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Holiday residents press council to fund feasibility study on splitting from Granite School District
Summary
Dozens of parents and residents told the Holiday City Council on May 1 they support funding a feasibility study to explore creating a smaller, locally governed school district, citing class sizes, local control and fears of school closures; councilors said they are engaged and continuing outreach.
Dozens of residents urged the Holiday City Council on May 1 to authorize a feasibility study examining whether parts of the city should form a smaller, local school district separate from the Granite School District.
Speakers at the public‑comment period described strong local ties to neighborhood schools and a desire for greater local representation in school decisions. "Granite District services 50,000 students," said Emily Davis, a Holiday resident (Emily Davis, public commenter). Many speakers said large districts tend to close schools and leave families feeling unheard; one resident called for a study to determine whether a smaller district could improve class sizes, local programs and budget priorities.
Betsy Vandenberg, a local organizer, told the council she has worked on small‑district efforts for two decades and urged the city to at least investigate alternatives. Jet Vandenberg, who said he attended Granite‑area schools that no longer exist, described the long‑term harm such closures can have on neighborhoods.
Mayor Dolly (chair) told attendees the council has been meeting with residents and other local officials and will continue outreach. He said he has spoken with South Salt Lake Mayor Sherry Wood, who told the mayor she is opposed to a district split. The mayor emphasized the council's willingness to listen and to meet individually with residents who cannot attend public meetings.
Proponents offered rough cost and scale estimates for the idea during remarks: one speaker estimated annual revenues for a smaller district at about $240,000,000 and suggested a feasibility study could cost about $100,000; the council did not verify those figures during the meeting. Speakers also referenced other local splits (Alpine, Canyon/Cottonwood, Jordan) as examples they view positively.
What happens next: the council closed public comment after an extended period of testimony and said staff and council members will continue dialogue with residents and neighboring jurisdictions. No formal council action to fund the feasibility study was taken at the May 1 meeting.
