Wasatch parents urge district to consider older school renovations in bond planning; district outlines transition supports

Three public commenters and district staff used the May 7 meeting to frame the human and logistical side of school closures and to ask that the district consider renovating older schools in bond planning.

Julia Lyon, Wasatch Elementary PTA secretary, described a volunteer-run art showcase and a permanent collaborative installation, and asked whether Wasatch's needs would be considered in the district's bond process and whether the district had engaged the city about tapping federal ADA funding for the Wasatch Trail.

"We believe the time to think about how to keep an award-winning elementary school serving the Central City, University area, and Lower Avenues is now," Lyon said.

Laura Lincoln, vice chair of Wasatch's School Community Council, added that the building is old and needs renovation, noting capital projects that appeared to favor closing schools over investments in schools that will remain open.

Superintendent/designee staff and Doctor Young described transition activities: communication to families about registration and assignments; safe-walking routes (more than half completed); inventory sheets and labeled, cataloged moving plans for teachers and curriculum; and two paid days (end of year and start of year) for teachers affected by moves. Staff also said district offices will be temporarily housed in some closed buildings to keep them active and safe while the board considers longer-term uses and stakeholder outreach over the next six weeks.

Board members asked for details about whether teacher supply allocations and legislative classroom-supply funds would follow teachers; staff confirmed classroom supply money follows the teacher. Board members also asked about cataloging and relocation of more permanent student art; staff said district cataloging occurs for purchased pieces but volunteer and permanent student art would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The speakers asked the board to "think big and broadly" about the fall bond process and the needs of older neighborhood schools.

Sources: public comments and staff transition report presented during the May 7 board meeting.