On top of that, Rep. Susan Lawrence, R-Millcreek, is also drafting a bill that details how a new district would collect taxes. Under her bill, titled for now as the new school district leeway retention, a new school district would collect taxes for two years at the same rate they were collected under the old district.

"These two (proposed bills) address the biggest issues we have here," said Rep. David Cox, R-Lehi, who carried the original small school district bill, HB77, that passed in the 2006 session.

Still feeling the brunt of school closures last year, most east-side cities have been researching that idea. Some have paid for studies, which show the smaller districts would have more money per student.

Cities within Alpine School District in Utah County, including Orem, Pleasant Grove, Vineyard and Lindon, were discussing creating their own school district as well. Orem recently decided against putting the issue on the November ballot, and the other cities are too small to go it alone.

Cox thinks a third bill may be needed to help new districts with the transition period. Although not significant, there will be costs to start up a new district.

"If we want to have a community district, we have to realize there are some costs to dividing up," he said.

Up next, Sandy will vote on the interlocal agreement during its Tuesday council meeting at 7 p.m., and Midvale and Salt Lake County will also vote on the agreement in the upcoming weeks.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com