Are smaller school districts the answer?
Nothing wrong with small districts. Some of the best districts in the state are small. But size isn't the only issue. The big problem is that the breakaway communities could create a major tax fairness issue, pitting the stable, built-out east side against the booming west, where dozens of new schools must soon be built.
The westerners could be facing big property tax boosts to pay for needed new schools, while the east side has more schools than it needs.
The Legislature, which granted the breakaway authority, could solve the problem fairly easily by equalizing school capital outlay taxes across the entire county. That means all school building costs would be totaled up for all districts in the county and a uniform countywide rate would be levied to meet those costs.
That makes sense because good public education benefits everyone. Senior citizens with no children in school depend on well-educated young people to pay their Social Security and keep the economy strong so their investments do well. Many of the children and grandchildren of east-side empty-nesters will be buying their first homes on the west side.
In time, the situation will correct itself as the booming west side is built out with residences and wealth-producing businesses that pay property taxes. Kennecott Utah Copper has been paying healthy property taxes for many decades, helping build schools across the valley.
Ideally, legislative action would occur in a special session this summer because some east-side areas may place small district proposals on the election ballot this fall. Before people vote, it would be nice to know the tax ramifications.
If capital outlay taxes were equalized, the benefits of small districts could be pursued without tax unfairness. It makes sense to create school districts around municipal or multimunicipal boundaries. Districts that are contained within a city or a couple of cities get more attention from city leaders, and there is a stronger feeling of belonging and community pride.
Salt Lake City, Provo, Logan and Murray, for example, have school districts matching city boundaries. Public education has emerged as a big issue in the Salt Lake City mayoral race.
So bring on smaller districts. But make it fair.
Pignanelli: "Good questions outrank easy answers." Paul A. Samuelson
Comments
- Plenty of fantasy films for families 7:22 p.m.
- So you think you're the next Rowling? 7:21 p.m.
- 'Bomber' is about more than candy 7:21 p.m.
- Tips for getting published 7:21 p.m.
- Galleries 7:21 p.m.
- Duet of artists at Meyer Gallery 7:21 p.m.
- Spain's armor on view in D.C. 7:21 p.m.
- Stage auditions 7:21 p.m.
- 'As You Like It's' Parrett is a joy 7:21 p.m.
- 'Star spangled Girl' among openings 7:21 p.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Millsap offer: $10.3M up front
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- LDS seminary principal arrested
333 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
193 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
166 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
141 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
101 - Fairness of BCS debated
83 - Letters: Single-payer system best
76 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
Convicted by the media. I hope not. Let's not call out the lynch mobs yet. ...
Utah makes most of its money on tourism, so you aren't helping any.
Please let him walk and pick up D Lee before its to late!
First of all, the City, via Rocky Anderson, deeded that portion of Main...
Read the story. They were not on a street. They were on private property...
Jerry's system doesn't win championships. Phil's triangle Offense does. 10...
Glad your not coming to visit us-- we have enough radicals and shallow people...
2 or more years, Millsap is not worth more than the MLE. If you look at the...
We have been praying for you ever since we heard. We are so sorry for you.
I don't believe the Jazz will sign Price. They didn't want him last year....



You can be the first to comment on this story.