April 28, 2000

A new survey ranks Utah among the worst in the country for keeping up with funding needs of our aging schools. Education Specialist Nadine Wimmer has more on the story.

Utah ranks among the ten worst, right behind Massaschusetts and Michigan. See if this looks familiar at your child's school.

Leaky roofs have caused problems at several schools this year. But concerns about school repairs raised to new heights when a marble wall collapsed at a Sandy Elementary and narrowly missed a seven-year-old using the restroom.

Kevin Johanson/Father: "HE ONLY WEIGHS 48 POUNDS SO HE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN APPLYING MUCH FORCE TO IT."

The school where the wall crashed, Edgemont Elementary, is just one of many schools across the valley that was built decades ago, and needs some upgrades.

Bob Day/Asst. Superintendent/Jordan District: "IT IS THE KIND OF SCHOOL THAT CAN SERVE US WELL IF WE CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN IT. IT'S ALSO THE KIND OF SCHOOL IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE DOLLARS TO KEEP IT GOING, IT COULD GET IN DISREPAIR QUITE RAPIDLY."

The National Education Association released a new study that shows unmet funding needs for school repairs is a problem all across the country. But Utah ranks among the worst, along with states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Some of Utah's school districts have or may consider raising taxes. Administrators say it's not a luxury, but a safety issue.

"YOU DON'T WANT A SCHOOL TO GET IN THE CONDITION WHERE IT'S NOT SAFE FOR KIDS, ABSOLUTELY NOT."

The National Education Association has lobbied congress to help schools in this area. Money was not included in the budget, but now there are moves to offer schools loans or grants to help pay for repairs.