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It is time to slow down the steamroller that is the movement to split two of Utah's largest school districts.
Yes, a law passed by the legislature in 2006 makes it possible for cities to join forces and create smaller districts. And yes, there is merit in greater local control - where parents and patrons feel they have a more direct say in the education of their children.
But just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done, especially with so many questions and issues that remain unresolved.
For example, what are the constitutional implications of not allowing everyone affected by a split to actually vote on whether one should occur? If a split is approved, how exactly would budgets and assets and liabilities be divided? And is it fair, even morally just, to burden citizens in burgeoning west side communities with the exorbitant costs of new building construction?
Foremost, what of the children? Can anyone say definitively how they'd be affected by the proposed splits?
The Salt Lake County Council can slow down the steamroller by voting against putting the measure on the ballot in November, which would allow much-needed time to more fully evaluate what would happen. That's what KSL encourages them to do
