PROVO — Property taxes in Provo won't be raised to fund Utah's literacy program for young schoolchildren.
On Monday, the Provo School District Board of Education voted to waive its right to raise property taxes to help fund the K-3 Literacy Improvement Program.
Instead, the board agreed to pledge $546,000 in existing funds toward the program, which will be matched by state funds nearly dollar for dollar.
A bill passed during this year's Legislature allocated $15 million for a literacy program aimed at having every student reading at or above grade level by third grade.
The bill also allowed school districts to levy a property tax to raise money for the program if so desired.
While Provo School District chose otherwise, it has reserved its right to do so in the future if necessary.
Last month, the Nebo School District opted to raise property taxes in that district to fund the program.