School funding bill held in House

Funding for schools should be fair regardless of whether a district comprises an area of wealth or poverty, says Rep. Merlynn Newbold, R-South Jordan.

"Property tax isn't equal. It isn't uniform statewide," Newbold said as she pitched HB66 to the House on Friday.

The House voted 46-27 to circle the bill so as to have more time to study the issue and how it would affect the lawmakers' individual areas.

HB66 would increase the state property tax while decreasing local property tax by an equal amount.

There would be no change in people's property taxes — rather how the taxes are spent would change.

Local property taxes stay within the school districts. State property taxes are spread throughout the state.

The bill proposes shifting $155 million in local district taxes to state property tax.

If the bill is approved, 22 school districts plus charter schools as whole — will gain funding, while 19 lose.

Charter schools would gain $8.8 million; Davis School District would gain $4.9 million; and Alpine School District would gain $3.3 million.

Salt Lake District would lose $8 million; Park City School District would lose $7.8 million; and Canyons School District would lose $3.2 million.