It’s been a laborious process for the Wasatch County School District to revise its boundaries to incorporate the new Deer Creek High School by the projected 2026 opening date.
Despite extensive surveying and many meetings to incorporate feedback from parents, teachers and students, the decision was delayed again after a public hearing on Tuesday evening.
The school board met to vote on a boundary that follows U.S. 40. Students west of the highway would attend Rocky Mountain Middle School and Deer Creek High School, with students to the east attending Timpanogos Middle School and Wasatch High School.
However, the chief concern was splitting students of J.R. Smith and Daniels Canyon elementary schools, which border the boundary. J.R. Smith Elementary is already split between the two existing middle schools.
“When I was a kid, I moved a lot, and I always just left the place behind. I lived in Mexico, Michigan, different places, and never went back and saw those people again,” said parent Julie Dowd. “I purposely moved here so that my kids could grow up with a cadre of students.”
Wasatch County School District students can choose which school they attend, but there is no requirement for the bus to pick them up. Parent Marianne Alan pointed out that “unless a parent is at home or family finances actually allow for a second or third vehicle,” a student’s ability to attend a school outside of their boundary is diminished.
The safety of students commuting to school on Main Street was frequently brought up by community members, but did not factor into the school board’s decision.
“I really think, from a safety perspective, this plan is the best one so far. There were so many other plans that had more people having to cross Main Street,” said resident Nicole Garcia, who supported the proposed boundary.
It’s been challenging for the school district to create boundaries that provide a healthy demographic mix, address safety concerns and keep students together — all while incorporating Heber City’s rising cost of living, which is leading to a decline in enrollment district-wide.
“We are looking at a community that has a higher median home value than we did in the past, which is changing the demographics of those who can move into this community,” noted school board member Brad Ehlert. “If demographics continue to change, we don’t want to have to change (boundaries) again.”
But the school board is going to have to act soon.
Wasatch County School District Superintendent Garrick Peterson explained officials have to provide boundaries to the High School Activities Association by mid-December for Deer Creek High School to participate in sports during its first year.
If the district makes any significant changes to its proposed boundary, it will be required to hold another public hearing, which requires 30 days’ notice. In other words, the district has one last opportunity to propose new boundaries before committing to them.
“We set the tone in our home, so for whatever boundary scenario gets voted in, we as the parents make or break how our kids approach it,” said school board member Breanne Dedrickson. “I appreciate your passion. I appreciate you being here. I appreciate you having the courage to come share your opinion. It matters, and we are listening. I would just ask you to take that passion and help this split be a positive split for our community.”
The school will be holding a special meeting to vote on new boundaries at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Wasatch Education Center.