But Cindy Corey, a Bountiful parent, said hiring White is a waste of time and money.

"I'm not thrilled — the district doesn't have the money to do this, and I think the former process was very open and they did a good job making sure everyone was represented. Now there is going to be less chance for input," Corey said.

Bowles said the district had not yet determined what it would pay White if he accepts the job offer.

"The committee already spent hours and hours, and I don't see how a brand new consultant can come in and do all that research in a month," Corey said.

Bowles said he will be taking public comment on the boundary issue and invites the public to write letters and e-mail him with concerns. However, he wants the comments to be fresh — not reactions to concerns surrounding the old proposal, but suggestions of what residents would like to see.

Bowles said he hopes the new boundaries will be established by the first of the year — no later than the middle of January. Schools need projected enrollment numbers for next year so they can hire teachers, create schedules and register students. Plus the school community needs to be established at the new high school so it can give the school a name, mascot and colors, and so that crews can finish painting and school materials can be ordered.

Bowles doubts once a new proposal is created that there will be more open houses due to time constraints. He said maps will be available to the public with an opportunity for reaction.

A link will be available next week at www.davis.k12.ut.us where the public can leave comments regarding school boundaries.

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com