Jordan School Board tax hearing draws angry public comments

After listening to hundreds of public comments for over five hours, almost all decrying a tax hike, Jordan School Board voted at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday to table the decision until its meeting next Tuesday.

The tax hike means a $142.18 annual increase for a $100,000 home. This would bring the total school district property taxes to $480 for a $100,000 house.

"It is un-American," said patron Paul Mikstas.

Board president Peggy Jo Kennett said, "We recognize these are tough economic times. The board has struggled to find a balance between the students, teachers and the burden of the taxpayers."

The sometimes rowdy crowd of more than 1,000 packed the auditorium at Riverton High School. Despite being warned by the board president, some during the hearing let loose with a holler, boo, hiss, clap or cheer louder than those heard at a high school basketball game.

Comments at times took on a threatening tone. "You're going to be sorry. Believe me. Every one of you!" said patron Alexandra Eframo. "You are supposed to be representing us — not telling us what to do!"

The board listened, solemn-faced, taking notes.

A dozen police officers stood watch along the sides of the room.

Several of the approximately 200 people who signed up to speak for the allotted three minutes offered alternate ideas to a tax hike: cut administrator salaries, cut the last few days of school, increase class sizes, don't pay teachers for prep days, find corporate sponsors, partner with cities, implement a smaller tax hike, have it be a one-year tax increase, make people with large families contribute more money, and freeze, reduce or remove the school board salaries.

The first to speak against the tax hike, Royce Van Tassell, vice president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, said, "This is more than people can take."

"I am begging you not to do this," said patron Carol Brown, adding the board should consider those on fixed incomes.

Several speakers warned the school board they would be ousted if they implemented the tax hike. "We'll work diligently to get those responsible for this voted out of office," said patron David Thompson.

Jordan District Superintendent Barry Newbold cited three reasons for the decline in the district's general fund.

First, the state-funding shortfall sliced $15 million.

Second, the impact of the split with Canyons School District left Jordan $8 million in the hole. "Were it not for the split of the Jordan School District, we would not be here tonight," Newbold said.

The general fund total revenue was $58.7 million before the split; it is now $26.9 million. In tax revenue generated per student, Jordan District will receive $1,824 while the Canyons District gets $3,425 per student.