Board hires independent firm to survey voters on proposed field houses, approves 900‑response study

The Jordan School District Board unanimously authorized an independent public‑opinion study Nov. 18 to measure community support for proposed field houses and to inform whether pursuing a bond measure is viable. The board approved a Lighthouse mixed‑mode survey option (6–8 minute instrument, 900 completed responses) and left open the possibility of follow‑up focus groups depending on what the baseline survey shows.

Staff explained Lighthouse’s approach: a mixed Internet/phone methodology that targets likely voters and can be segmented by stakeholder groups (parents, non‑parents, staff). Board members debated sample size, likely‑voter targeting, how high a support threshold would justify a bond campaign, and whether focus groups would add value. Trustees discussed thresholds informally (one suggested 65–75% support would be comfortable; others said a lower threshold could still merit further work), and emphasized that an independent, defensible survey would provide a clear evidence base for deciding whether to proceed.

Finance and facilities trustees argued the cost (board discussed a ~$42,000 option for 900 interviews) is justifiable to get a statistically defensible read on community sentiment and to reduce the risk of a failed public campaign. The board voted to proceed with the 900‑response survey and authorized staff to engage Lighthouse; staff will present survey questions and final methodology for board review before fielding.

Next steps: staff and Lighthouse will finalize the questionnaire with board input, field the baseline survey, and return to the board with results and recommendations about focus groups and whether to pursue a bond campaign.