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OREM, Utah (AP) -- City councils in Orem and Pleasant Grove have rejected putting a proposal to split from the Alpine School Districts before voters.
The Orem council voted 4-3 Tuesday night against putting the proposal on the ballot. The Pleasant Grove council was unanimously opposed to the proposal.
"I have yet to hear one single compelling argument to put this item before the voters," said Pleasant Grove Councilman Lee Jensen. "I don't know of any organization, of any size, that doesn't have problems. I just feel that a new school district doesn't solve anything."
Pleasant Grove decided to join Orem several months ago in a feasibility study of creating an Orem school district that also could include Pleasant Grove, Vineyard and Lindon.
Orem Councilwoman Karen McCandless wanted the proposal put on the ballot. "I think the citizens of Orem should have the opportunity to voice their opinions at the polls," she said. "I only want what's best for our children."
Orem Councilman Stephen Sandstrom voted with the majority and said north county residents help pay for Orem schools and he hadn't heard any compelling reasons to leave. "We are doing well in test scores, despite the Title I schools," he said. "It leads me to believe 'What is so wrong about the Alpine School District?' "
The cities faced a Thursday deadline for adding questions to the Nov. 7 ballot.
Some proponents of splitting from Alpine felt the district was providing their children an inadequate education, while others objected to the tax costs.
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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldextra.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
