ASD’s 2022 bond was authorized by the district’s Board of Education on Aug. 9. If approved by voters on Nov. 8, the money would be used to construct six new schools, complete six school rebuilds and renovations, and fund three safety, security and land acquisition projects.

An email sent from the South West Orem Neighborhood Association on Wednesday headlined “ALPINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES OREM SCHOOL CLOSURES!” alleged that Windsor and Sharon Elementary Schools, both located in Orem, were both slated to be demolished.

“Windsor & Sharon Elementary are being ‘watched’ as they are aging, have seismic issues, and enrollment has declined in some years,” reads the email. “These schools are on the 2022 Bond scheduled to be demolished and ‘merged’, possibly to an entirely different, more centrally located area – potentially the old Geneva Elementary site.”

An ASD spokesperson responded to the speculation of school closures in a statement to the Daily Herald.

“It is concerning when members of the community in an official capacity publicly share misinformation to mislead or create fear among voters. No school closures were announced. School closures must go through a public process outlined in Utah State law,” reads the statement. “We encourage courtesy, understanding, and thoughtful review of information as voters cast their ballots this election season.”

Alpine is currently Utah’s largest school district with 83,999 enrolled students as of October 2021. According to a Bond Viability Study conducted by Y2 Analytics, the district will continue to see expansion. Alpine is projected to grow by more than 2,500 students by 2027.

“With enrollment growth of 9,000 new students over the last five years and projected growth of an additional 5,000 students by 2030, new schools are essential to house students,” reads the ASD statement. “The age and condition of some school buildings present safety concerns resulting in the need for rebuilds and renovations. Safety upgrades are also needed to address security measures in schools to protect students and teachers.”

According to Alpine officials, funds from the bond would go toward a host of projects, with new construction focused on high-growth areas.

“If the bond is approved by voters, one new high school, one new middle school, and four new elementary schools will be constructed with the bond funds. Additionally, the final phases of reconstruction will take place at American Fork and Pleasant Grove high schools, addressing seismic issues. An elementary school will also be rebuilt. Three high school multipurpose additions will be constructed at Lone Peak, Orem, and Timpanogos high schools. Door locks and security cameras will also be upgraded at various schools,” reads the statement.

Bond presentations have been taking place throughout the district this week to provide voters with more information. The last bond meeting will take place on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Timpanogos High School. In addition to the meeting, information is available through voter information pamphlets sent to residents and at http://alpineschools.org.