Draper City School District

• How did the idea of creating a Draper City School District start?

Draper parents were discussing ways they could improve the educational opportunities for their children. They remembered Canyons School District had been created by leaving Jordan School District. That led to the discovery of the 2020 U.S. Census, which showed the population of Draper City had now qualified to have its own school district. Given the improvement in education parents had experienced leaving Jordan School District, it seemed wise to examine if a similar increase in educational opportunities could be secured by leaving Canyons School District. These parents took their ideas to the local, elected officials seeking their guidance on the steps that would need to be taken to evaluate this idea and seeking any input they may have on concerns or issues.

• How many schools does Canyons School District currently manage?

45 schools (35,000+ students): 6 high schools, 8 middle schools, 31 elementary schools. The current student to teacher ratio is 24:1.

• How many schools would Draper City School District manage?

5 schools (6,000+ students): 1 high school, 1 middle school, 3 elementary schools. The projected student to teacher ratio would be 17:1.

• How would Draper City SD affect my family’s involvement in my child’s education?

Draper City SD would increase local control and family involement. This would support Utah law, Utah Code 53E-2-201 which provides “parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children.”

• How are my current educational property tax dollars being applied?

Currently, Draper students make up approximately 16% of Canyons SD. However, they provide approximately 25% of the Canyons SD total property tax dollar revenue.

• How would my educational property tax dollars be applied in the Draper City School District?

Draper educational property tax dollars would stay in Draper, improving the quality of education for each student.

• How would keeping Draper educational property tax dollars in Draper help our schools?

More programs could be offered. For example, each elementary school could have a DLI (Dual Language Immersion) program, specialized art programs and at least one Draper elementary school could have a gifted program. Currently there is not a gifted program offered in any Draper elementary school.

• How is Draper City School District essential to the growth of Draper?

Draper is one of the fastest growing cities in Utah. Accelerating this growth is the development of 700+ acres (commercial/residential) on the west side of Draper. Envisioning the potential opportunities of this growth is essential. Strategic planning now ensures the best decisions will be made in the future to secure a quality education for Draper students.

• How will the property tax dollars from the scheduled 700+ acre developments affect Draper students?

The educational portion of the property taxes from both commercial and residential growth will go to the managing school district. Having a Draper City School District would keep those tax revenues local for Draper students and families.

• What would be the boundaries of the Draper City School District?

The Draper City municipal boundaries would be the boundaries of the new school district.

• How will the creation of Draper City SD affect children currently having to attend schools outside of Draper (for example, those living West of I-15 and North of 12300 South)?

The goal is to unify, not divide, our Draper neighborhoods and community. Draper students who want to attend Draper schools with their Draper community friends will have that opportunity. Accommodations will be made to house all students who wish to attend Draper K-12 schools without school overcrowding or larger class sizes.

• What are the steps to creating the Draper City School District?

1. A petition with 3,908 signatures from Draper citizens must be signed requesting that the City Council members allow an election to be held. A feasibility study must be completed to determine the fiscal viability of the new district.

2. A majority of Draper City Council members (3) must authorize an election to allow the voters of Draper City to vote in favor or in opposition to the new school district.

3. A simple majority of all votes cast in the municipal election in favor of creating a new school district will create the new school district.

• Who votes in the election?

Only registered voters in Draper can vote in this, municipal election.

• How long will it take from the time of election to the time that Draper City SD becomes the LEA responsible for students' education?

Current Utah law allows two years before Draper City School District would replace Canyons SD as the Local Education Authority (LEA). This transition time is vital to make certain all is in place; arbitration and transition of school properties; facilities and assets resolved with Canyons; student housing assured; certified employees (teachers & administrators) and staff in place; accounting and funding finalized. This time ensures Draper students and teachers have a school environment that is conducive to excellence in learning.

• Who can sign the petition?

Any registered Draper voter may sign the petition.

• How does one sign the petition? Is there an online petition?

All signatures must be done in person. No online option is permitted.

Please send an email to the email listed below. You will be contacted.

There will be petition tables set up in public areas. Locations will be announced on this website.

Volunteers will be taking the petition door to door in Draper neighborhoods.

PETITION DETAILS: Must provide a valid Draper address including street number, city, state and zip code. Must sign in ink. One signature per person. An individual can only sign for him/herself. The signature must not cross outside of the designated signature box.

• How can I help with the creation of this new district?

Volunteers will be needed to reach out to their neighbors, answer questions and provide answers. If you wish to hold a “cottage meeting” in your neighborhood our staff members would be honored to come and present for you and answer any questions. Please leave your contact information in the email listed below.

• What if I have more questions?

Please send an email with any additional questions to, parents4draperschools@gmail.com