School Vanity Survey

During their 'contemplation' of the school bond, the school district spent $12,000 for a School Bond Survey to "Assess quality of education at Wasatch County schools" and to verify what they already knew they wanted – that adding a pool to the bond would help the $62 million bond pass.

It appears a bit of bias may have been used to achieve the desired results.   On page 3 of that survey, this line appears: “Results were weighted by age to align with population base.” In the results, we find that the 'older' demographic was less favorable to the bond than the younger respondents. 

On the last page of the survey we find that 36% of those polled had no “Children in Home” - could that possibly be the 'age' group needing to be realigned? 

On the same page, it is learned that 16% of those polled self reported they were “employed by the school district.” With about 700 employees, is that 16% of the voting population?   Not even close! Why no 'realignment' for THAT demographic?  Might employees have a bias in favor of the bond? 

Similarly, Daniel residents (the location of  the proposed new elementary school) represented 2% of those polled, but Daniel has 4% of the population.  No correction there either. 

On page 8, in response to the question "Q13. From what you know or have heard, are overcrowded schools and classrooms a problem in the Wasatch County School District?" 50% reported it was a problem.  Why are they asking the question? - a bit of softening up push polling?   Proposing crowding, then providing the solution - more buildings.

Another survey inconsistency, 79% felt building maintenance was “good,” but only 49% thought the buildings were in good condition. (pg 9)   Why are they even asking the question? - a bit of softening up push polling:   Questioning conditions, then asking do we need more buildings.

There's an old adage, 'you get what you pay for.' It appears the District was successful. For those “voting against the bond (without pool),” 49% gave the reason “Want Pool Included as Well.”

So apparently the school board got the results they wanted, ignored the voice of the people in last year's vote, and opted to add the pool for a perceived better chance of approval by pandering to another interest group.

But as the pollster opined in the survey presentation to the board, 'you'll have to work hard to get it passed,' so their multi-faceted campaign is proceeding - in earnest.

Do your research, taxpayers and voters! Remember that 65% of those polled felt the school district was “probably or definitely (14%) spending tax money responsibly” (???)   Click on "School" on the right for a history of commentary - for years.    The 49.33% property Tax increase, has allowed  an abundance of funds since 2008.

"A push poll is an interactive marketing technique, most commonly employed during political campaigning, in which an individual or organization attempts to influence or alter the view of voters under the guise of conducting a poll."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_poll