under federal law in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Once an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 is written for a student, it follows the student anywhere in the United States. As a past principal, I was the case manager for hundreds of IEPs and 504s. I often observed with amazement how parents, psychologist, and educators came together to find the best solutions for students. I love how creative and innovative the process can be when the best minds come together to help students. Special Education is vital in our schools and I support helping students thrive in their development process.
Teacher Hat
I want to put on my TEACHER HAT and express my views about our outstanding teachers. I taught first and fifth grades in Alpine School District so I know from first-hand experience the talent and stamina required to show up each day prepared. I worked alongside a team of teachers who collaborated together and were vulnerable enough to share data about how their students were doing. I sat around the table with teacher teams at professional development discussing ways each one of us could put our best foot forward for students. As a principal I had the privilege of evaluating teachers. This gave me a chance to go into classrooms and observe their teaching. I was continually amazed at the abilities and talents of our teachers. They are masters at knowing how each student in their classroom is progressing, meeting their needs, and helping them thrive. Thank you to all our teachers who put their whole heart and sole into their job. I know you put in many hours outside your contract. As a school board member I commit to looking for ways to support and strengthen our teachers because I know how it is, I was in the classroom myself.
Mom Hat
I want to put on my Mom hat and express my views about Moms in the education
Once, as a mom, I needed to go see the principal to discuss a concern I had about one of my children. I was so scared to go. I worried I wouldn't say the right thing to express my concern. I fretted and got anxiety for days before I finally made an appointment. Remembering those anxious feelings was so engrained in my memory that when I became a principal I empathized with the parents who came to see me, and I was sincere in wanting to help them feel at ease in my office. I knew it took a lot of courage for them to come see me as their principal. I hope the moms of our district will find it comfortable to visit with me about their concerns.
Student Hat
I want to put on my STUDENT HAT and express my views about students. Students are the whole reason we have schools. The buildings were primarily built for students to learn, and secondly for adults to have a place to work. When I was a principal I had a saying on my desk which stated, "Children have only one childhood." This saying was my constant reminder that I was a part of a child's one and only childhood, so I should do my part to help make it their best. A joyous part of my day was observing children helping each other. It made me smile to watch siblings walk each other into the building in the morning and hug as they parted to class. I loved it when a child learned something new and felt so grown up. Holidays are especially bright through the eyes of a child, especially a child's birthday. Children are our future and our teachers and staff strive everyday to help them obtain their best life. Everything we do in a school is for the betterment of the students, and the more a school can support the adults in the building, the better it is for the student. Students come from all backgrounds and are at different levels of learning and development. Our whole effort is to meet all students where they are and take them to the next level.
Staff Hat
Behind the students, teachers and principals at a school there is an army of STAFF members working tirelessly behind the scenes and making the school great. Our counselors, psychologists, office staff, librarians, nurses, technology support, coaches, classroom aides, recess and lunchroom aides, nutrition workers, custodian, sweepers, resource officers, bus drivers, and supervision support are rock stars. There are almost as many STAFF members as there are teachers and principals. I myself have worked as a STAFF member and know their vital importance to the school. I enjoy serving food in the cafeteria, cleaning the building, answering the phone, checking out books, putting on bandaids, calming down students, supervising drop-off and pick-up areas, helping students with classwork, supervising proms and high school ball games, and much more to assist the STAFF. As of today, I haven't driven a bus yet and hope to someday give it a go. From first-hand experience I know how much a school depends on the STAFF. Thank you to all the STAFF members in our district. I support you and will continue to advocate for your positions in our new school district.
Parent Hat
I want to put on my parent hat and express my views on parents. As a parent I know parents are the eyes and ears of the district. They are a vital part of providing information and keeping the school board informed of what is going on in families. I hope parents always feel like they can come to me and voice their opinion. As a school board member I would be representing thousands of parents in the district. I have one vote for the thousands of parents in our district. I desire to have as many parents as possible voice their opinion. When we put many bright minds together, we come up with the best solutions. That is the beauty of living in America. We have a process for voicing our opinions and having our elected officers represent us. I hope parents will find me a good listener because that is what I want as a parent also. We need the eyes and ears of our parents in our new school district.
Neighbor Hat
When my children were in elementary school in a different state, the district proposed a boundary change for a new school that was being built. Our neighborhood did not like the proposed new boundary. A wise school board member gave me the advice that I should not approach the school board to complain, but that I should present a solution to the problem. Our neighborhood banned together to raise our voice with a solution to the problem. We questioned the growth numbers and placement of the school. We found land to purchase to build the school closer to our neighborhood, fixing the problem of four difference elementary school boundaries. The school board voted in our favor but two months later reversed their vote because the school had already begun being built and the district needed the numbers in our neighborhood to attend the new school. I was upset because of the reversed, last minute vote when I got a phone call the next morning from the Superintendent asking me for the contacts I had made to buy land for a new school. I learned the district and school board are not always right. As a school board member with this background, I will listen to solutions to problems and question the district numbers.
Voter Hat
I'm a voter just like you. As voters, we have many choices on who we choose to direct our future. I hope you find me, Ilene STRONG, your choice for Seat 4 in the new Lake Mountain School District. For a STRONG School Board vote Ilene STRONG.
Student
This week I put on my student hat and attended BYU Education Week. This conference is all about the student/learner/participant. While there were procedures and logistics (enter and exit certain doors, silence cell phones, no eating in classrooms, etc.), there was also autonomy (choose classes from a well-organized brochure, sufficient time between classes to pass, quick and easy assess to delicious food, etc) all with the student in mind. The instructors were highly qualified and engaging. I was motivated, challenged, safe, comfortable, and inspired to become better at my level. Learning was fun.
This is what I want for Lake Mountain School District. I want to start each idea or decision with the student in mind, and then build everything else from that perspective. I know as a student myself that is what kept me engaged and learning, and that is what I want for all our students.
Funding
Growth
Parent
Comments on Social Media
Amber Hanson
“Ilene Strong's decision to run for school board in Seat 4 is the best news for our newly created Lake Mountain District. She is exactly what we need on the board. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Ilene Strong."
Kimberly Bird
Ilene Calder Strong would be an exceptional board of education member! To my friends in the west, read up on Ilene. She won't let you down.
Molly Miner
If you’re in district 4 - vote Strong! Ilene Calder Strong is a remarkable candidate. She’s backed by the Alpine Education Association. I had the chance to work closely with Ilene at Thunder Ridge elementary when she was the principal. She cares deeply about students and is grounded in making them the focus while including all stakeholders in decisions.
Elizabeth Simpson
You’ve got my vote Ilene!! I’m lucky I get to vote for you! As a teacher, I loved working with Ilene as a Principal; she always had students, teachers and parents best interests at heart. She can move mountains for our new school district, shes’s AMAZING!!
Ballots have arrived!
Now that you have your BALLOT, WHERE CAN YOU RETURN IT?
*You can put a stamp on it and drop it in the mail.
*You can return it anytime to one of the 22 drop box locations in Utah County. Your ballot must be in the drop box by 8:00 PM on August 12. The closest drop boxes to our Seat 4 area are: The Saratoga Springs City Office Building 1307 Commerce Drive, or the Eagle Mountain City Office Building 1650 Stagecoach Run.
*You can return it to any of the voting locations on August 12 (7:00 AM - 8:00 PM).
If you choose to VOTE IN PERSON, you can vote at any of the 11 Utah County locations from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. It is not required you vote at any particular location. The closest voting locations to our Seat 4 area are: The Overland Barn 1713 Erickson Knoll Lane in Eagle Mountain, or the LDS Church at 612 Pony Express Parkway in Saratoga Springs (Next to Vista Heights Middle School).
Yard Signs Have Arrived
My yard signs were delivered this week and I'm really pleased with the way they turned out. I would love for you to put one in your yard from the middle of July to the middle of August, and then again during the month of October. If you live in District 4 of the Lake Mountain School District, and are willing to put one of these beauties in your yard, please contact me.
strongschoolboard@gmail.com
It's Official
I'm running for Seat 4
Candidate filing for the Lake Mountain School Board Election opened June 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM at the Utah County Administration Building. I was in line at 7:45 AM.
I'm so excited for this next adventure in my life.
Facebook: Strongschoolboard
strongschoolboard@gmail.com
For a STRONG school board,
vote Ilene STRONG.
Why I Want to be on the Lake Mountain School Board
(Official name to be determined)
The educating of our children in the next generation is crucial to the advancement of a society. Imagine a world where the adults did not value the education of children. Helping students feel safe and happy at school, while thriving is of utmost importance to me.
Education has been very good to me throughout my life. My own education was a place where I thrived academically and socially. In my later life it opened doors of opportunity I never would have gotten otherwise. I want to give back to education what has been so freely given to me.
I bring valuable experience to the new Lake MountainSchool Board:
>I understand students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff because I have walked the path of each of them;
>I have spent considerable years living school policy, budgets, and helping students, parents and teachers thrive in the classroom.
>I am retired so I have time to stay on top of issues, concerns, and events.
I know many of the teachers, administrators, and staff members on a personal level currently employed in the schools on the west side of Alpine School District. The new Lake Mountain District is going to be an outstanding district in the State of Utah. I believe my talents and experiences will be valuable in getting it started on the right path.
Priorities for the soon to be created Lake Mountain School District
(Official name to be determined)
School Employees
Of high priority is ensuring the new Lake Mountain School District remains competitive with the surrounding districts so we attract high quality teachers, administration and staff members to work with our students.
District Split Fairness
The greatest need in the new Lake Mountain District is splitting up Alpine School District's assets and resources equitably and ensuring the Lake Mountain District is treated fairly.
Growth
As our new Lake Mountain District, and especially the District 4 area, continues to grow, there is a need to continually look at building the necessary campuses to accommodate growth.
Why vote for Ilene Strong?
My experience and background as a teacher and administrator in Alpine School District gives me a unique perspective in making decisions for the future of the new Lake Mountain District and especially in representing District 4 within that district. My personal relationships with many teachers, staff members, and administrators gives me a first-hand view to the pulse happening with the district split and the concerns of the employees. I have worked within the bounds of school policy and district budgets giving me a deep level of understanding in the backbone of school and curriculum decisions. I look forward to collaborating with other school board members to set the vision for our new district. As we look at data and discuss goals, we will set our students and employees on the best path to a bright future.
“Ilene Strong's decision to run for school board in Seat 4 is the best news for our newly created Lake Mountain District. She is exactly what we need on the board.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Ilene Strong."
Amber Hanson, parent in Seat 4 and past PTA President of Thunder Ridge Elementary
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