About Prop 11

Introduction

Proposition 11 is a ballot question that will appear on the November ballot asking residents of Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland, Lehi, and Suncrest (the Utah County part of Draper) if they would like to form a new school district comprising of those cities and communities. If that proposal passes, new board members for this new district will be elected in 2025 to start the process of forming a new school district.The goals of this proposition are:

Better fiscal responsibility

Currently, our portion of the district contributes the most tax revenue, but those funds are increasingly being used to benefit students outside of our communities. Additionally, Alpine School District has been raising taxes and will continue to raise taxes in the coming years, mostly to pay for schools in other areas.

Better local representation

Our communities have more schools and more students than other areas. But we only have 2 of the 7 board members that live in our cities. A new school district would mean that all 7 board members would represent our students. This would mean the whole school district could focus on the unique needs of our area.

Better educational outcomes

There are many opportunities that our students could have, but currently the district has other priorities. Additionally, there has been a threat of school closures and programs being relocated. In our own district, we could prioritize the needs and wants of our residents, teachers, and students.

Background

Alpine School District (ASD) is the largest district in Utah. It has over 81,000 students, 92 schools, and over 10,000 employees. Over the last few years, many students have left public schools and in 2022 voters rejected a $595 million bond that would have paid for new school buildings and other capitol needs. Many in the community have been concerned that ASD is too large to pass bonds and adequately address needs across such a wide area.

A few months ago, the ASD board began researching potential split options. An out-of-state group, MGT Consulting, was hired to study the issue, present options to the board, and hold public meetings. They presented six split options that showed potential tax increases for certain areas.

However, the study was incomplete. It didn’t include capital costs, like school building needs, and were based on previous years’ data. The numbers were later updated by ASD administration to reflect capital needs. The board was planning to pursue an option to split, but there was severe disagreement on the board as to which option to pursue. Additionally, some board members openly opposed a split of any kind.

Interlocal Agreements

City councils in the area began to express doubt that the ASD board would handle the matter properly, so they formed interlocal agreements to split the district. Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield formed one group. They will vote on Proposition 14 this November to determine if they should create their own district.

Six cities in the central part of the district (Lehi, American Fork, Highland, Alpine, Cedar Hills and the part of Draper that is in Utah County) also voted unanimously to study the issue. The study demonstrated that a new district could result in a large tax savings for the area, as well as improve local representation. The six cities have now unanimously decided to ask citizens if they want to pursue this option. The official ballot question is Proposition 11.

Potential scenarios

If voters say YES to Prop 11, then a new school district will be formed in the coming years and begin operations in 2027.

If Proposition 11 fails, there are 2 other potential scenarios that could occur:

  • If Proposition 14 passes, the 4 cities west of Lehi would form a new district. Meanwhile, all of the other cities in the district would also be part of a new district. ASD would still dissolve. The new district from Lehi to Orem would still be the largest in Utah and many of the same concerns about passing bonds and closing schools would linger.
  • If both propositions fail, then Alpine School District would remain as it is currently.

Key Study Statements

A study done by an independent firm (MGT Consulting) drew these conclusions about a split of Alpine School District:

  • A split could lead to enhanced educational outcomes, improved resource allocation, and a more responsive learning environment for all students in their specific school communities.
  • A divided district allows individual communities to develop curriculums that cater to their specific needs. This localized approach ensures students are equipped with the skills most relevant to their futures.
  • A smaller district fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among parents, educators, and community leaders. Decision-making becomes more responsive to local needs, allowing stakeholders to have a greater say in shaping the educational experience for their children.
  • Dividing the district eliminates the dilution of resources. Communities would not have to compete for expansions, renovations, or upgrades with other schools. Each district could allocate local tax resources directly to their facilities, programs, and initiatives. This could potentially provide the greatest impact on their student populations.
  • Smaller districts can streamline approval processes for innovative programs. A proposal could be implemented more swiftly within a more focused structure, allowing students to benefit from a unique learning opportunity sooner.
  • Collaboration can still flourish on a regional level. Districts could share best practices and partner on larger initiatives, fostering a spirit of innovation within each entity. Inter-district collaboration can ensure student populations remain diverse, promoting a well-rounded educational experience for all.
  • A case can be made that a strategic division could lead to a more responsive, efficient, and ultimately, more effective educational system for all students. Local communities could potentially tailor programs and allocate resources, foster innovation, and ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Propositions 11 and 14 are crucial to addressing the needs of students, teachers, and residents in north Utah County. Passing these ballot measures would allow each area to focus on their needs and set taxes according to their desires. We encourage voters in all communities to support these propositions and vote YES if one of the measures is on their ballot.