Utah Legislature: Buttars pitches plan to save Jordan schools

SALT LAKE CITY — As Jordan School District continues to struggle with a $30 million deficit, one lawmaker says he has the answer to its money woes.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, said while his legislation to eliminate 12th grade may not fly this legislative session, he wants the district to try his idea as a pilot program this fall.

"They could eliminate two-thirds of their $30 million debt," he said. "Why won't they get serious about this?"

Jordan District Superintendent Barry Newbold told the Deseret News he is willing to sit down with Buttars and discuss the lawmaker's plan. "I'll certainly listen to Sen. Buttars' idea," Newbold said.

Board member Rick Bojak, a former school teacher who is also Buttars' neighbor, said the board will look at all suggestions, including those from lawmakers. "Everything is out there on the table. We're looking at a lot of choices," Bojak said.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, has also suggested the district run a pilot program implementing year-round schools. Bojak said another idea is floating around regarding a block schedule.

Newbold said that while he and the board are willing to look at all options right now, some ideas may not be as simple as they sound and many logistics need to be considered. For example, if the district went to an accelerated high school model, the capacity of higher education would need to be evaluated.

"While the program could provide some relief in public ed, it could create a deficit in higher ed," Newbold said. "I'm not convinced, at this point, the benefits of eliminating (the senior year) outweigh the benefits of having the students remain in high school. There are more questions than answers."

Buttars says the accelerated program would be optional and the choice of the student and parents. Statewide, it could save public education $60 million, he said.

"Accelerated graduation is the future of high school education," Buttars said.

The lawmaker said eight states, including Idaho, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Kentucky, are either doing or considering accelerated graduation.

Taking students out of the high school system could also free up building space, eliminating the need to construct more schools, Buttars said, adding getting rid of high school busing could also recoup money for education.

"This is my district," he said. "I'd love to see them not have so much pressure on buildings and do away with their budget cuts."

Bojak said, "We're going to continue to look and see what is really the best. It's all about what is best for the kids."

e-mail: astewart@desnews.com