District hears pleas to keep Granite High School open

The meaning of the word "listen" is "to hear," and the Granite School Board did just that at Tuesday night's public hearing, as dozens of people decried the potential closure of Granite High School.

"Granite is a solution to many problems — not a burden," said Michael Burgess, Class of 2001.

But whether the words of the people will sway the board in its budget-cutting decisions is yet to be seen. The board plans to vote on the potential school closure and other budget options next Tuesday.

Some of the approximately 300 people who filled the auditorium Tuesday night at the district offices, 2500 S. State, said they believe the board has already made up its mind to close the school.

Board president Sarah Meier adamantly denied that accusation.

"No decision has been made," Meier said. "We came to listen."

Granite must cut $28 million from its proposed 2009-2010 budget. The district has already slashed $25 million but still needs to pare another $3.4 million.

Closing Granite High would save $1.3 million in annual operation costs.

Granite High is a magnet program with 12 teachers instructing 295 students from all over the district.

"Granite High is a fresh start — an opportunity to be accepted for who you are," Burgess said. "My teachers cared about me and showed me that every day."

Seventy-five percent of Granite High students are on free or reduced lunch; 53 percent are minority students; 37 percent are English-language learners and 33 percent don't have parents or siblings who graduated from high school.

About 60 people spoke at Tuesday's hearing. Parents, students, alumni and school administrators all sang the praises of Granite High — some even reciting the school fight song.

"Honor the Grand Ol' G," said Virgil Day, Class of 1970.

A few people were brave enough to speak out against leaving Granite High open.

"It seems fiscally irresponsible when the district is faced with such unprecedented budget cuts," said Tiffani Leavitt. She works as a teacher's aide in the district and has children attending district schools.

The average spending per student in Granite District is $1,091. That compares to $3,972 spent per student at Granite High, according to district data.