Are small districts better?

There is no doubt in Brian Allen's mind: A smaller school district would be a better school district: more responsive to community needs; swifter action on parents' input; an eagerness to try something new, to deliver a better product to kids.

There is no doubt in Betty Shaw's mind: Jordan School District is a great school district right now: high graduation rates; top-notch programs; responsive to community and parent needs; an overall great product now jeopardized.

Who's right?

Never before have voters gone to the polls to split a Utah school district. Advocates present research indicating a smaller school district will be better for kids and community involvement. But a University of Utah professor hired by east-side Granite District cities to review the research says the jury's still out on whether smaller is better.

Tuesday, voters in West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Midvale, Alta and Cottonwood Heights will decide whether to split the state's largest school district east-west along the Jordan River and create a separate West Jordan city school district. For many, the decision will come down to philosophy and finance.

The new east district would have about 33,500 students — a far cry from the some 80,000 in Jordan District now — and become Utah's fifth-largest. A West Jordan District would have about 21,000 students.

Remaining Jordan District — consisting of Bluffdale, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan and unincorporated west-side communities — would have about 25,000 students.

An east district would boost parents' voice in decision-making, keep tax dollars in the community and create an opportunity for educational innovations, supporters say.

An east district would have more money per student. The east contains 57 percent of Jordan District's tax base and would have taxable value per student around $376,000, vs. $207,000 on the remaining west side, district numbers show.

Programs could be sustained, and needs better addressed, supporters say.

"The real challenge we have is that the needs of the schools in our neighborhoods are being ignored because of the tremendous demands of growth in other areas of the district," Allen, vice chairman of Citizens for Small School Districts, said in an e-mail to the Deseret Morning News.

But that doesn't mean the east is turning its back on the west, Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore said. East-side leaders supported the district issuing the remaining $196 million in district building bonds, meaning east-siders will pay interest on them even if they break away. Leaders also are working with the Legislature to help tax-poor, growing districts afford buildings.