Why I'm Running
I'm Michael King, running to represent American Fork on the first-ever Aspen Peaks School Board. This is a one-time opportunity to set the foundation for a new district.
Why This Matters
The first board will shape hiring, budgets, and leadership for decades. These choices can’t be easily reversed. We need people focused on students and fairness—not politics or self-promotion.
Fighting for American Fork
American Fork needs a strong voice at the table. Other districts have already begun shaping negotiations. I’ll fight to make sure we’re not shortchanged when it comes to funding, staffing, and facilities.
Better Hiring, Not Backroom Deals
I’ve seen unqualified insiders land leadership roles just because of who they know. I’ll push for open, competitive hiring based on qualifications and experience—starting with the superintendent.
Keep the Great Educators
We already have incredible teachers. We need to keep them, support them, and promote them into leadership. Let’s reward those who lift our kids up and know what it’s like inside a classroom.
Getting It Right the First Time
- Hire the Right Superintendent: The right leader now avoids years of cleanup later.
- Ensure Fiscal Responsibility: Carefully steward every tax dollar—prioritize essential programs, eliminate waste, and maintain balanced budgets.
- Divide Resources Fairly: This is the most sensitive task—budgets, buildings, and staff must be divided wisely, and American Fork’s interests must be directly defended in every negotiation.
- Set Smart Tax Policy: We must fund schools responsibly without losing public trust.
- Staffing & Benefits: Ensuring fair treatment, smart assignments, and competitive support for all staff.
- Build Public Trust: Transparency and fairness must come before politics.
This is a job for someone who will ask tough questions and stand up for our community. I will protect American Fork’s interests at every turn.
My Perspective
My wife teaches special ed at Freedom Elementary. My son is a special needs student at AF High and plays in the marching band. I’ve lived this. I know how hard families work just to be included.
I’ll defend special education, support passionate teachers, and help families access sports, music, and extracurriculars. Every kid deserves a chance to thrive.
This isn’t a stepping stone for me—just a season of service. I’m running for one term to help set things up right from the start. Then I’ll step aside and let others carry it forward.
No Budget. No Donations. Just Neighbors.
I’m not taking donations and I don’t have money for ads or mailers. I’m just asking for your help spreading the word. If you know someone in American Fork please send them this link:
Experience That Builds
I’ve spent the past decade as a software developer at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helping build tools used by people around the world. I focus on writing clean, reliable code and supporting others on the team.
Before that, I led a small team at a startup, managing projects, mentoring junior developers, and launching new products from scratch. I’ve handled budgets, roadmaps, and bids—learning how to make tough calls with limited resources.
I studied Business Management at UVU with a focus on databases, and I’ve even produced a video game on a modest $75k budget. These aren’t flashy credentials, but they’ve taught me how to build carefully, ask good questions, and deliver under pressure.
I’m not here for politics. I’m here to help get this district set up right—and then step aside.
Where I Stand
I owe a deep personal debt to the American Fork Marching Band. Their excellence gave my son confidence, belonging, and purpose. That’s why I will always champion student-driven programs—music, sports, the arts—because they don’t just fill schedules, they change lives.
Those life-changing moments happen only when every student feels safe bringing their whole self to the field, stage, and classroom. I’ll keep the doors open wide so each student’s talent, effort, and character can shine.

Know Who’s on the Ballot
I’m the only candidate for Seat 7 who hasn’t recently worked for the Alpine School District. The others have all drawn compensation in the past few years, ranging from classroom roles to high-paying district leadership. I’m not against those roles—but I believe our new board should include independent voices, not just insiders.
Here are the other candidates running for Seat 7:
- Stephanie Jones – Former Teacher
Campaign Website - Pamela Engles – Former Educator
LinkedIn Profile - Jason Theler – District-Level Administrator
Campaign Website | LinkedIn