ANNIE ROMANO
Representing Precinct 5 on the Salt Lake City School Board
FAQS
Do you support book bans?
NO! I do not support book bans.Â
​
Books are essential portals of learning and a hallmark of a free, open society. I support librarians, teachers, and parents helping children to select age-appropriate books and other media content. However, I have not and do not plan to support any book bans. Any book bans within the Salt Lake City School District have been required by state legislative bodies.
​
What will you do about school closures?
Unfortunately, student enrollment is declining in Salt Lake City School District due to changing demographics.Â
​
From the high cost of living in Salt Lake City to lower birth rates nationwide, many forces have contributed to a dwindling school-age population. Many district employees and board members (myself included) are working hard to keep kids withing district boundaries at district schools; and further improve our schools to attract students from neighboring areas! Not withstanding, reports show that the school district will continue to see a decline in enrollment due to demographics. As schools are funded on a per student basis, this will lead to a decline in funding and an inability to sustain school operations, building expenses, staffing, and other costs across so many school sites. I was not on the Board during the last round of closures, so I cannot speak to previous closures. But, I promise to maintain transparency, empathy, and fairness when evaluating future school closures. (A planned study for closures is scheduled for Fall of 2027.)
​
Why do you want to run?
As an engaged citizen, qualified professional, and a parent with children in the Salt Lake City School District, I want to improve our public schools.
​
As a voter, taxpayer, and community member, I've always been involved in the political process. Moreover, generations of my family, myself, and my children have attended Salt Lake City School District schools so I have a vested interest in the success of our district! I have experienced many wonderful elements of the District -- great teachers, a culture of diversity, kindess, engaged parents -- as well as many shortfalls. Because of my personal and professional experience (almost 20 years in the education sector!) I want to help improve our public schools.
​
What have you done so far?
I was appointed to the Board in September 2025 and, while I am proud of what I have accomplished this last year, IÂ have so much more to do!
​
So far:
- Assisted in the transition for Innovations students and staff following the vote for closure
- Requested several reports and study sessions on social work, counseling, gang prevention, truancy, SPED staffing, district staffing allocations, and academic coaching to ensure accountability and explore possible program improvements
- Protected high school social workers from being cut
- Advocated for the addition of another Student Board Member, the Student Advisory Council, and the Community Advisory Council to improve representation and trust
- Assisted in drafting policy reaffirming the protection of marginalized students
Currently working on:
- Establishing better fiscal practices, including: ratios for district office staff allocation, budget cuts to decrease the deficit (without affecting student-facing positions), and pausing plans to build the proposed CTC center until ongoing funds are secured
- Improving the leadership development pipeline for school admin (especially for East High)
- Reinstating "Choose Gang Free" as the district's gang prevention program
- Providing implementation guidelines for students, teachers, parents, and administrators for the electronic device (cell phone ban) policy
Future issues:
-Â Deciding the best use for closed school sites ("surplus" district property)
- Representing the East High community in the planning and building of the East Fieldhouse
- Expanding access to Early Education (especially pre-K) in our district
- Evaluating and voting on future proposed school closures
- Lobbying at a state level for changes in the TIF funding process (to increase future revenue)
​
