Sen. William R. Barton, R-West Valley City, commended Granite School District for its consideration of contracting some school services out to private companies.
The district has been meeting with Marriott Co. to study privatizing its food services. The district also will talk with other potential providers and would hold bids for a contract if the decision appears to be financially sound.Barton, who has supported privatization of some school services, said the district has shown "courage and responsiveness" in its decision to look at alternatives.
Employees who fear privatization will take their jobs sometimes fare better under arrangements with private companies, Barton said.
He urged Granite leaders to "insist that total true complete costs are used in comparisons." In some instances, failure to determine the true effects of privatizing services has lead to problems, he said. A final decision should be based on sound and unquestionable data.