Tooele County Community • Stand With Our Kids

Our Students Deserve to Be
Ready for Real Life.

112 of your neighbors took a survey. The state conducted an audit. Both said the same thing: our kids need more than academics. Help us bring this program to Tooele County schools.
98%
say this curriculum is needed
87%
say it is overdue
79%
ready to advocate

What the 2025 State Audit Found in Tooele County School District

56%
TCSD students scored above 18 on the ACT. The state target is 74%.
<50%
of TCSD employees believe morale is high — 15% lower than peer Utah districts.
K-3
Literacy and numeracy gaps identified in the earliest grades — right where our community says to start.
Why This Program

Ready for Real Life Is a Direct Response to What the Audit Found

The audit identified student achievement gaps, a broken culture, and a district that rarely discusses what students actually need. The community survey showed that 98% of residents already know something is missing and 79% are ready to say so out loud to the board.

Ready for Real Life Instruction and Education is a research-backed curriculum built by two Tooele County residents — Mike and Mekenzi Terry — from nearly two decades of combined experience in law enforcement, youth work, education, and raising five kids in this community. It teaches conflict resolution, emotional regulation, accountability, and real-world decision-making as skills — not attitudes. It is built to complement what teachers already do, not add to their load.

The district already raised property taxes by 8% in 2025. Tooele County taxpayers deserve to see that investment move the needle. This program is one concrete step toward doing that.

Take Action

Here Is How to Make Your Voice Count

The most powerful thing you can do right now is contact district leadership directly. You do not need to write a formal letter. A brief, personal message from a parent or community member carries more weight than you think.

Superintendent Mark Ernst
Tooele County School District
Reach out through the district website at tooeleschools.org or attend a board meeting and speak during public comment.

"I am a Tooele County parent and taxpayer. I am writing to ask the district to seriously consider piloting the Ready for Real Life program in our schools. The community survey data and state audit both point to the same gaps. This program addresses them directly."

Your School Board Members
Tooele County Board of Education
Board meetings are open to the public. You can also email board members through the district website. Public comment matters.

"As a taxpayer in this district I want to see our students get real-world skills instruction. 98% of the community agrees. I am asking the board to prioritize this."

Learn More

See the Full Program

Scan the QR code or visit readyforreal.life to see the full curriculum, the research behind it, and how to get involved.

readyforreal.life

The full curriculum, module details, the two student frameworks, research foundation, and contact information are all at the site. Share it with your neighbors, your school principal, and your board members.