The South Summit School District has an $87 million bond initiative on the ballot this year. KPCW reports after the failure of the 2017 school bond, the board of education is taking a different approach.
To inform voters about the bond, South Summit Superintendent Shad Sorenson has been walking neighborhoods and knocking on doors throughout the school district.
“Those of us that are associated with the school district are not necessarily going proactively or negatively but just as information as a resource. And, asking people if they have the questions, they need resolved so they can make an informed decision. And, I am finding most people are saying, we feel we have enough information.”
The bond would primarily be used to build a new high school which will include doubling the number of classrooms and adding a CTE wing and a college center with science labs. A 1,000-seat auditorium, classrooms and practice rooms for band, choir and drama will be included in the new school. Plans also entail two gymnasiums, new athletic fields and space to accommodate both sanctioned and club sports. The new plans also address safety concerns.
The Utah Taxpayers Association endorses the South Summit bond initiative. Sorenson says having their support is a good sign.
“And probably received that because we are committed to building a facility that is efficient using best materials that will give us long term use. And not going in elaborate directions of things that aren’t really necessary and focused on our mission.
Voters rejected a $58.6 million school bond two years ago. Sorenson says they heard from the public that people didn’t know enough about the proposed project, which was construction of a new high school and to transition existing facilities, including the current high school, to accommodate lower grades. Sorenson told KPCW projections show they’ll add 1,000 students in the next 10 years. He says all three schools are overcrowded now, and with the anticipated growth, the problem will become more severe.
“Again, that was one of our biggest criticism with the bond two years ago. We want our community to make the decision that they feel is best, but we want them to have the facts necessary to make that decision. So, I think we’ve done a better job. Are there still people out there that may disagree? Absolutely. But if they do, I sure hope they will call me or call their board member and get the facts and information and then make the decision that they feel is best.”
A link to the details on the high school project, financial impact and voter information and a possible photo rendering of the new high school can be found at KPCW.org.
https://www.ssummit.org/o/south-summit-school-district/page/future-vision-bond
