Deseret News | Upgrades too pricey for Canyons

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Upgrades too pricey for Canyons

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Should Have Thought... | 6:35 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

They should have thought about this before doing the split. They certainly didn't care when they were taking $$ away from the west side.

Fair? | 6:53 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Mr. Cowdell, I cannot believe you have the gall to even use the word "fair" in any of your comments.

Anonymous | 6:56 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

it doesn't sound like they thought this thing through.

Comments continue below

Where's the Money? | 6:58 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

A few months back the Canyons had a statement on their Web site applauding the work of the arbitrators. Now they don't like it? Now it's not fair? What has happened to all their money? Perhaps it was also spent on remodeling the offices of their high-paid officials.

Laughable!!! | 6:59 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

This is laughable. The Canyons won't get any sympathy from me or a yes vote on adding air conditioning!

Higher Standards | 8:35 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

They say their schools are safe but they want them to be higher standards. Why not just say it like it is: they want their poor little darlings to go to nice, new schools. In this economy, that just isn't going to happen. Why pay for new schools for a bunch of elitists when I can hardly afford my gas bill. I think it's more important WHAT the kids learn and not WHERE they learn it.

Good old days... | 11:03 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Do you think we should go back to a single district?
Is that even possible?

I guess not there are too many new bureaucrats with big salaries.

Can we start talking about the "good old days"?

huh? | 11:39 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

"The east side has a greater potential to generate funds" ??

Huh? How can Jordan district business director Burke Jolley even say that when the west has unlimited land for business and residential growth while the east is for the most part is already "built out."

Anonymous | 11:49 p.m. Sept. 21, 2009

Amazing, another bone headed conservative idea that failed. You circumvent democracy to forward your economic and social elitism and you discover there's costs. If I still lived on the West Side I would feel a amount of glee.

Anonymous | 6:06 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

"examining the sale of surplus buildings and property"

I guess Canyons is thinking along the lines of closing down a few 'surplus' schools and selling them. Sounds like a GREAT idea. Wasn't the closing of two elementary schools the reason that started the whole let's make our own district fervor started anyhow?

I want to see if they could float a bond. They should be trying for a much smaller one first, not the whole greedy enchillada.

wallofvoodoo | 7:20 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Sounds like the Canyons need a waahmburger to go with their french cries.

voters knew | 7:25 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

No wonder voters wanted to create a new district. The schools in Canyons are 20 years older than Jordan's and have been neglected for years. What is shocking is that JSD let the buildings deteriorate to this point -- "problems with mold, asbestos, plumbing, lighting, heat." And still it is receiving $300M in bond payments and $3.8M *every year* in equalization. Doesn't make sense.

Concerned Parent | 7:29 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Yes, I do admit to wanting "my little darlings" to attend schools that have adequate seismic upgrades, are free of mold, and have adequate technology in the classrooms. To ridicule that desire and claim it is elitist is incomprehensible.

We live in the Brighton High area. Brighton high has 6 classrooms that have upgraded wiring to support LCD projectors and other in-class technology. The wiring was installed in those six classrooms in just the last two years.

Even if one were to set aside the cost of air conditioning, the renovation needs just to bring some of the Canyons schools up to acceptable safety levels are staggering. Minimal seismic upgrades are a matter of safety. A desire for safe drop off areas are not a luxury. Removing mold and asbestos isn't an outlandish desire.

Many voted to form a new district because they perceived these safety/technological needs were being given a low priority by the JSD. The report of the task force validates this contention. Hopefully the Canyons Board will take this information and put together a plan to address these legitimate concerns in the upcoming years.

Anonymous | 7:48 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

My house needs a lot of work these days too, but in the poor economy you don't see me going out and borrowing a bunch of money to add luxury items to it. Whatever happened to the mayors' promises that our taxes would go down? I'd rather see the money go to teachers, not to buildings.

Mom in Canyons District | 7:58 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I personally voted against the split of the district realizing the spliting of assets would be detrimental. But I do appreciate the Canyons District addressing issues that have been on the table for years that Jordan School District chose to ignore. They were too busy building air-conditioned schools and state of the art playgrounds for the children on the west side. 99 degrees is miserable in an un-air conditioned building no matter what side of the valley you live on.

Anonymous | 8:03 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Why doesn't the East Side PTA and Mayor Cullimore get involved and help out. They certainly did when they thought they were getting the better deal. Oh Too Bad!! Wasn't this in the dat in the numerous studies that
the east side did that cost millions. Oh well divorce sometimes isn't the best option and frequently presents untold consequences.
Dave

Remember the promises | 8:07 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Remember the promises east side. We were told that if we voted to split away from Jordan that we could be a financially viable district without raising taxes. We were also promised that class sizes would go down and that all of our schools would be renovated to current standards. If any of us fall into this "poor us" propaganda now, shame on us. A $600 million dollar bond, in addition to the old debt would substantially increase our taxes for the next twenty years. Say NO to a Canyons bond. Make your Mayors, legislators and new district officials responsible for their promises.

Dave | 8:08 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Oh Too Bad. Perhaps the east side PTA and Mayor Cullimore can handle this like they did with the original split. It is too bad that divorce brings unexpected consequences.

so sad | 8:18 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

So now it is the west sides fault (the people who dod not get to vote) that the canyons cant have their AC. Last I recall, everybody was happy with the arbitration, saying it was fair, now the tune has changed. It must be the fact that the "research" and half-truths which led to the canyons split really cant stand up to the facts.

@ Huh | 8:43 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Yeah, why trust Burke Jolley, he only has an degree from Harvard. I agree with mr Jolley, I would gladly trade places with them and they can have my tax increase.

luxury items? | 8:48 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

These are hardly luxury items: seismic safety, mold and asbestos removal, safe drop-off areas, lighting, plumbing and heating. If you want to see luxury, take a drive out to the brand-new $75M Herriman High slated to open next year. As for the Canyons buildings, it's sad that both children -- and teachers -- must deal with these conditions.

RE: Concerned Parent | 8:50 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Elitism: An individual who assumes assumes special privileges and responsibilities in the hope that this arrangement will benefit themselves.

RE: Rem. the promises | 8:53 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

DITTO!

Won't be Fooled a Second Time! | 9:02 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

We were fooled the first time by the Canyon School District Spinners. We won't ever do it again. It will be along time before CSD gets a bond passed by the now fully informed voters. And the politicians who pushed this split, me thinks, your days are numbered as well.

RE: Rem. the promises | 9:28 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

DITTO DITTO.
I wonder how many of Cullimore's promises will be broken in the next 12 months? It will be fun to hear why he had to do it and his Spin that 'we' just did not understand what 'he met to say' the first time.

@ Luxury items | 9:36 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

And thank you for helping us pay for the new $75 million herriman high school. We couldn't have done it without you. P.S. careful around that Mold and Asbestos...nasty stuff. It took us forever to truck it over from the west so you could have something to do for your new district.

Priorities | 9:45 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I hope the Canyons board will take the parent recommendations with a grain of salt. Not all parents care about how old their school is. As a parent, I want a quality teacher who teaches fewer students. When is the Board going to start talking about what is really important: my children's education!!!!!

How Long? | 10:02 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

How long are you going to blame all of your problems on the Jordan district. You asked for this. Time to move on.

Angela | 10:06 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

So fix the schools, one step at a time. Figure out how to get the money and do it. Ignore the comments of the complaining naysayers who judge and criticize the east side and get the job done. Stop making comments and help out! We can get a few million people to donate a few bucks. :)

Lost money? | 10:18 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Perhaps the money the Canyons claims they have lost is with the thumb drive they lost as well.

Elitism | 10:19 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

"Elitism: An individual who assumes special privileges in the hope that this arrangement will benefit themselves."

As an outsider living outside of the Jordan and Canyons District, this definition might be applied to everyone involved.

Based on the posts I've read, Canyons people voted to split so that their perceived needs (renovation, safety upgrades, etc.) could be addressed. I can see where the definition of elitism could be applied here.

The remaining Jordan District is upset that they have lost the East side resources that provided a larger share of the money and now these people must shoulder more of the cost of their schools. I can see where the definition of elitism could be applied here as well.

I seems that both sides could make the case for elitism. Isn't it better for all involved to stop pointing fingers and focus on the needs of their respective school districts? I can't envision this thing being undone at this point in time. Didn't a federal judge rule that the vote to form a new district was legal? Although, I suppose it could be overturned on appeal. The fireworks if that happened would be spectacular!

Beauford Francilla Goodyear | 10:34 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

This is TOO FUNNY. It is a divorce where one spouse just realized that they cannot live the same lifestyle on one income.

Canyons, raise your property taxes or endanger you kids. It's up to you.

Thanks for voting to let us off the hook for these repairs and upgrades!

What's wrong with pavement? | 10:34 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

The picture illustrated in the story shows students playing four square on a pavement playground, but gives the impression that there is no other option and that playing on a hard surface is bad for kids. Alta View Elementary has acres of suitable green space for students to play. Just because our schools aren't shiny new doesn't make them unsafe. I agree with the post that mentions the priority of teachers and education for our kids. I went to an elementary school that was 75 years old without air conditioning and that had a family of skunks and raccoons living on campus. All I remember is that I had great teachers and a lot of fun. Oh ya, I must have learned a few things along the way also. East siders need to get over themselves and worry about the important things in life, not always having the best or more than everyone else.

Gayle R. | 10:38 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I have an idea, all those that voted for the split can pay extra for the upgrades.

Edwin Ferdinand | 10:42 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I know people that have divorced and remarried but not one where one spouse cam back with huge debt. Think before you act.

Scarce resources | 10:52 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

It should surprise no one that Utah schools don't have enough money to go around. But the people behind the district split (or "creation," as some insist on calling it...) apparently didn't want to believe it when the old JSD administrators told them that the need for building new schools on the west side didn't leave enough resources to continue operating half-full (or less) elementary schools, or to address the other maintenance issues.

Maybe now that the Canyons patrons and split proponents have "their own" people in place, they'll believe it when their studies indicate that there are more needs than there is money, and they will have to prioritize, just like JSD used to do. They may even need to, dare I say, close a couple more schools.

In response to the concerned parents that have posted above me, I agree that the building upgrades are important, but please, try to avoid sounding so freakin' spoiled. A lot of you sound just like my kids' tantrums: "I want it my way, and I want it now."

Satisfied | 11:01 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

I'm sure glad I live in Davis County. No discussion of a "stupid" school district split up here.

Frederick Gerard Gene Depardeu | 11:06 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Sadly, many of the people who died in the earthquake in China that killed thousands were children in school buildings.

And now students.... | 11:11 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

It's time for our vocabulary test --- give me a definition for: Upgrade -- something better than what you already have, but not really necessary.

Canyons, you left. Your idea. You started it. Too late to cry now.

Midwest Member | 11:13 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

This is what happens when so-called conservatives try to run community services "like a business." Utah spends less than any other state in the union on the education of their children. I would have thought that LDS people would place a higher value on their children. Stop pointing fingers at each other and take responsibility for the future. Contention never built anything.

Galand | 11:15 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Here is a grant idea...put the Districts back together! It will save everyone money!

Gayle R. | 11:18 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

The people who got jobs due to the split add extra cost to running a district. Maybe they should work for free so our kids can have AC.

Bitter west siders | 11:42 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

It is amazing the way you selfish UEA-huggers jump on every newspaper article on this topic.

Thank god we can now spend money on our own schools instead of the years of empty promises we have received from Barry and his cronies on the school board.

Will it be tough financially? You bet, but it was hopeless before.

Closing east-side schools | 11:46 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

was just a scare tactic Newbold used to ram more tax increases down east-side throats. The school closure committee he put together actually wanted to close more schools than he recommended - boy did he backtrack fast on that.

Who cares | 11:50 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

the east side west side thing has gone on in utah my whole life and it always will. I went to cottonwood and I lived in the taylorville bennion area. they built the scool on the east side because of money. i took 30 minute bus ride every day to school. a few years later taylorsvile was made and full and past and now kids are bussed to cottonwood again.

Fran Farny | 11:54 a.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Canyons, while you are at it, why don't you just build completely new schools. That would fall in line with your current logic of operations. DO you like paying for your own set of administrators?

You Voted, Accept it!! | 12:06 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Those that voted for the district split obviously did not weigh the consequences. Not only are they having to pay off existing debt, they will have to incur more debt to make good on the lies they told everyone to get the split to occur in the first place.

Sounds like self-serving politics at their best. Blame the other, blame the other, blame the other. It's not OUR fault WE chose to split.

WAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Bitter west siders | 12:08 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Raise my taxes, I love my taxes being raised. Triple, no quadruple my taxes!

re: Bitter west siders | 12:09 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Oh, we're not bitter that you left; we're just bitter that we all get the "privilege" of paying more for less, when only you had the "opportunity" to decide it for us.

If you want to spin that into "UEA-hugging", clearly, things are still "hopeless".

Classic! | 12:18 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009

Now, even their handpicked board is telling them thay can't afford everything they want! And they thought it was those EVIL, uncaring board members from that unmentionable district who were holding out on them. Gee, what next, should we split the Canyons District?

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