October 2025 | Vol. 34 Iss. 10-2
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Riverton
New grocery store
Smith’s newest store to serve Bluffdale, Riverton Page 7
Voter guide
Learn more about your candidates in the upcoming election Page 9
Meet your new principal By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com Former Riverton High assistant principal now leading Mountain Ridge High School.
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ookie principals are at the helm of nearby high schools. Herriman High School Principal Tom Gatten replaced Todd Quarnberg, who resigned, and Mountain Ridge High School Principal Brady Bartholomew replaced Mike Kochevar, who retired. Both applied for a principalship position after years of experience as high school assistant principals, and after being interviewed by Jordan School District cabinet members, were given assignments based on the needs of the school communities. “It’s something that we take very seriously,” Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey said. “We have a lot of discussions behind the scenes before making those appointments. We are aware of the importance of strong leadership in schools, and we’re proud of our administrative teams throughout the district.” Riverton High School Principal Rochelle Waite is impressed with Gatten and Bartholomew’s administrative styles that prioritize students first. “I love that that is a focus for our district administrative team, of really putting key players in place that focus in on what’s best for kids and how to help them be successful,” Waite said. Administrators don’t get to choose which school they are sent to but Bartholomew was thrilled with the assignment to return to MRHS where he was an assistant principal for the first four years the school was open.
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“When they called and appointed me as the principal, it was easy for me to get on board and I was so excited about it, just because I’m so ingrained in this school,” Bartholomew said. “It was a very unique opportunity being able to open a new school and start new traditions and work with the community and the kids to get this school up and running, so that school always holds a special place in your heart because it’s something that you helped build.” Bartholomew kicked off MRHS’s school year with a new school tradition that was meant to begin six years ago. “We’ve always talked about wanting to do a welcome back barbecue before the first football game, and we’re able to finally get that tradition going this year,” Bartholomew said. He hopes students will be excited to attend so that he can start to get to know them. With 16 years experience in education, six as an administrator, Bartholomew has learned the importance of connecting with students. “To me, the kids are what makes this job,” he said. “So for me, just being visible to the kids, getting to know as many kids as possible, that’s what I’m about. These are big jobs, so I’ve really got to be intentional on making sure that I carve out that time to get in front of them as much as possible, whether it’s during those passing times, getting out to lunches or going to support them in their extracurricular activities.” Bartholomew is the type of principal who wants students to know who he is and feel comfortable going to him for help. As a member of the Herriman community, Bartholomew already has connections with
Special Edition Note: Each month the Riverton City Journal publishes a local newspaper, filled with hyperlocal content for Riverton residents. This month you get two. Earlier this month we published our normal October edition. After we printed and mailed, we realized that we missed two advertisements. Both were political ads that were purchased by candidates running in the current election. Because of our error we decided that we would mail an extra copy with the missed advertisements to make sure both candidates of the respective races were presented fairly. For Mayor you have two choices on the ballot, Tish Buroker and Tawnee McCay. Buroker's ad ran in the first edition earlier this month and McCay's Ad is in this edtion. Shannon Smith who is running for the District 4 Council seat was also ommitted from the first edition. Sorry, Bryan Scott, Publisher
Brady Bartholomew returns to Mountain Ridge High School as the new principal. (Photo courtesy
Continued page 4 Brady Bartholomew)