Arbitration Ruling Issued

Cottonwood Heights, Utah, March 18, 2009 – The arbitration panel at noon today publicly issued a ruling that divides the assets and liabilities between the Jordan School District and the Canyons School District. The following is a joint statement about this ruling from the Canyons Board of Education, the New School District Transition Team and the Interlocal Committee of Mayors joined in support by Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper; Sen. Karen Morgan, D-Cottonwood Heights; Rep. Todd Kiser, R-Sandy; and Sen. Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy:

This has been a long process. We’re thankful for the arbitration panel’s careful consideration, the hard work of the expert witnesses, and the hours of research put in by the transition teams representing the new Jordan School District and Canyons School District.

This decision ultimately tells us how one school district should be divided to into two. We respect and will honor the outcome as a neutral resolution of months of study and examination.

In general, the arbitration panel’s decision awards both districts the buildings that are located in their boundaries. It also mostly divides fund balances on a per-student basis, meaning Canyons School District will receive 41 percent of the cash balances, Jordan School District will receive 59 percent. Neither side is required to make payment to the other for building value or any other compensation. Both sides will be solvent, both sides will be able to move forward.

Canyons is building a brand new school district, the first in nearly 100 years. This decision shows us what tools are available to us to accomplish this challenging and exciting task. We are happy to have this critical matter resolved so that we can get down to the business of building a school district to innovatively serve the needs of children, continue to attract top talent, address pressing building needs unique to our communities, and bring government and decision-making closer to the people.

Full Arbitration Ruling

Letter from the Asset Transition Team

Report from the Asset Transition Team

Asset Transition Team – Agendas

Asset Transition Team – Minutes