As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure that our children receive the best possible education. The Salt Lake City School District's bond proposal presents a unique opportunity to transform our schools and provide our students with the 21st-century facilities they deserve. This comprehensive plan aims to rebuild aging high schools, enhance sustainability efforts, and create state-of-the-art learning environments that will benefit generations to come.

Unlocking the Potential of Our Students

Rebuilding for the Future

The proposed $730 million bond will fund the much-needed rebuilding of West High School and Highland High School. These aging facilities no longer meet the needs of our modern learners. The new buildings will feature larger classrooms, improved safety measures, and better technology infrastructure, ensuring our students have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. By investing in these critical infrastructure projects, we are not only upgrading our schools but also investing in the future of our community.

Sustainability and Innovation

Alongside the rebuilding efforts, the bond proposal includes a focus on sustainability and clean energy initiatives. The school district has set ambitious goals to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 and become 100% carbon neutral by 2040. These sustainability projects will not only reduce the district's environmental impact but also provide valuable learning opportunities for our students. By incorporating renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, we are not only shaping a greener future but also inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Enhancing Educational Opportunities

The bond proposal also includes the construction of a new athletic training facility at East High School. This state-of-the-art facility will provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to excel both on and off the field. By investing in these specialized spaces, we are not only supporting our students' physical well-being but also fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork that can translate to academic success.

Addressing Demographic Shifts

As our city's population continues to evolve, the school district has carefully considered the demographic studies and the potential need for a new high school on the west side or in the Glendale area. While the current bond proposal focuses on the rebuilding of West High and Highland High, the district remains committed to ongoing community discussions and further studies to ensure that our educational infrastructure keeps pace with the changing needs of our students.

A Fiscally Responsible Approach

The last time the Salt Lake City School District sought general obligation bonds for facility improvements was in the late 1990s. Those bonds have been paid off, and the district has been diligently saving to fund new projects, including three elementary schools and the district office. However, the high cost of building high schools has made it prohibitively difficult to save enough to complete the current needed projects in a timely manner. By approving the bond proposal, we can ensure that these critical projects can begin immediately, benefiting our current students and generations to come.

A Worthwhile Investment

The proposed bond will result in an increase of approximately $200 per year on property taxes for a home valued at the city average of $570,000. While this may seem like a significant investment, we believe that the benefits to our students and our community far outweigh the cost. By providing our children with modern, safe, and sustainable learning environments, we are not only enhancing their educational experiences but also shaping the future of our city.As parents, residents, and advocates for our community, we firmly support the Salt Lake City School District's bond proposal. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of our city. We urge all Salt Lake City residents to vote in favor of this bond, ensuring that our children have the resources and facilities they need to reach their full potential.