On Tuesday, the Orem City Council voted 4-3 to put the issue of Orem forming its own school district on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Council members voting for the move included; Mayor Dave Young, LaNae Millett, Terry Peterson and David Spencer. Those voting against putting the issue on the ballot include; Tom Macdonald, Debby Lauret and Jeff Lambson.

Those council members in favor of the ballot issue cited local control, that money — including bonds — would stay in Orem, smaller class sizes and a voter’s “right” to choose by putting it on the ballot.

Council members opposing the ballot stated their concerns with the tax increases and additional cost, bad timing for the issue to be put on the ballot as residents address inflation and recession and a need for more information before moving forward.

Macdonald likened it to a Nancy Pelosi attitude of “pass the bill to know what’s in it.” Macdonald felt the feasibility study on a new district made, “too many assumptions that makes it unreasonable for a standalone district.”

Lauret noted that she had read the entire 281-page study, but was concerned about property taxes and the reality of shared services with other districts. She also would like to see a bigger split from Alpine School District than just Orem.

“Our children are our most precious possessions,” Spencer said. He feels by being attached to ASD, Orem is not getting a good return on its investment. He cited the schools that ASD has not brought up to seismic codes that were called out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2006. He also wanted to leave it to the people to determine what they want.

“My dad served and fought in Vietnam and did it for our right to choose,” Spencer said. “It’s un-American to take my vote away.”

Millett believes that Orem needs to take care of the city’s children on its own, claiming that, “Alpine has been gambling with the lives of our children.”

Lambson called for those involved — Orem, ASD, residents and others — to work together on a smaller district, but not all just Orem. He would like to see other cities join the smaller school district.

He was concerned about the scorn that seemed to be on display between residents with opposing views. “Contempt is bad for us. We need to work through our disagreements,” he said.

Lambson hoped that more time had been taken to do a deeper dive into the study and what it means for Orem.

Young said he believed everyone attending the meeting wanted the same thing. He said people were making the same arguments that arose in 2006 when the council did a study and decided not to put it on the ballot.

“We’re voting on whether citizens should have their voice heard,” Young said.

It was obvious that many attending wanted their voices heard as the meeting broke out frequently in both cheers and jeers.

Prior to the meeting, a booth was set up outside of the city building and people were handing out free blue T-shirts that said “Support the Orem School District” and on the back “It’s about our kids.” The group was also handing out free stickers supporting the formation of the district.

Those opposed to the ballot issue were asked to wear purple T-shirts or additional items of clothing. If they didn’t have purple, they were encouraged to just come to the meeting anyway.

Now, the lines have been drawn for residents to start a two-month campaign to get their messages out before the ballots start coming to residents in mid-October. The city will also put out a voter pamphlet on the issue featuring the pros and cons of having an Orem school district.

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