With all of the misinformation being promulgated about the proposed splits in the Granite and Jordan school districts, it seems timely to explain what the issues are and how solutions might be found.

The issues of crime, fire and disease do not honor the artificial political boundaries that we make in this valley, and joint solutions between the cities and county are required. Education is the key to success in the American way of life, and a well-educated electorate is essential in a democracy.

First, the east side of Jordan District should be allowed to go to a vote in November. We have done our due diligence, and our plan is ready to be put in place if the voters so choose.

Second, it is quite obvious that Granite District has not perfected its proposal and is not ready to proceed.

Third, the solutions in the Granite District must involve Murray city. If you read HB77 and SE30, there is no solution without involving a new study and including the Cottonwood High boundary and its feeder system, which should also involve Taylorsville city. Cottonwood High has students from all of Salt Lake County. The school is a jewel and should be retained. The Holladay City Council came up with a solution that would allow Cottonwood High and its feeder system to remain in the Granite District. This proposal would require some legislative action, but it could be done.

Fourth, the Jordan coalition has pledged that we would hold harmless the west side of Jordan District in a split of the district. This would include the support of current bond obligations. No one wants anything bad to happen to the new or remaining districts. Many of the east-side residents have family in the west area.

Fifth, this is an issue of governance. A somewhat smaller district would be in everyone's best interest. Jordan District has a population base of almost 400,000 people and a student population of 70,000. The projected student population by 2015 is 115,000. We believe that this large geographical area and the students who go with it is not a manageable proposition. The district must split sooner or later, and this is the right time for that to occur.

Sixth, the east side provides 56 percent of the revenue and receives 36 percent of the benefit. There have been promises for upgrading east-side schools that have not occurred. We clearly understand that the growth in the Jordan District is the southwest quadrant. However, the east side of the district has construction and refurbishing needs that are not being met and has also had school closures without input into those decisions. The Jordan School District administration has been very forthright with factual information, and its help is appreciated.

Seventh, the Salt Lake County Council needs to vote to allow the east side of Jordan District to go forward to the November vote. This would create a pilot program that would see if smaller school districts have merit. This affirmative decision by the council would also put pressure on the state Legislature to create a capital equalization fund for local school districts. For this proposal to have any value, it must have enough money to be effective, and we believe that a statewide proposal should be at least $500 million of new money.

The Jordan District proposal should move forward and not be held hostage while Granite District works on perfecting its proposal.

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Ronald K. Fullmer, a former state lawmaker, is involved with the Eastside of Jordan District Coalition.