Legislature Updates District Division Process

 The Lehi Free Press reported that the Utah Legislature has updated the process for a district division. Key points in the article:

• "The bill requires a feasibility study, public notice and public comment with at least two open houses. If a new district(s) is passed, the formation of new school district boards, asset allocation, and special needs student protections are required. It also requires the existing school district to be dissolved when the new school districts begin providing education services."
• "The bill allows four different routes for a district split: the school district, a city or municipality, a citizen initiative, or an interlocal agreement between neighboring cities or municipalities."
• "The interruption for students with disabilities or those requiring special services was also mitigated in SB221 by the state legislature, permitting students to attend a school that serves students with disabilities within or outside of each school district boundary for five years."

We appreciate the work of Senator Keith Grover, a former educator himself, and the legislature and governor for passing this critical legislation that will ease the burdens that come from a district division.