Eagle Mountain residents are invited to participate in public hearings regarding the potential formation of a new school district.
The Eagle Mountain City Council will host two hearings at Eagle Mountain City Hall, located at 1650 E Stagecoach Run, on Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. These hearings aim to gather community feedback on the feasibility studies and recommendations concerning the creation of the new district.
“These public hearings are critical to making the right decision for Eagle Mountain,” says Eagle Mountain’s Director of Legislative Affairs Cliff Strachan. “I know there are varying opinions and it’s important that those perspectives are shared with the City Council before the public comment period ends.”
The proposal, supported by an interlocal agreement among Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and Fairfield, with Cedar Fort’s endorsement, seeks to improve educational oversight and financial stability.
The cities have engaged LRB Public Finance Advisors to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. This study assessed the projected outcomes of forming a district comprising the western cities of the Alpine School District.
In a column in the Daily Herald, Mayor Tom Westmoreland emphasized the importance of balancing financial sustainability with the needs of the growing population.
“We must be mindful of the financial implications and work toward solutions that promote fiscal sustainability while meeting the needs of our growing population,” Westmoreland said.
The community is encouraged to participate in this decision-making process. Residents can fill out a public comment form to express their views. The public comment period runs from May 22 to July 5, followed by a 14-day period during which the city councils will decide whether to place the proposal on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 election.
If approved, the new district would not replace the Alpine School District until July 1, 2027, allowing ample time to address issues such as asset division, staffing and resource allocation.
For more information and to access resources, visit the informational website at Eagle Mountain City Education. Residents can also contact the Eagle Mountain City Council and the Alpine School District for further details.