Jordan District is facing a $30.5 million deficit for the 2009-10 school year. The deficit includes a loss of $17 million in state funding, $8 million due to the District division, and $5.5 million in lower assessed valuation (value of homes and businesses in the District’s boundaries).

The Board is in the process of eliminating more than 180 classified and administrative positions saving $8 million. The Board is doing all it can to minimize the effects of budget cuts in the classroom. Class sizes will remain the same for the 2009-10 school year.

The Board is proposing a 40 percent increase in school taxes, an increase of approximately $125 per $100,000 of market value. Jordan District will have one of the highest tax rates in the state and the lowest per pupil funding in Salt Lake County. “The Board of Education is in the unfortunate position to have to make some tough decisions to compensate for lack of funding,” said President Peggy Jo Kennett. “Decisions like this are never easy, especially in light of the challenging economy, but we are committed to minimize the effects of these budget cuts on students.” President Kennett said this year’s budget was developed in anticipation of another difficult fiscal year in 2010-11.

As required by law, the Board will hold a public truth-in-taxation hearing, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. at Riverton High School's Auditorium.