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Sammy Linebaugh reportingGranite School District officials are feeling the heat as they solicit feedback from the public on a number of school closure options.
The last scheduled open house before the November 29th decision was held last night amidst protests outside the Granite Education Center.
Scores of students, parents and others stood outside in protest, saying they don't like any of the school-closure options the district is presenting.
The district posts three options on a website, each of which is designed to counter low-enrollment, and each of which involves closing a number of schools.
K-6 schools, in particular, are at risk of closure. All three options proposed by the district include closing a minimum of three elementary schools. Among the choices, Morningside, Canyon Rim, MeadowMoor, Woodstock and Hill View elementary schools.
Middle schools fair a bit better, with fewer closures suggested there, and at the high school level -- Granite High School -- in two of the three options -- would be closed.
Some who protested say they reject the notion of consolidating students into larger schools.
Cynthia Bourne: "This isn't just one school. This isn't just one neighborhood. They are saying we want neighborhood schools. We want small schools. We want out school."
Randy Ripplinger/Spokesman, Granite School District: "The only thing the district is trying to do right now is to make a district that is more student friendly, reduce empty seats, and make it a better district for the entire 68-thousand students it serves."
Granite school district will decide the issue next month at a board meeting slated for November 29th.
