Orem council and Alpine School District trade views on growth, taxes and busing
August 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m. · Orem City Center, 56 North State Street
The council held a special joint work session with four Alpine School District board members and district staff. Topics were a possible city partnership at Sharon Elementary, the Heritage Park water tank, growth near schools, property taxes, busing and a magnet school. No votes other than adjournment were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Sharon Elementary partnership with Alpine School District | Discussed |
| Heritage Park water storage tank construction | Discussed |
| Future development and growth | Discussed |
| Property tax increases and school district bonds | Discussed |
| School busing | Discussed |
| Safe crossings near schools | Discussed |
| Dual language immersion magnet school at Orchard | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Other
Sharon Elementary partnership with Alpine School District
Discussed
Strategy and Innovations Division Manager Jennica Jones described a possible partnership to use Sharon Elementary and its grounds for city recreation, events, child care and partner groups such as myHometown and United Way. It would need an interlocal agreement and decisions on shared costs for utilities, maintenance, custodial work, park upkeep, security and staffing. The district superintendent expressed support.
Roads and utilities
Heritage Park water storage tank construction
Discussed
Assistant City Manager Ryan Clark said the 10-million-gallon tank, about 320 feet across and 21 feet high, is being built west of 400 West and 400 South. The closed section of 400 South was being repaired, with westbound traffic targeted to reopen in the fall and project completion targeted for June 15, 2025.
Development
Future development and growth
Discussed
Council Member LaNae Millett told the school board about coming residential projects, including about 150 homes proposed on part of the Canyon Park Tech Center site near Orchard Elementary and others near Fourth East and 1600 North. Members and district officials discussed school capacity, enrollment trends, accessory dwelling unit legislation and data sharing.
Taxes and fees
Property tax increases and school district bonds
Discussed
Mayor Young raised rising property taxes tied to district bonds and a possible split of the district into three. District officials said projected increases of about 20% last year and 16.5% this year came in closer to 10% and 7% after debt service reductions, and said they keep rates steady through small increments.
Other
School busing
Discussed
Council Member David Spencer relayed parent concerns about double-run bus routes and the end of 13 routes to Lakeridge Junior High. The superintendent said driver shortages cause 15-20 minute delays for second-run students, routes follow state guidelines, and Orem has 197 stops not reimbursed by the state. District staff did not have busing cost figures at the meeting.
Public safety
Safe crossings near schools
Discussed
Council Member Millett described city safety work near Sharon Elementary, including crossings, concrete islands, ADA ramps, curbing, rectangular rapid flashing beacons and added crossing guards, and offered to work with the district on safe routes.
Other
Dual language immersion magnet school at Orchard
Discussed
Council Members Millett and Spencer expressed concern about effects of the magnet school on Windsor and Northridge. Millett said the district should wait for the decision on a district split. District representatives described districtwide pressures behind the idea, and Mayor Young asked the district to weigh the council's concerns in its votes.
What residents said
School enrollment and growthSchool busingProperty taxesMagnet schoolStudent crossing safety