Letter: Vote “No” on Orem’s Proposition 2
Timing and manner matter. “When” and “how” make all the difference in the success, or failure of many efforts. For example, in my kitchen, a cake has a better chance if I bake it at 350 degrees for 32 minutes rather than baking it at 495 for 15 minutes. Turning up the heat to cook it faster will ensure cake failure. The current proposed district split is the equivalent of elevating the oven to 495 degrees because a few are more interested in taking the cake out of the oven now rather than worrying about the quality of the cake. But timing and manner matter.
I am actually not opposed to a district split, and I would be surprised if Alpine School District doesn’t split in the next few years. However, I am 100% opposed to this split because the city council set the oven at 495 degrees. An Orem District, on its own, will have massive negative ramifications for students, educators, families and therefore the city itself. While the feasibility study obviously has glaring credibility problems, one of its biggest weaknesses is that it actually doesn’t look at anything but the financial viability of a new district. That is a huge mistake. Rather than just financial FEASIBILITY, we also desperately need to look at human THRIVE-ABILITY. In the big picture, money is just a small part of the foundation on which successful schools are built.
It is exceedingly short-sighted for a small group of elected officials (and a few wealthy friends) with personal political agendas to attempt to speed-bake a new district at too-high a temperature. I would much rather turn down the temperature and wait a few more minutes to bake the cake we actually want to eat. And, when ASD does split in the future, I will have more confidence if it is an educational decision rather than a political decision.
I hope Orem voters are wise enough to recognize that this current district proposal is in an oven that is too hot. I also hope we all recognize that this result is far more important than a cake.
Timing and manner matter! Vote NO on prop 2!!
Joe Jensen, Timpanogos High School Principal, Orem
