American Leadership Academy
Land Trust
Current Land Trust council members
Meeting rules of order and procedures
Teacher Student Success Act Framework
Past USBE School Land Trust Reports
Current year Land Trust plan
Meeting dates, agendas, minutes
Land Trust History
Before the first United States Congress ratified the constitution and before the election of George Washington, a process was established by the Continental Congress to ensure children of the new country would be educated. The Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set aside lands to support public education as territories and states became part of the Union. The Founding Fathers were concerned about the sporadic establishment of schools and demonstrated their commitment to an educated citizenry and maintaining a democracy as the organized system of land grants was put in place. Utah was granted school trust lands through the Utah Enabling Act and Utah Constitution, a bilateral contract between the Federal Government and the State of Utah.
The State’s School LAND Trust Program brings tens of millions of dollars annually to academic programs in public schools across Utah. The funds are generated from the School LANDS Trust.
Each public school in Utah elects a School Community Council (SCC) consisting of parents, teachers, and the principal. Charter Schools have Trust Land Councils (TLC). All councils have a two-parent member majority. Meetings are open to the public. The Council operates by approved Rules of Order.
Each council carefully reviews student assessments and progress to decide which academic areas they want to focus on. Plans are developed to improve student academic performance in the identified academic areas with the annual School LAND Trust funds. The plans are developed and approved by the School LAND Trust Council, approved by the local school board or chartering entity, and available for public review.
For more information about the School Land Trust program visit the Utah State Board of Education.
To view the School Land Trust Plans for American Leadership Academy please visit the Public Reports Website.
Council Members
Michael C. Johnson
CAO
Dr. Michael C. Johnson and his wife, Kari, have seven children (five daughters and two sons), four who currently attend American Leadership Academy and three who have graduated from ALA. Michael has been an educator for some time. He taught Spanish courses during his early graduate studies and He later taught middle school Spanish for two years in Central Oregon. He also spent over four years in corporate training as an instructional designer and trainer in the financial industry. Michael has completed a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology (Utah State University, 2003) and a Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology & Technology (BYU, 2009). Michael currently works at Brigham Young University’s Center for Teaching & Learning as a Teaching & Learning Consultant, Instructional Designer, and Adjunct Professor.
Brenda Peterson
Board Member
Brenda Peterson was born in Lakenheath, England and raised in an Air Force family. She graduated from high school in Gilbert, AZ and claims that as her hometown. She and her husband, Joy, have two children who attended ALA since they began school and graduated in 2019 and 2021. Brenda earned her Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from BYU in 1999 and plans to pursue graduate studies in the near future. She also enjoys volunteering as an official at swim meets at the club, high school, NCAA, and Master’s levels. Brenda has served as Elementary 1st Assistant, Elementary Coordinator, Parent Council President, and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. She loves all of the teachers, parents, and students at ALA and enjoys contributing to the programs and events that make this school unique. She welcomes comments and concerns from all of ALA’s stakeholders.
Cody Reynolds
Board Member
Cody Reynolds was born in West Jordan but at 5 years old moved to Illinois, where he lived until going to college. After graduating from the BYU Construction Management program in 2010, he went to work for a local subcontractor. He stayed with them until 2016 when he ventured out on his own and started his own contracting company. He has 4 children who have all attended ALA since Kindergarten. His passions include coaching his kids soccer teams, mountain biking, camping, being outdoors, and building just about anything from furniture to homes, from small crafts to cars. Cody, who is fluent in Spanish, started a foundation with his wife and family in Ecuador in 2020. The Hope Building Foundation now has 3 after-school programs and 11 regions with representatives in Ecuador. The foundation projects include food distributions, medical supplies, building homes, and donating resources for starting businesses. He loves being involved and is excited to see ALA get to the next level in their Education, their Culture, and in creating future Leaders. He loves to hear from students and parents alike and is happy to help in any way he can.
Shelbi Soza
Parent Council President/Board Member
Shelbi Soza is a Digital Content Manager professionally and is the current President of the ALA Parent Council. She is a mom of two boys, one of which attends ALA Elementary school. Her, her husband, and her children enjoy hiking and bike riding together. She is passionate about strong leadership and community service, with a drive for fostering collaboration and growth. Shelbi is deeply committed to supporting students, families, and the amazing teachers at ALA. She values being actively involved in strengthening the community.
Monique Hone
Board Member
Monique Hone is a registered nurse and hospice case manager, dedicated to supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Her work has instilled in her a deep appreciation for compassion, communication, and community. Monique and her family have been proud members of the ALA community for over a decade now. Initially drawn to the school for its outstanding Fine Arts programs, she has loved watching her daughters, Riley and Payton, grow as performers and individuals through their involvement in various ALA groups. Over the years, her family has also deeply valued the school’s many opportunities for both academic and personal development. Monique currently lives in Santaquin with her husband, Teddy, their two daughters, Riley and Payton, and their beloved dogs, Stevie and Benny. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring theme parks with her family. Some of her favorite destinations include New York, Florida, and Disneyland. An avid travel planner, Monique is always working on the perfect itinerary for their next adventure.