Fading...

The following article on the closing of Granite High School was posted at KSL.Com

Granite High School to close May 6th, 2009

By Shara Park

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Granite School District Board voted four to three Tuesday night to close Granite High School.

Emotions ran high as board members tried to balance what's best for the district and what was best for students. The board members ultimately felt that the best solution to their $28 million budget shortfall was to close Granite High School and spare the district's music program.

At the district's board meeting Tuesday night, board members pointed out that the district has already cut $25 million from its 2009-2010 budget, which goes into effect on July 1. It still needed to cut another $3.4 million. Once Granite High is closed, it will save the district $1.3 million in annual operating costs.

District spokesman Ben Horsley said, "With this budget issue, a $28 million shortfall, it just came to the forefront once again. (It has) less than 300 students, mixed results as far as how successful we are. So, some of those issues came out."

District staff also presented data pinpointing declining enrollment and high overhead costs. It was also suggested that Granite High students are not performing on par with their peers at other high schools. The 292 Granite High students will have until June 1 to choose which school they'd like to attend next year.

The school's newcomers program for refugees will be moved to Granite Peaks High School. Teachers and staff currently working at the school will be reassigned to other schools.

Board member Connie Anderson said, "After the experiences I had as a teacher at Granite High School, I saw the value of it every day. I'm sad that it gets to a point where the property is worth more than the children."

It appears the Granite High building will not be torn down. South Salt Lake officials have expressed interest in using the building for office and recreation purposes.

(NOTE: This article has also been posted at our
reunion website message board)