Are smaller school districts the answer?

Webb: What's the size of the ideal school district? One of today's hottest education debates is over that question, along with the ensuing tax ramifications. Some east-side Salt Lake County communities want to split from Granite and Jordan, two of the state's largest school districts, and create smaller, compact districts.

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