Regarding the pending arbitration, Money says he worries the arbitrators won't understand all aspects of the district split issue and wouldn't take everything into consideration, including the fact the west side is predicted to grow by 13,000 students over the next five years.

"Is the arbitrator going to look at all of the facts relative to budgets and the ongoing operation and maintenance of the school district and the ongoing capital expenditures required to build all of these schools?" Money said.

By law, the transition teams must each choose an arbitrator by Sept. 1. There is still leeway, however, for the two teams to come up with a plan and use it even after arbitrators have been selected.

David Jordan, legal counsel for the west transition team, warned of the risks posed when putting power in the hands of an arbitrator. "There is wisdom in trying to compromise and control your own destiny," he said.

Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore said, "In addition to posing possible complexities in starting a new district, arbitration will further the divisiveness and continue the negativity which we think has been detrimental to both sides."

---

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com