Districts not happy to 'donate' to Jordan

Canyons, Murray, Granite and Salt Lake City school districts still don't want to help fund the rapidly growing Jordan School District construct new school buildings.

The capital equalization law, which came out of the 2008 Legislature, goes into effect this fiscal year. The Salt Lake County school districts will contribute to Jordan's capital funds.

Former Sen. Dan Eastman, R-Bountiful, who sponsored SB48, told the Deseret News on Monday he still stands by the law and says it is fair.

"One district shouldn't spend more on their students than another district," he said. "Every Utah child should receive the same education."

The districts each have varying monetary requirements for the equalization and are handling the demand differently. Contributions are based on taxable value, size of district and number of students.

"This gives Jordan enough money to do what they need to do," Eastman said. "And it allows the other districts to maintain their status quo."

Canyons District initially was going to implement a tax increase to come up with its required $3.8 million. District officials now say they won't raises taxes but will instead delay building renovations or upgrades scheduled for this school year.

Canyons spokesman Jeff Haney said the decision came after much public input on the district's proposed tax increase. The increase was originally slated to be an additional $46 for the owner of a $311,000 home, the median home price in Canyons District.

"We are being responsive and we are being responsible," Haney said.

Salt Lake District has to find $5.7 million for its share of the equalization. And it isn't happy about it.

"Local property taxes are intended to deal with local issues," said Salt Lake District Superintendent McKell Withers.

The Salt Lake District tax hike is approximately $50 more for a home valued at $250,000.

"This is a negative impact on our taxpayers," Withers said, adding it could also affect the district's future efforts to bond.

Murray District's contribution is $109,305.

"We're little and lean," said district spokeswoman D. Wright.

Granite District is to pay $725,067.