Reader comments
Campaign against Jordan split ramping up

Brian Allen has some big expectations of what MIGHT happen if this passes. It will be impossible for any school board to meet his long list of demands. Down the road, even the east-side cities will be fighting over their needs not being met. How can any school board meet the needs of Midvale as well as Draper? They have completely different demographics. In a few years, the same argument will continue, with or without a split. I think Mrs. Wallace's description of a "bad divorce" paints a much clearer picture of this issue. I don't want my kids to have any part of this.

Yes, there should be more divisions, and we are way overdue on the need for a split. That CERTAINLY isn't a reason to postpone or not do it!

As the parent of two children in the Jordan School District, the possibility of a new school district is exciting to me. What parent wants the JSD to grow as large as L.A. Unified or Clark County school districts. It's ridiculous that the JSD has grown as big as it has and now has 80,000 students!! It will double in the next 10 years. Who wants this for their kids. I want a district that listens to me and a district that has common goals. Not one that is so spread out and has so many different needs that my children are just a number. Please, east-side communities, let's create a new school district and seize the opportunities it will create.

I have 4 kids in the district, and I live on the east side. This issue is about the politicians not getting their way when the district closed 2 elementaries to save money. Somehow the district doesn't listen to the concerns of it's patrons when it is being financially responsible. This is about the east side politicians believing they can control a smaller district. Listen to what they say. They never talk about how this is best for the students, they only talk about local control. I've got news for all of you, the new school board will be governed under the same laws and statues as the old school board. The local city government will not have any more say than they do now. And if you think your taxes are going to go down, try funding all the programs Jordan offers now. I would like someone, anyone, to outline why Jordan is sooooo bad and how this split is going to save at least the east side students from such horrible situation....I'm waiting...In the mean time I'll vote against the split.

draper - you must be practicing "selective hearing" if you haven't heard any comments on how the new district will help kids. The politician don't beleive they can "control" a district - that is the responsibility of the school board and the voters. However, a smaller, more locally responsive district will "play nicer" with other local governments. That leads to your school building being more of a community resource and gathering place for more than just JSD functions. It leads to YOUR voice being louder and responded too as you are one of a smaller/more local group. It means your 4 children's needs will be better addressed simply because the school board can focus on specific/local needs.
Local Control is cited because it works. It is the basis on which virtually ALL political subdivisions (Counties, Cities, Special Service Districts, etc. etc.) are created. More focus means better service, more responsiveness, and better control of costs.
That's how it helps you and your kids.

Draper, the city councils that have paid for the feasibility studies and placed the creation of new school districts on the ballot are not attempting to "control" the school districts. They are responding to constituent concerns and ensuring that their cities are placed in the best possible positions. This is true of all of the mayors and city councils of all of the cities in Jordan School District. Even the Herriman lawsuit is being driven by local leaders trying to do what is best for their community (although I wonder about the legal advice Herriman is getting). As amazing as this may sound, the city leaders and legislators are actually doing thier jobs, and the process is working as it is supposed to.