Last hurdle. On to the Finish Line!

Overwhelming unanimity! That was the message from city councils across the west and central parts of Alpine School District, as they voted 36-0 in favor of putting the issue on the ballot. City leaders from all different backgrounds agreed that splitting the district is a good proposal and that the voters should have the final say.

“I think it’s the best route because it puts it right into the hands of the voters.” – Heather Newall, Lehi City Council

Leaders emphasized the importance of informing the general public on the matter. Indeed, this has been key all along. The research is clear that large districts suffer from problems that cannot be resolved without dividing into smaller entities.

“It depends on each of us to take personal responsibility to educate ourselves and get knowledgeable before casting our ballots.” – Brett Wright, Eagle Mountain City Council

If voters pass both resolutions, three new districts will be created. The names of the new districts will be determined later. For now, they are only named by the general area of the current district:

• West – Cedar Fort, Eagle Mountain, Fairfield, Saratoga Springs
• Central – Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Draper (only the part in Utah County), Highland, and Lehi
• East/South – Lindon, Pleasant Grove, Orem, Vineyard

The resolutions will be sent to the County Clerk to be put on the ballot for the respective communities. As soon as a number is assigned to the propositions, an update will be posted.

It has been a long road to get to this point. It took years before the school district would seriously consider a split. But once a split was studied, it became clear that district leadership and the majority of the board would not support the idea. Instead, city councils across the district took the baton and, with a little clarification from the legislature, carried it across the final hurdle.

The finish line is in sight. The voters have been empowered. Let’s get this done!