I'm writing to express my sympathy to the parents living in the Jordan School District who face having their children bused long distances to school because of overcrowding in their area. Our neighborhood faced a similar situation, and many people felt the Granite School District stalled and delayed the decision to build a new school in our area, hoping the residents would become so desperate they would give in to busing.
I asked why school boundaries couldn't be redrawn districtwide to accommodate student population without long-distance busing. I was told privately by a school board member that school boards hate to redraw boundaries because the result is angry parents and lost elections.I would like to respond to both situations. Parents and students do not own schools; taxpayers do. There is no right for students to attend the schools that have traditionally served their area. Changing schools is an uncomfortable experience for students and parents. However, it is a one-time disruption. Everyone will soon adapt.
Also, I'm sure that people who run for the school board care very much about children receiving a good education under the best circumstances possible. Why would they then make decisions based on what will get them re-elected instead of what is best for the students under their care?
No thinking person could possibly believe that long-distance busing is a good alternative for students in crowded areas. It should not be an alternative.
Better planning and a willingness to shake things up are necessary on the part of the school board, and parents need to expect and accept boundary changes so the schools can serve all the students in the best manner possible.
Margaret Harper
West Valley City