Voters in Northern Utah County to Decide on Prop 11
Ballot initiative offers rare opportunity for voters to potentially create a new school district
HIGHLAND, UT (October 16, 2024) - With ballots hitting mailboxes starting as early as this week, voters living in Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland, Lehi and the portion of Draper City located in Utah County will have an opportunity to decide whether to create a new school district. On the ballot as Proposition 11 (Prop 11), the initiative would split the Alpine School District (ASD) into two districts if voters approve it. With a projected enrollment of approximately 35,978 students, 34 school buildings and six district facilities, the new school district would be the tenth largest in the state.
At over 84,000 students, ASD is currently the largest school district in Utah and is growing fast. In April 2024, the councils of all six cities voted unanimously to form an interlocal agreement and study the creation of a potential new school district. They hired an independent financial advisory firm to conduct a feasibility study and assess the fiscal impacts, including start-up costs, capital facilities and staffing. The study took an in-depth look at student enrollment growth and revenue projections from federal, state and local sources. The study concluded that the creation of a new school district is a viable opportunity that could result in less potential tax increase than if residents stayed in the ASD. The final fiscal impact would ultimately be decided by the management decisions of the future school board and the financial, demographic and facility needs of the new district.
“For years, we have worked hard to understand the concerns of constituents on both sides of this issue. Our children are our future, and we want to act in their best interest,” said Lehi City Councilmember Heather Newall. “The cities conducted an in-depth study to assess the feasibility of creating a new school district. We hosted dozens of public meetings and gathered comments from hundreds of residents. Ultimately, we believe that voters should be empowered to make the decision that works best for them and their families. That is why every city council has unanimously voted to put Prop 11 on the ballot.”
City officials led a months-long public engagement effort to hear directly from residents, teachers, community organizations and others regarding the pros and cons of a new school district. They received hundreds of comments, hosted public hearings and facilitated stakeholder meetings to provide a forum for robust discussion and varying perspectives. In addition, they created a website, posted regularly on social media and distributed information via print and email newsletters.
Discussions about the potential creation of a new school district have focused on whether the new district would provide more direct representation for local decision-making, better represent the unique and diverse needs of the students in the six cities, and more equitably invest education funding for students.
"Providing our voters with this kind of decision-making power is fundamental to our democracy," said Highland City Mayor Kurt Ostler. "The opportunity to create a new school district is unique and doesn’t come around very often. I encourage all residents to get involved, stay informed and make their voice heard in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to vote on something that will be such a critical decision for our children’s future."
Should voters approve Prop 11 on November 5, 2024, a multi-year process to establish the new school district would then move forward. Voters would elect the new school board members in November 2025. The newly elected members would take office in January 2026 and work with ASD to divide existing resources between ASD and the new school district. It is anticipated that the new school district would begin operations in July 2027.
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About Central School District | The Central School District is the temporary name for a potential new school district in northern Utah County. If voters approve of the new school district, a future school board would select the final name. The Central School District is coordinated through an interlocal agreement signed by the cities of Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Draper (the Utah County portion), Highland and Lehi. For more information, please visit centralschooldistrict.org.
This media release is intended to present factual information only. For the perspectives of proponents of and opponents of the creation of the proposed new school district, please visit centralschooldistrict.org/perspectives.