Many schools across Alpine School District continue to grow, with an increase of 9,000 students in the last five years, and a projected growth of nearly 5,000 more students coming to our schools by 2030. This means that schools in some areas are bursting at the seams. There are seven elementary schools in the western part of Alpine District that have over 1,000 students, and one high school has 3,000 students.

In other areas, schools are aging and student populations are decreasing. There are serious seismic concerns with some of the older schools, including the problem with bats that have taken up residence at Pleasant Grove High School. These buildings must be replaced as soon as possible. A bond provides funding to address many concerns across the district at the same time. Whether schools are overcrowded or declining, there is an urgent need for rebuilding and renovating to maintain safe schools.

Alpine School District has an excellent track record with bonding. Over the years, they have completed every project on every bond that has been passed. In addition, they pay off each bond in 17 years instead of the usual 20 years, thus saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Because of this and other solid financial practices, they have been awarded a AAA bond rating from both Moody’s and Fitch, which is like having a perfect credit score from two different credit rating agencies. This entitles Alpine to receive the lowest possible interest rates, which also saves taxpayers money.

Utah Valley has become a mecca for technology start-ups as well as established technology firms. They want a safe, stable, and positive environment for their families. These businesses look closely at many factors that impact their decision to move here, including the performance and quality of the local schools. Excellent schools also ensure a highly qualified workforce.

Everyone benefits from having good schools, and it takes a community to help children succeed. Many grandparents have grandchildren attending Alpine schools, and they want them to thrive. New immigrants come here because of the robust economy and wonderful opportunities. Children with special needs have special programs to help them maximize their learning potential. Students can attend CTE programs to learn diesel mechanics, woodworking, computer programming, building construction, and many other pathways. When our schools are strong and responsive to a variety of student needs, the entire community becomes more stable.

There will be no tax rate increase with this bond because as old ones are paid off, new funding phases are added, helping to maintain an even tax rate. In fairness, it should be pointed out that if the bond did not pass, property taxes would likely go down. But that would not be worth the negative consequences that would follow.

Voters in Orem may be concerned how passing both a bond and creating a new Orem school district at the same time might create a burden for Orem citizens. They needn’t worry, because in that case, none of the bond debt on a 2022 bond would flow to Orem citizens. Projects on the bond for Orem would be deferred to the new school board once it is elected, and that board would decide if and how they would like to fund those projects.

Based on feedback from taxpayers, Alpine District opted to delay a bond in 2020. Since the district has not asked taxpayers to approve a bond for six years, we have to consider what could happen if this bond fails. Children will still come, and buildings will still age. Without a bond, what are the options for meeting these needs? Double sessions, boundary changes, decreased bus runs, and increased tax increments might all be considered.

It is a win-win for both children and taxpayers to pass the Alpine School District bond.

Vote YES on the Alpine Bond, Proposition One on the ballot.