Utah Legislature: Bill that would have given Jordan School District $15 million is defeated

SALT LAKE CITY – Despite 32 degree weather, hundreds of Jordan School District teachers gathered in front of more than a dozen high school and middle schools Wednesday evening to picket and pass out fliers to people headed to parent-teacher conferences.

"We're on a crusade to save our jobs," said Carol Ramsay, a 4th grade teacher at Silver Crest Elementary. "We need the public to understand the ramifications of laying off 500 employees, what that will do to education and what that will do to the economy."

Jordan District is facing a $30 million deficit which could mean eliminating jobs, increasing class sizes and reducing programs.

Hopes for a bill that would have recouped $15 million from Canyons School District were dashed Wednesday night as the legislation failed to pass through the House Education Committee.

HB292, sponsored by Rep. Jim Bird, R-West Jordan, would have "equalized" funding between the two districts.

"It had a fair hearing. I'm disappointed we didn't have more support -- but that's the process," said Jordan District Superintendent Barry Newbol.

While the majority of the committee voted against the legislation, three Jordan-area lawmakers supported the bill: Rep. Merlynn Newbold, R-South Jordan; Rep. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville; and Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman.

The Jordan District division occurred July 2009, with the east-side Canyons District splitting from the west side which remains as Jordan District.

Bird told the committee, "We're split. We're done with that. What we're not OK with is the inequity of the funding."

Jordan District is financially reeling from the split, saying Canyons has a higher tax based but fewer students to support. Canyons officials, for their part, say they were left with older buildings that need repair and they are already giving Jordan $4 million through a county equalization program.

Out of 500 positions to be axed in Jordan District, 250 will be teaching positions. High school teachers would also lose their prep period and teach an additional class in order to mitigate class size increases, which could be four children per class.

Many educators say the district should raise taxes and consider a furlough instead. Some teachers say they will cut back on their time on athletics and activities, or even walk out or go on strike, if the board doesn't listen.

The teacher's union, Jordan Education Association, organized the informational rallies during parent-teacher conferences Wednesday evening.

"We will continue to educate the public so they can communicate with their school board members," said JEA president Robin Frodge.

Standing in front of Riverton High School, Ramsay waved a sign reading "250 teachers x 30 students each = 7500; How large will your child's class be?"