Reader comments
Suit filed over Jordan district-split vote

Herriman's hypocracy is brazen here. It is OK for them to make zoning and building decisions that affect those on the east side and their taxes, WITHOUT their vote, but it's terrible for the east side to vote on their own future. It's just hypocracy (or else it's district administrators pushing them to sue because they are desparate to stop the breakup of their kingdom).

The west side paid for the east side when the west side had no kids and the east had all the kids. We didn't complain. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, it's time to shut up and pay like we did.

The comment about the west builidng the east side schools is nonsense. When there were no kids on the west side, there was little developed property, and so little in the way of property values to tax. The majority of the taxable value was on the east where the houses, businesses and families with children were. There were no complaints because there was no one there to complain. The large majority of the taxes that funded schools on the east came from the east side as it developed, while the few people on the west side were provided schools. The west got its money's worth.

Now the folks on the west side want to have their growth subsidized by the east side, but the east's contribution to the west will provide only for the west. The east won't get value for its money.

The question to ask here is, "Which side can mitigate the tax impact of Herriman's growth?" Herriman can, because they can regulate it by policy and ordinance; the east side can't because they have no voice in Herriman's growth policies.

The full cost of the split is not known. Why the rush to tear apart Jordan? I want to know what will happen with operational costs in each of the new districts. How will this effect teacher contracts, costs, buildings etc.

We surely can wait for these answers.

Is this the same attorney general who said the HB 174 would stand on its own? I believe the "west side" has some valid concerns and should pursue this course of action. I believe the is a legimate question as to who should have the "right" to vote in this situation.

There is no "rush" to create a new district - this grass roots process has been going on for years. Simply because you're only recently aware of it, doesn't constitute a rush. If you wish to know operational costs - READ THE FEASIBILITY STUDY - that's what it's for (short version - average operational costs for east side schools go up (they're older and less efficient) and costs for the west side schools go down (same as tax base per student - up in the east and down in the west).

Teacher contracts are negotiated by the school board regardless of the district - no one knows what Jordan (or any other new/existing district) might do/negotiate next year. It's important you vote for school board members that share your values.

Chad - the west has not paid even half the costs for the share of schools (47%) they currently have, and will only pay for 43% of the 20 NEW schools they will are getting from the bond Jordan passed yesterday. Interesting that of 22 schools promised from that money the ONLY East side school (Draper Middle) won't get built while the west gets 95% of what's promised...

I say good for Herriman. If this is such an important issue then all should get to vote.

Let's talk education. Jordan School District has a stellar reputation as one of the very finest school districts in the nation; ranked in the top ten in the nation. The proposal to divide,if approved, is a serious issue with potential natural catastrophic educational consequences. We are a community school district and have been for over 100 years. We should care about all children, east or west. The issue of potential division is not a grass roots parental effort, but appears to be politically motivated. The right to vote on such a serious matter should be the right of all patrons. All of our children are the beneficiaries of a united community and an outstanding public educational system. It makes perfect sense for the voice of the people to have a voice in the future of our children and grandchildren. Silence and ignorance on what is right and fair will spell disaster for the future of educational excellence. Speak up and support the right for all to vote... this nation is founded on that basic principle.

Jordan has a great reputation. That's not disputed. However, to claim it is a perfect organization for education is also misguided/arrogant. While there is potential for "catastophic" [overstated - and only if all the "inteligent" administrators would only be precluded from working in the new district!!!] consequesnces, the potential for improvement also exists.

Perhaps you also misunderstand the definition of "grass roots". Those in the Legistlature didn't take this issue up on a whim - it was at the demand of thousands of voters' request.

Most people don't consider their closest 600,000 neighbors their "community" - even the proposed new district of 300,000 still pushes the "community" definition. However, a smaller district absolutely does equal a greater voice of each voting parent.

All patrons in the propsed district will have a chance to vote on Nov. 6th. This is in complete accordance and consistent with Federal and State Law. Only one body has the constitutional authority to determine election participation - the State Legislature. They have debated this issue in three seperate sessions. Their decision is what prevails. Those in opposition simply don't understand this basic civics principle or are paid to wrest a subjective opinion for their own purposes.

A smaller district also means reductions in services offered. I worked in a small district in Arizona--6 Elementary, 1 each of middle and High School, and knew that it took two-years for some Special Ed testing to be done. They did have an accelerated program, but they had nothing near what Jordan offers for the gifted and talented. The classes offered in High School also were limited, but probably would have been further reduced if not for being a title one school district. Having a technical center as an option would have been nice.

I just can't see what other than reduced taxes for some in the long run are going to be doing for the kids. Jordan has a solid reputation.

The proposed District will be over 35,000 students. That is still very large by national (and Utah) standards. The feasibility study states all financial on the assumption that ALL current services will be available to ALL students - both in the new and remaining district.

What will it do for the kids? Just let their parents have a stronger voice in what happens with their education. Parents are more involved with schools the more local a school district is. So, if you favor more parents spending more time with their kids, taking a more active role in their school, with their teachers, and with their administrators, then smaller (35,000 vs 80,000 [or 110,000 in 7 years!) is better.

Again, 35,000 students in a district is still on the large side but it's a vast improvement over the arms-length attitude in a >100,000 student district.

The proposed District will be over 35,000 students. That is still very large by national (and Utah) standards. The feasibility study states all financial on the assumption that ALL current services will be available to ALL students - both in the new and remaining district.

What will it do for the kids? Just let their parents have a stronger voice in what happens with their education. Parents are more involved with schools the more local a school district is. So, if you favor more parents spending more time with their kids, taking a more active role in their school, with their teachers, and with their administrators, then smaller (35,000 vs 80,000 [or 110,000 in 7 years!) is better.

Again, 35,000 students in a district is still on the large side but it's a vast improvement over the arms-length attitude in a >100,000 student district.

I grew up in JSD. I went to SJES, BMS, SJMS and BHS in South Jordan. I had incredible teachers that inspired and motivated me, plenty of activities that I took advantage of (3 sports, Band, Choir and many clubs). I had a quality education. I have also worked as a sub in nearly all schools in the district giving me a fair assessment of what is going on there.

Dividing the district is crazy. Simply crazy.

I understand the motives behind it. The schools closed as enrollment shrunk angered some. Others are tired of the high taxes that comes from all these wonderful kids. And certain politicians have an axe against the UEA to grind that cutting up the district surely will cripple. Will the division really change any of these?

No.

Schools on the East side, particularly in the Brighton High feeder area, have been slipping in enrollment. They will close another when the enrollments indicate it is needed or pay double the allotment per kid to stay open.

Taxes will increase.

Those legislators may finally get voted out of office, but they will still be angry with educators and will find more ways to vent.

Moving here from out of state in the late 90's, we were amazed at the sad state of education in the Jordan School District and amazed at their boasts of paying less per child than any other school district in the US. This shortage of money has bred all kinds of corruption as the schools have had to turn to local cronies to run underfunded programs. It is not entirely their fault. The large families and fiscal conservatism of Utah hold them hostage to the patrons. I frankly favor a 100 percent school tax increase, but like that is going to fly here in Utah. The District cannot assess impact fees on new construction. The East side will split because it is essential for them to deliver a quality education to their kids. It is that simple. Otherwise, the growth of the West side will continue to suck out all the resources that should be going to the East kids. As far as the West is concerned, I feel for them. But not to the detriment of my own children. Until the legislature mandates property tax funding levels, we have to protect our own.