Reader comments
Dividing district would lead to divvying up of programs

Well then divy them up! Or better yet get rid of them, a smaller district will serve the student better and after all isn't that supposed to be the goal?

Who says these programs would be split between the two districts? The law is not clear on which district would retain these. These programs are all one-of-a-kind Jordan District programs and can only be supported by the current district. A new school board in a new district might not even want to offer these programs. This is one of those very gray areas that the law has yet to fully address. Until I have a more clear picture of all of this, I will vote no. The more I study this issue, the more I'm sure this is something that needs a few more guarantees.

The law is quite clear on who gets most assets - the geographic area they are located in. This makes sense as putting any school out of its district boundaries.

Magnet programs are different, but JSD currently enrolls out-of-district students in many of those listed. There is no reason to assume that would change. If an east-side student wanted to attend the Tech Center, then they'd simply follow the same route those who live in Murray district and attend follow.
Some programs may be shared for a short time (or longer depending upon how the new boards wish).

You're looking for guarantees that will never happen. If that "Uncertaintly" is enough for you to cast a negative vote, fine. I prefer to look to the benefits and have the hope that things could be so much better.

I will vote "YES"

These programs should just be done away with. What schools need is the basics of the three R's. We should get rid of the fluff and have those instead offered privately.

I don't agree with jmp because, for example, a small district without a program for gifted students wouldn't serve gifted students as well as the Jordan District serves them now. Have you met any of the gifted students? It would be a tragedy to put them in the regular classes.

I don't agree with Parent because (1) the programs mentioned do include three-R education [as well as core subjects like more advanced math, science, and history]; and (2) I think public schools ought to do *more*, such as providing real art, music, and PE teachers in elementary school. We'll all be better off if a high-quality, well-rounded education is provided in the public schools.

Why does South Jordan get Valley High? The school is on State Street which is about one-half mile from the South Jordan/Sandy border.

This article was writen to sound neutral but the obviouse intent was to get the fear into the minds of some voters who may fear losing some special programs.

Personally I don't like when politicians/media turn to scare tactics. Every time we've tried to pass a tax cut, politicians put out the message like, "Well police and firemen will be the first to go". Why can't we cut back on the burocratic-waste first, then maybe something less critical, like a secretary, janitor, administrator, botanist or IT guy somewhere? Why do Police or Firemen always have to be the first to go if we talk about cutting taxes?

We see the same thing creaping into the district split debate, "Well the first thing to go will be all the buildings and the teachers, followed by the best programs". Why not some administrative cuts or some less critical programs first?

Similar scare tactics have been used on both sides of the voucher debate.

The problem is... it works.

Please Des News, don't confuse us with the facts. Let us all vote on this based on emotion.

The "divide the district" crowd is sure self-centered. You claim this is all for the students? What about students who:

-Have severe behavior and emotional challenges

-Have severe, multiple disabilities

-Are gifted

-Are adults trying to get a diploma

Remember, the "program" is not the building. While the building would go to the district it resides in, the equipment and employees in those buildings have no guarantee; ergo, the "program" will be remain in one district or the other, but obviously can't serve two to three districts.... IF any smaller district can afford to keep such programs running.

Valley High is being rebuilt in South Jordan and will open in August. That's why it's listed in South Jordan.

The facts are that all these programs will continue to be available in my district after a split occurs? Of course no one can promise that.

Is this best for the kids? When enrollment drops on the east and north-east side, then they will have to close schools. And didn't this push to divide start because JSD board closed two neighborhood schools in spite of what the residents wanted?
I have a real problem with the impact of this on the west side and they don't even have a vote. There are a few unresolved issues with this. I think the Salt Lake County Council saw this when they voted no. Then the Legislature met in their special session and changed the law so that the County council's decision didn't count.