GRANITE ACTION WAS HIGH-HANDED

To the editor:

We were absolutely appalled by the proceedings that took place during the Granite School District's board meeting on Nov. 5. This meeting addressed the issue of placing Hillsdale Elementary, Brockbank and Thomas Jefferson junior high schools on year-round schedules.Four citizens were allowed speaking time, with three minutes to address the board. All four represented citizens adamantly against year-round schools and asked the board to consider other options. The board was also given a petition with 745 names of Brockbank patrons asking the Granite District to delay implementing year-round schedules and to look at the Jefferson Junior High proposal - to realign the west-side junior high boundaries and purchase more relocatables to be placed at various west-side junior highs until a new junior high school could be built. The board made no response.

The Housing Committees from both junior highs then gave their recommendations. Brockbank recommended year-round school based on a meager survey of only 255 ballots. (76 percent favored year-round school, the least of three evils. The board allowed Brockbank families two other options - busing to east-side schools or double-session). Jefferson Junior High had its own realignment proposal.

Each board member then stated why they couldn't support the Jefferson proposal. This brought disapproval and frustration from the audience. Granite's President Judy Larson stated that if there were any more comments, "You will be asked to leave." A member of the audience then asked if further questions could be taken. Mrs. Larson flatly stated, "No."

Board member Bob Arnold made a motion to place Brockbank and Jefferson junior highs on year-round schedules. The motion was seconded. Then the board unanimously voted for year-round schools. Case closed.

The next day, Mrs. Larson was asked if she had taken the time to read the letters and petitions given her at the board meeting. She said, "No. Since the decision was made there was nothing more to discuss."

Granite School District Board of Education has stated that there is not enough room to realign the boundaries. Why not? Granite buses in from the Jordan School District more than 2,000 students a day. Why can't Granite District treat its own students as well as it does Jordan District students?

There are many other questions concerning year-round schools on the secondary level that Granite has failed to answer.

How can our school board totally ignore a petition against year-round school at Brockbank, signed by 745 citizens . . . the same citizens who helped elect them to public office?

Tim E. Woodbrey

Magna