For many years, Orem residents and the City Council have taken up some form of discussion on whether Orem should split from the Alpine School District and have its own school district, but it was never the right time.

It appears now is the right time.

On Tuesday, the council voted 7-0 to direct Legislative Counsel, review proposals that may be submitted to the city, select among the proposals for the person or entity to perform a feasibility study and present to the city a finalized agreement to be executed.

Councilmember Tom Macdonald asked that the motion be moved off the consent items, which would not require discussion from the public or council, to a regular public hearing item.

Several residents in attendance came to the open mic and expressed their desire not only to have the feasibility study done, but to actually split from the district.

Currently, Orem has 11 elementary schools, three junior high/middle schools and three high schools. It has also been suggested that Vineyard, with its one elementary school, and Lindon also be invited to join in the study and, if feasible, join in a new district.

Orem resident Aaron Davidson said he disagrees with it because of the cost, but does believe in splitting because the ASD no longer has “virtuous leaders” and hopes that Orem would keep those.

Mike Preston claimed he attended an ASD Board meeting last year where the parents were locked out and the board made parents the villains.

“I was astonished at the school board’s behavior,” Preston said. “It is definitely time to make a change. If Provo can do it, we can too.”

The cost of the feasibility study is not specifically known, but City Manager Jamie Davidson said the city would pay up to $70,000 for it.

Resident Cecelia Plummer, whose sons attend Orem schools, said it is time. “We’re big enough. There is great support from the parents,” she said.

Plummer noted a big chunk of property taxes help the school district and she would like that to stay in Orem. “We’re going to have opposition, but we care about our children.”

Many of those parents who spoke were asking for a smaller district where there would be more local control. They felt the ASD, the largest district in the state, had too much power.

Cissy Rasmussen said she is opposed to any city action to split from the school district. She noted the district has already done four separate studies.

“Any split would require substantial increase in property taxes,” Rasmussen said. “Alpine has come up with a split, the council needs to be part of that discussion. Orem has two elected school board members. They should also be a part of any discussion.”

Macdonald was hoping to first use the information from the ASD studies if possible to save costs, but according to Davidson, a separate study is required.

“I for one, am not willing to jeopardize my children’s future over money,” said Terry Peterson, councilmember. “More of our money is going north and west. It’s responsible to be doing a study.”

Peterson, who served six years on the ASD Board, noted the district has more than 85 schools and 83,000 students in 16 cities.

“We need to do what’s best for Orem,” Peterson added. “We are building mega-schools and kids are getting lost.”

“This is something we should explore,” said Councilmember LaNae Millett. She noted that she had spent 20 years in the schools volunteering and said the motives are what’s best for the children.

Councilmember Jeff Lambson said the feasibility study will give the council the nuts and bolts of what they’re looking at.

“We all have and want the best interest of our children,” Lambson said. “Teachers work so hard every day. Make sure they’re not lost.”

Mayor Dave Young gave several reasons why the idea of Orem’s own district is in play.

“Obviously we’ve talked a lot about this. It would give us local control; better student performance; tax dollars stay in Orem; it would allow seven board members just for Orem rather than two; Teachers could be paid potentially more.”

“If we are Family City USA it is definitely worth doing the study,” Young said.

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