Park City School District leaders receive District Leader Science of Reading Award

Introduction of PCSD new administration: Lyndsay Huntsman, PCSD Superintendent Photo: TownLift//Randi Sidman-Moore

PARK CITY, Utah — On May 27, Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman, Executive Director of Curriculum Amy Jenkins, and Literacy Specialist Katie McGinn were awarded the Utah State Board of Education’s (USBE) prestigious District Leader Science of Reading Award.

The Park City School District (PCSD) uses the Science of Reading framework to close achievement gaps and elevate outcomes for all students. The goal is to build strong foundational skills across all district elementary schools using standardized reading experiences. The final benchmark for success is a system where a student’s elementary school of origin cannot be identified by their reading readiness upon entering secondary education.

PCSD has been improving third-grade reading proficiency rates, as reported in the USBE Reading on Grade Level reports, for several years. This year, PCSD ranks first among all traditional public school districts in Utah, with a third-grade reading proficiency of 69%, over 20% higher than the statewide average.

The USBE’s District Leader Science of Reading Award recognizes outstanding educational leaders who demonstrate excellence in implementing research-based practices, supporting teacher development, and building strong literacy systems that help students become successful readers.

By aligning instruction across all elementary sites, the district aims to ensure that when students enter Ecker Hill Middle School, they share the same academic preparation. The District Leader Science of Reading Award presentation recognizes the work of these three leaders in establishing a consistent, high-achieving literacy culture that prepares every Park City student for secondary success.

PCSD continues its efforts on the secondary school level. Park City High School (PCHS) has once again earned platinum distinction on the College Board’s 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. Platinum distinction is the highest level and PCHS’s class of 2025 exceeded the requirements in all three categories with 83% of the graduating class taking at least one AP exam during high school, 71% scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, which can qualify the student for college credit and 40% of the graduating class taking five or more AP exams during high school with at least one taken in 9th or 10th grade.