The sticking point between groups representing the new east-side district and what will remain of the existing district is how to divide the assets. Each side has come up with proposals for how to do that, but all have been rejected.
The east-side favors arbitration. Leaders on the west-side have crafted a resolution they will give to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. requesting a special session in which the process could be studied in more depth. Meanwhile, elections for members of school boards representing both sides, scheduled for June 24, will go on as planned.
"The process is not broken. We believe that this situation was anticipated in the law. We are ready to move forward as prescribed in the law to arbitration whatever that outcome may be," said Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore at a morning news conference.
Cullimore said delaying the split ignores voters who created two districts, the candidates running for the new school boards, and the thousands of dollars spent in the process.
"And quite frankly it offers no solution to putting Humpty Dumpty back together again," he said.
In an afternoon news conference, elected leaders on the west side of the district say a delay makes the most sense for students because it allows more time to find solutions to benefit both sides.
"We understand [the split] is not an easy issue," South Jordan Mayor Kent Money said. "We need to step back and consider the kids."
Money said the group is not opposed to splitting the district but that this case will set a precedent for any other district splits that follow.
Sen. Mike Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, decided to join leaders requesting a delay because the process has become acrimonious, with money spent on hiring attorneys rather than education.
"People are arguing about buildings, money, courts . . . We are seeing a lot of nastiness, which I don't think helps anyone," Waddoups said.
He said the real issue is making sure both sides are heard while ensuring children are well educated.
If Huntsman doesn't approve the special session, Waddoups said lawmakers will resurrect a discussion about the split in the upcoming session in January. "But I'm expecting to be called in so we can do this prior," Waddoups said.
Lisa Roskelley, spokeswoman for Gov. Hunstman, said the governor has not seen the request. Generally, legislative leadership would develop some sort of consensus in the House and Senate then approach the governor with the request, Roskelley said.
