The Murray City School District Board of Education is proposing a bond measure in this year’s election to address structural deficiencies, school safety, and learning opportunities in two of its schools. The Board proposes a rebuild of Riverview Jr. High School and the addition of a new classroom wing and security enhancements at Murray High School.
School Board officials have conducted numerous facility assessments of Riverview over the last six years and have concluded the best use of tax-payer dollars is to replace the building, which was built in 1961. The school is significantly compromised in several areas, including roofing, plumbing, and configurations for safety and modern learning that are costly, inefficient, and provide only a temporary fix.
Murray City School District has not raised taxes since the 2019-20 school year and has only sought a general obligation facilities-related bond twice in the last 40 years of its 118-year history. The last bond was a $41,000,000 request to rebuild Hillcrest Jr. High in 2012. Presently, Murray has the second lowest school district property tax rate in Salt Lake County and the 10th lowest in Utah.
“The Board has determined that the best use of taxpayer dollars is to rebuild Riverview Jr. High, bringing it up to modest but modern standards that provide our students with the best secondary education they deserve,” said Board Chair Jaren Cooper.
Adding a new wing with security enhancements to Murray High School also addresses other critical issues. In June, the Murray Board of Education voted unanimously to move ninth grade students to the high school, independent of the bond election. A new wing accommodates the additional classroom space needed, creating a cost-effective student-friendly solution. This move also presents an opportunity for the school to address and update several features that impact safety. With a newly configured entrance, the District will be able to incorporate updated security enhancements that meet emerging safety practices that help protect students.
Lastly, the new wing also helps elevate ninth-grade curricular options and activities not presently available or that have been challenging. This includes student participation in advanced placement classes and involvement with high school extracurricular activities – all at the high school campus.
“Our lens for decisions begins with what’s best for our students,” said Superintendent Jennifer Covington. “These decisions were unanimous by our board because they easily pass that test. Moreover these will only improve on Murray’s unique approach to meeting kids where they are to provide a quality education.”
The cost to rebuild a modest yet functional secondary school has increased by more than 100% in the 10 years since the District bonded for Hillcrest Jr High, as such the cost is at $90,000,000, while the addition to Murray High is $35,000,000. If passed, the $125,000,000, 20-year bond would mean a $132 per year ($11 per month) property tax increase on the average home value ($538,400) and a $240 ($20 per month) annual increase to business property of the same value. Construction on the projects would begin immediately in 2025 so that both would be complete before the Fall 2027-28 school year.
“As the only city-based school district in Salt Lake County, Murray has a historic connection and value for the community,” added Covington. “We believe in each other and stand together in our dreams and aspirations to make Murray a unique and special place for our future learners and leaders.”
