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A lot of eyes – from lawmakers to educators to taxpayers and more – will be watching what happens tomorrow in Utah’s two largest school districts.
Are citizens willing to pay more in taxes and authorize heavy indebtedness to benefit public education? That’s the multi-million dollar question as both districts hold special elections!
The Granite School Board is asking voters to approve a $2.9 million tax hike. Board members say the money is needed to help offset heavy budget cuts brought on by the state’s dire revenue picture.
The Jordan Board of Education wants voters to authorize an unprecedented $281 million bond for building 22 new schools, along with an eventual tax increase to open and operate the schools once they’re in use. Board members say the new schools are needed to handle projected growth.
A recent KSL-Deseret News poll showed a majority of Utahns favor increasing taxes if the new revenue would go to support public schools. Tomorrow’s election will reveal if the views measured in the January 10 poll and other similar surveys translate into actual votes at the ballot box.
It is an election worth watching. And for those who reside in the two school districts, it is an election that demands participation. In this special election, KSL believes there is no place among the citizens of either school district for voter apathy.
