Utah Legislature: Senator says equalization plan not equal

SALT LAKE CITY — Some people's definition of "equal" isn't the same as others.

Sen. Ben McAdams, D-Salt Lake, is pitching potential legislation jabbing at a controversial program that requires Salt Lake County school districts to provide funds to help Jordan School District deal with its growing enrollment.

McAdams says there is nothing "equal" about the so-called equalization program because Salt Lake School District and others have older buildings that require money for repair and upkeep or even need to be torn down and rebuilt.

"We need to look at this more closely," he said.

SB175 would require districts receiving equalization funds to report to the Education Interim Committee annually, explain how they are spending the money and describe how they plan to increase building capacity, such as by holding year-round school.

The bill also leaves the door open for future legislation that could change or end the equalization program by 2014.

"Make it subject to review," McAdams said. "This is not something they should rely on."

The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved SB175 Thursday morning, and it's now headed to the Senate for debate. Committee member Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, is planning to co-sponsor the bill, McAdams said.

Canyons, Murray, Granite and Salt Lake City school districts currently contribute to Jordan's capital fund to construct school buildings. Jordan is to receive $11.7 million this year.

The amount each district pays is based on taxable value, size of district and number of students. Granite contributes $700,000; Canyons, $4 million; Salt Lake, $6.6 million; and Murray, $335,000.

"We have received many phone calls from people in our community who have a problem with this," said Janet Roberts, Salt Lake School District business administrator.

The bill may be read online at le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillint/sb0175.htm.

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