While it was clear in the resignation of Uintah School District Business Administrator Scott Ruppe that he had accepted another career offer, the offer itself and context for the change was left unclear leaving some to draw their own conclusions. Mr. Ruppe shed light on the decision during Wednesday’s work session for the Uintah School Board announcing that he has accepted a position as Deputy Director of SITLA, the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. Mr. Ruppe served on the SITLA board for 6 years, finishing his appointment in June of 2019. Ruppe explains that during his time serving on the board, SITLA director David Ure spoke with him off and on about working for SITLA, asking if he was interested but nothing materialized at that time. On October 25th, Ruppe received an offer from SITLA for the position of Deputy Director. After corresponding and making a decision, Ruppe submitted his letter of resignation to the Uintah School Board on November 4th. On November 5th, he received his letter from SITLA, making it official. “I’m really excited about the opportunity,” shares Ruppe. “The Uintah Basin contributes a big share to SITLA’s revenues with the oil, gas and mining that goes on out here…Our role at SITLA is to determine the highest and best use of trust lands and get the most use out of those lands. That then goes into a fund that is then largely distributed to the schools… It will be great to be out there working for SITLA and on the front lines.” Ruppe starts in the new position on January 6th at the SITLA offices in Salt Lake City. For now, he will be commuting. Quite a few changes are current happening at SITLA with the assistant directors over real estate, oil and gas, and surface all retiring by the end of the year. As the Deputy Director, Ruppe will report to the director David Ure and will oversee the real estate, oil and gas, and surface and mining divisions as well as the IT department. While it was not his intention to leave the Uintah School District so soon, Ruppe shared during Wednesday’s meeting that he feels newly appointed Business Administrator Jason Johnson will be a great fit as one that is qualified and has prior positive experience with the district.
