Parents Press Granite School District to Keep Small Schools Open as Officials Outline Options

Granite School District officials told the public at a recent meeting they expect enrollment to stabilize at about 47,000 students and are narrowing options this summer for how to respond to shifting enrollment and resource constraints. Parents and residents pressed the district to avoid school closures and to form feasibility committees to explore alternatives.

District staff said the district’s review is intended to right-size class rosters and school populations so funding that is distributed on a per-pupil basis — including local school trust funds — can be used more effectively at the school level. A staff presenter said per-pupil allocations such as land trust funds are distributed to local schools and noted that reassigning students can change how much discretionary funding an individual school receives.

The question of whether to close or consolidate smaller campuses drew sustained comment from parents. “If you want your elementary schools to stay open, you need a feasibility setting. You need to form a committee,” said…