A Failed School Tax Increase Could Be an Opportunity

Jon England
| 21st Nov 2025

In The News:

Iron County School District may move to a four-day school week in the 2026-27 school year. The district is considering the change because its proposed tax increase failed, leaving leaders to find a way to cover rising costs without additional revenue.

Rebecca Guillen works with her kindergarten class at Cedar North Elementary School in Cedar City.

Here’s My Take:

Jeff Bezos said, “I think frugality drives innovation, just like other constraints do. One of the only ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out.”

That is what Iron County Schools will need to do. A four-day school week may be one initial idea, but the district will need to get even more creative with limited resources. Limits create space for new ideas, and this district must navigate how to use time, staffing, and funding more effectively.

Closing:

Libertas Institute doesn’t have an opinion on this specific change, but it’s good to see public schools being creative.

If Iron County leans into innovation instead of panic, the community could benefit from a more thoughtful and effective school system.

About the author

Jon England

Jon is the Senior Education Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He is a fourteen-year veteran of public schools. He taught both fifth and sixth grades, receiving Weber District’s E+ Team Award. He proudly homeschools his children with his wife. Jon received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. He spent time in the Marine Corps and separated as a sergeant in 2006. During his time in public schools, Jon increasingly understood the importance of parental empowerment in education. This increased understanding led him to join Libertas to provide educational freedom for families. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and five children traveling, skiing, and playing games.

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