Voters will decide whether to split up Utah's largest school district
Two questions on the Nov. 5 ballot will ask voters in Utah County, Utah, whether to split up the Alpine school district--the state's largest.
The Provo Daily Herald reports that Proposition 11 is a ballot question on creating a new school district — tentatively named the Central School District — encompassing the cities of Alpine, Lehi, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland and a portion of Draper.
Proposition 14 asks voters a similar question regarding the creation of another new school district — the West School District –drawing together the cities of Cedar Fort, Eagle Mountain, Fairfield and Saratoga Springs.
If both fail, Alpine School District would remain as it is.
Scenarios could vary if only one of the propositions moves forward, depending on which ballot measure voters approve — though it would likely still end with the dissolution of Alpine School District.
Leaders in both areas say creating new districts could help retain local tax dollars, increase representation among the varying schools and address student population growth, among other factors.
Both propositions have been endorsed by county chapters of three major political parties. However, there also is strong opposition to both ballot measures.
Ada Wilson, a school board member, has been vocal on social media about staying together as one district and believes the district will pass a bond in 2025 that may help with some of the capital needs in the district. She's also optimistic about getting a new, long-awaited high school in Saratoga Springs built.
Cissy Rasmussen, an Orem resident and co-founder of the anti-split group Stronger Together, said the organization surveyed hundreds of teachers and employees. Out of about 1,800 respondents, the survey found that 64% opposed a split, 14% supported a split and 22% were undecided, according to data on Stronger Together's website.
Whether both or one of the propositions pass, it would be at least another two years before any new district is operational.
