Latest news with #SchoolDistrictModifications
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alpine School District approves $238 million bond to build two new schools
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) — The Alpine School District voted unanimously to approve a new $238 million bond for the building of two new schools in the western half of the district. Voting during their board meeting on April 22, the ASD board heard from residents who expressed concerns over overcrowding in the schools they currently had, and the need for more space for student mental health. 'This bond is desperately needed,' Eden Davenport, resident of Saratoga Springs, said during the meeting. 'I have seen firsthand the negative implication that overcrowded schools have. I have the difficulties that some of our children face making social connections because our schools are at maximum capacity.' The bond has become apart a timeline of events that began back in 2024 when the district voted to split itself into three separate districts. As a part of the new 'West District,' the bond will fund the building of a new elementary school, and a new high school in Saratoga Springs. Unlike other bonds, the district is issuing 'lease revenue bonds,' which are bonds that primarily funded by leases of public facilities. PREVIOUS: Alpine School District split: Here are the proposed boundaries ahead of final vote As a part of S.B. 188, School District Modifications, which was passed in the 2025 General Session, opened up more options for school districts to raise funds for new buildings and other expenses, including lease revenue bonding. With the future split in mind, the bond itself won't be on ASD forever. The bill also specified that these bonds issued after Nov. 4, 2024, will fall on the new district to fund and pay for once they are formed in 2027. The public comment for the bonds was brief, with only three residents commenting on the proposal. One resident came with concerns regarding the debt burden that the past bonds, and now passed bond will put on residents in the area. 'You're tripling [the bond] just because you can,' John Gad, a resident of the district, told board members in opposition to resolution. 'Which is a really horrible reason to take out debt for the next 31 years. Debt that I am going to be paying, and kids who aren't even born yet are going to be paying property taxes on this debt you are going to be deciding on.' Alpine had originally approved increases to property taxes back in 2023, and 2024. However, with this new funding, they are hoping to be able to provide the funding needed to build the proposed new schools. Along with approving the bond, the ASD school board also approved the purchase of land in both Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs for the proposed schools. In total, the district approved the purchase of 83 acres of land. Alpine School District approves $238 million bond to build two new schools Is AI behind mistaken visa revocations, self-deport emails? Utah expert weighs in Beef & Pasta with Asian Peanut Sauce Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport How to replace your triggers with glimmers Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: SB188 and the power of a collaborative process
Some bills make headlines because they spark controversy. Others go unnoticed because they reflect something quieter but no less powerful: good governance. When a bill does exactly what it's supposed to do — empower communities, ensure stability and prepare for the future — it may not be flashy, but it's precisely what we need more of. SB188, the School District Modifications bill, outlines how new school districts are created following the vote to split Utah's largest district. Crafted and sponsored by Sen. Keith Grover, R-Provo, it gives cities and school boards the tools they need to make reorganizations successful — tools grounded in flexibility, fairness and local decision-making. The bill received full bipartisan support and passed unanimously in both chambers before being signed by Gov. Spencer Cox. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution or favoring one side over another, SB188 gives each new district room to succeed on its own terms. Without SB188's clarified code and process for dividing assets, these new districts would likely have faced costly legal battles. This new framework allows school boards to continue meeting student needs. It treats the divided district as a valuable partner, recognizing that those who will shape the new districts are best positioned to guide the transition. What made SB188 remarkable wasn't just what it did — it was how it was done. Grover's approach to the legislative process was deliberate and transparent. Months before the legislative session even began, he released a complete bill draft. That early start allowed time for feedback, collaboration and refinement long before any official hearing took place. Over the 45-day session, SB188 went through many revisions and five substitutes. Substitute 3 dropped 16 pages of code due to a lack of broad support. That willingness to test and refine produced a bill made to stand the test of time. Throughout that process, Grover welcomed input from elected local leaders, school board members, educators and community members. When we allow open collaboration, good policy follows. Grover led with consistency and a commitment to solutions, demonstrating how thoughtful policymaking leads to better outcomes. Not everyone agreed with every final detail, but I trusted the process because of the honesty and transparency of a senator who cared more about lasting legislation than scoring political points. Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, selected as the House sponsor, brought a unique and essential perspective. As a resident of the new district opposite Grover, she understood regional needs and contributed key additions. Her selection spoke volumes about the desire to get this legislation right. The bill reflects lessons from the Jordan and Canyons district split, which faced early financial and structural challenges. SB188 avoids those pitfalls through safeguards and flexibility. It also refrains from making assumptions — it doesn't conclude that wealthier areas always separate from those with fewer resources. In the Alpine split, the area with the highest tax revenue and assets per student chose not to vote. That's why this neutral, durable legislation can apply to any district split. Not every request made it into the final version. I had hoped for multiyear salary guarantees for employees. Instead, we got something more balanced: guaranteed jobs for contracted employees and salaries protected for one year. However, by limiting state mandates, SB188 reinforces that a district's success rests with us. Good governance leaves room for local decisions. It is the responsibility of voters to elect principled, capable board members who prioritize employees and strengthen their districts. Lasting and supportive solutions come not from mandates but from trust, flexibility and local accountability. I'm not suggesting every bill must follow this process to reflect good governance, but I am saying this worked. It brought people from all perspectives together. It was principled and showed that with exemplary leadership, we can write laws that are fair, effective and built to last. Grover's collaborative approach and transparent leadership made SB188 possible. It's a model — not just for Utah, but for how legislation should be made anywhere. When we focus on what matters, listen to differing opinions and take the time to truly understand the needs of those impacted by these changes, the results speak for themselves.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Cox signs bill addressing Alpine School District split, signs three others
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Governor Spencer Cox signed four new bills into law on Monday, including a bill addressing procedures of the upcoming Alpine School District split. H.B. 188 — or School District Modifications — establishes several rules and procedures for the creation of new school districts. The bill comes after . The 39-page bill highlights several provisions, including amending the process around the election of board members and the duties of the Auditor General around a district split. It also discusses employee benefits and salary transfers, reduces thresholds for future votes for splits, and establishes requirements for reorganized districts to address. Alpine School District split: Here are the proposed boundaries ahead of final vote The split is supposed to go into full effect in 2027, but the districts continue to move forward with their transition plans. Alpine has called for public input on recently released boundary lines that are set to be voted on Mar. 26. Along with H.B. 188, Cox signed three other bills today: HB 441, Franchisee Protection Act SB 279, High School Rodeo Amendments SB 282, Higher Education Hiring Amendments H.B. 441 provides religious protections for franchisees that are owned or operated within the state. S.B. 279 says that a student who participates in rodeos has a valid absence from school. S.B. 282 shields search committees for higher education institutions from the Open and Public Meetings Act. To date, Cox has signed 39 bills into law and has yet to veto any. That leaves 543 laws for the Governor to act on before the March 27 deadline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
