Jordan School District says it needs nearly $1 billion to keep up with growth

Some 25,000 new students in 10 years, a possible $800 million bond, and a potential school district split that could saddle the west side with a big bill — this is what the Jordan School District says it's facing.

Officials there presented staggering growth numbers and some "what if's" Wednesday to about 150 city leaders, legislators, and education leaders in a growth summit.

Superintendent Barry Newbold hopes the information, which will be presented in three public gatherings beginning Jan. 31, results in informed decisions.

"It really is the beginning of outlining for our patrons how it is Jordan School District and its Board of Education will meet the educational needs of students in a rapidly growing district," Newbold said. "I'm very confident we will be able to provide excellent educational services to students. How they are housed is an issue that really remains to be seen."

Overall, the state's largest school district of 78,500 students expects to grow by 17 percent by 2016, under what the district calls conservative projections. Growth is expected to be uneven, with declines expected in Alta, Brighton, Jordan and West Jordan high school areas.

Some other areas' growth is staggering. Bingham High's area is expected to leap from 11,540 to 20,600 in the next decade. Copper Hills' could nearly double from 9,800 to 18,700. Riverton's, from 13,400 to 22,400.

The greatest crowding is expected in the elementary schools.

"Unless something is done to increase the number of seats available, a very real solution in those schools would be ... double sessions," meaning the school would be split in half, with one group of youngsters going in the early morning, others until 7:30 at night, Newbold said.

The district needs nearly $1 billion for 39 renovation projects and 26 new schools to keep up with growth.

That could mean it goes after a $779 million bond — unprecedented in the state of Utah. (It has $196 million left from a 2003 bond.) For taxpayers, the new bond could mean an annual property tax increase of up to $71 on a $100,000 home. That's on top of the $98 now paid for debt service on the same price of a house.

"I know, it's staggering," deputy superintendent Burke Jolley said.

But should east-side cities form their own school district — a matter being studied now — the west side could end up with triple the tax burden of the east side, should it vote for a bond, district projections show.