Honoring Excellence: Wasatch County School District Named November Business of the Month

The Heber Valley Chamber is delighted to celebrate Wasatch County School District as the November Business of the Month. This honor recognizes the district’s remarkable commitment to academic achievement, community engagement, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in education. We had
the privilege to speak with several district leaders, including Superintendent Paul Sweat, Assistant Superintendent Garrick Peterson, Director of Elementary Education Stephanie Discher, and Chief of Staff Stacey Moore, each of whom shared inspiring insights about the district’s values, achievements, and
community connection. 

Paul Sweat, a Heber Valley native, has a profound connection to Wasatch County and the local school district. Growing up in the Heber Valley, Paul’s family were early settlers who helped to shape the community generations ago. His educational journey started here, and he graduated from Wasatch High School in 1985. He fondly recalls how his junior high, now an overflow building for the high school, and the district’s administration building, once his sixth-grade school, hold countless childhood memories. One standout memory from his elementary school days involves hanging out of the building’s windows with his classmates to wave at friends below—a playful reminiscence of the simpler times before window screens were installed! 

Paul went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a Master’s degree from the University of Utah, a journey that inspired his unique pride in supporting both teams. His experience as a student at Wasatch County School District influenced him deeply, and his desire to give back led him to return as an educator. Starting his career as a middle school math teacher, Paul later transitioned to administration, eventually serving as Superintendent for the last nine years. 

Under Paul’s leadership, the Wasatch County School District has grown into a vibrant institution with a remarkable team of over 1,300 personnel, including approximately 550 teachers and 650 educational support professionals. The district currently serves 7,300 students in-person, with an additional 1,100
online students. Offering options for in-person, online, and hybrid learning, Wasatch County School District has adapted to meet diverse learning needs in a rapidly changing world.

At the heart of Wasatch’s success is a culture of dedication and mutual support. The district operates with a “teacher-teaching-teacher” model, encouraging educators to share best practices and learn from one another. This collaborative approach has strengthened the district’s teaching quality across all schools. Wasatch County School District stands out nationally, particularly for its resilience during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, it was the only district in the country to achieve gains in
both math and reading scores when many other districts experienced declines. 

One of the district’s defining achievements is its thriving partnership with the local community, especially through the acclaimed CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program. Recognized as one of the most successful in the country, the CAPS program offers students project-based, hands-on learning opportunities directly with local businesses. This program is a mutually beneficial partnership: businesses mentor students on real-world issues while students contribute valuable insights and hard work to solve business challenges. The program has been so successful that schools statewide and even nationally look to replicate its model. 

Additionally, the district launched the "Education Elevated" awareness campaign, shining a spotlight on Wasatch County School District’s exceptional performance. This campaign celebrates a consistent record of academic achievement, evidenced by outstanding NAEP test results and high rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Superintendent Paul Sweat attributes these successes to both the students’ dedication and the exceptional quality of Wasatch County educators, each of whom strives to provide the best
education possible. 

The school district’s success is also rooted in strong support from parents, residents, and local businesses. This community partnership ensures that the district can continue providing exceptional educational experiences for students. Paul and his team speak passionately about the district’s “Team
Wasatch” philosophy, which encompasses students, educators, administrators, and community members who share a common goal: preparing Wasatch County students for a bright future. 

As we celebrate the Wasatch County School District as the November Business of the Month, we recognize a legacy of commitment, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This institution not only provides quality education but also enriches our community by cultivating future leaders who are
equipped with knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility. Congratulations to the Wasatch County School District for this well-deserved honor and for continuing to inspire excellence in Heber Valley!

Contact:
Wasatch County School District
101 East 200 North
Heber City, Utah 84032
Phone: 435-654-0280
Website: https://wasatch.edu/