Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WEST JORDAN — In the wake of a failed $495 million bond for new buildings, the Jordan School Board is looking toward boundary changes and year-round schools to address student growth and is once again asking the public for their input.
Jordan District spokeswoman Sandra Riesgraf said mailers were sent out Friday to parents and members of the community asking for participation in an online survey. She said the school board is considering four boundary change options that would impact as many as 15 elementary and secondary schools, and officials hope to hear from the public before making a decision next month.
Riesgraf also said the board is considering a proposal to convert four elementary schools to a year-round schedule next fall. If approved, one-third of the district's elementary schools would be on a full-year schedule.
"What our patrons have told us is they will tolerate more year-round schools and they don’t like boundary changes, but they will tolerate boundary changes," she said. "These are the kinds of things we’re doing right now."
The Jordan School District has been tasked in recent years with rapid population growth, including an annual increase of between 2,000 and 2,500 students.
The district intended to construct 11 new schools with funds from one of the largest bond proposals in state history, but voters ultimately rejected the bond by a margin of 67 percent to 32 percent.
Many voters attributed their opposition to the size of the bond, which would have cost the average homeowner an additional $240 in annual property taxes.
Information on the proposed boundary changes and surveys for each affected school can be found on the Jordan School District website. A public hearing will also be held prior to final action by the school board.
