Alpine School District superintendent announces retirement, plans to teach at BYU
Apr 29, 2025, 1:00 PM | Updated: 1:15 pm
(Alpine School District)
(Alpine School District)
SALT LAKE CITY — Alpine School District Superintendent Shane Farnsworth announced his retirement Tuesday morning.
In an email that was sent to employees, he said he will leave his position in September to teach educational leadership classes at Brigham Young University.
“There’s some sadness to see him go because people enjoyed working with him, and he provided amazing leadership for our school district,” said Rich Stowell, director of communications for Alpine School District.
Rob Smith, the district’s former business administrator, will serve as the interim superintendent for one year starting in July.
Rob Smith, Alpine School District’s former business administrator for 22 years, will serve as the interim superintendent. (Alpine School District)
Stowell said Smith will help direct finances for the district’s upcoming split.
“One of the most complicated things about running a school district or setting up a new school district is district finances,” Stowell said. “It takes resources to serve students and families, and build buildings, and pay teachers.”
Stowell said the board was looking for someone with business skills, something Smith is well-equipped to do.
“What they expressed was a desire to have somebody with business skills who could help manage the transition from Alpine School District to new school districts,” Stowell said. “… So his skills come at a great time as Alpine seeks to support the creation of new school districts.”
