"We will end up hurting our system of education as a response to something that we felt certain would happen and didn't, and we won't be able to stop it," she said.

Splitting Jordan School District is a prospect more damaging than promising, opponents say. For them, the question comes down to a practical matter: If it ain't broke, don't fix it — or bust it trying.

When Shaw, a regional PTA treasurer and resident of east-side township White City, first heard someone talk of splitting Jordan School District a few years ago, "I thought they were making a joke."

She's always had her complaints readily addressed, her input welcomed at school and district offices, and several opportunities to become more involved in decision-making.

"I can't understand why someone would want to split up a high-functioning, well-running school district like Jordan," said Shaw, spokeswoman for Friends of Jordan School District.

Education Week says the district has the highest graduation rate among the nation's 50 largest school districts; Forbes magazine says it offers the nation's second-best big city education. It offers top-notch programs to students with severe, multiple disabilities and accelerated students, including an International Baccalaureate program.

"We're giving kids incredible opportunities that will definitely be questioned and potentially jeopardized if the district does divide," Board of Education President J. Dale Christensen said.

Money is an issue. Startup costs for three new school districts could total $144 million, according to feasibility studies cited in an online school district Q&A on the split. While an east school district could cut property taxes by 26 percent, they'd rise by 35 percent in the remaining school district and by 42 percent in a West Jordan district to maintain current funding levels, Christensen said.

Transition teams will divvy special programs among old and new districts, but district spokesman Melinda Colton foresees disagreement. "I'm not sure that we'll share programs — what's the point of splitting if you're going to share programs?"

The district's AaaAAA bond rating also is likely to become damaged in a district split, according to testimony before a legislative task force examining smaller school districts legislation. That would mean taxpayers fork out more cash for higher interest rates on borrowed money — a significant prospect considering the west side needs 21 new schools to accommodate growth and 14 major school renovations by 2016 (15 buildings and five5 renovations should West Jordan break away).