FILE: Orem High School would have shifted outside of the Alpine School District had voters approved Proposition 2. But the proposition failed. (Jason Olson)
OREM, Utah — For the first time in history, registered voters of Orem will have the chance to vote on separating Orem City schools from Alpine School District.
The Orem City Council had raised the question years ago. The council needed to seriously consider if a new school district was financially and educationally feasible.
On Aug. 2, 2022, the issue was brought to a 4-3 vote in favor of the resolution. Meaning people in the city of Orem will now have the opportunity to decide if the city should have its own school district.
Come Nov. 8 this and a $595 million General Obligation bond will become a ballot issue.
The bond is needed to sustain the growth of a new school district.
According to the official City of Orem Decision document, “The 2017 study presented by Alpine School District states that Orem taxpayers have paid as much as 39% of the General Revenue Bond.”
However, Orem only received about 13% back to put into Orem schools for repairs and upgrades.
The city of Orem believes if a new school district is not created, Orem taxpayers would go without receiving proceeds to improve the city’s schools.
Orem believes they will be self-sufficient enough to not need a property tax increase.
Overall, Orem City Council believes its own school district would come with academic achievement and employment opportunities, as well as meet the needs of the community and its students.