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WEST JORDAN — Early election night results indicate voters in Jordan and Alpine school districts have approved more than $630 million in school funding.
In Jordan School District, 57 percent of voters had approved the proposed $245 million bond, meant to build five brand new schools and rebuild West Jordan Middle.
In Alpine School District, 67 percent of voters gave a thumbs up to the $386 million bond proposal for nine new schools, four rebuilds and 10 renovation projects.
The Alpine School District Board of Education released a joint prepared statement Tuesday night, expressing gratitude "for the trust and support shown by so many citizens with this bond election."
"This speaks to the value we place on education, which is one of our greatest rights and privileges to ensure our children's future," the board said. "Our stewardship of this bond will continue to be held in the greatest of care and focused on the need to provide a safe and quality education for all students across the district.
While district officials are restricted by law from campaigning for or against the bonds, they urged voters to understand the growth both districts will experience in coming years before deciding how to vote on the bond proposals.
Projections put Jordan School District enrollment on track to skyrocket by more than 9,000 students over the next five years. Alpine School District is projected to increase by up to 6,000 in the next five years.
Alpine Superintendent Sam Jarman expressed appreciation to voters who passed the bond to address "our greatest facility needs."
"We are anxious to begin breaking ground on a new high school in Eagle Mountain, along with other projects that are desperately needed," he said.
Jordan School District spokeswoman Sandy Riesgraf has said without the 2016 bond proposal funding, the district would be placed in a "very difficult position." Voters in 2013 rejected the district's last bond proposal, which had a price tag that was more than double the 2016 bond: $495 million.
If the Jordan bond is enacted, an owner of a $300,000 home would pay $16.80 in property taxes more per year.
In Alpine School District, district officials say the bond won't raise property taxes because it will only be continuing the last bond voters approved in 2011.
The Utah Taxpayers Association did not oppose either bond proposal.
