July 25, 2017 Board Meeting Summary

Public Hearing on Consideration of Proposed Boundary Changes
The Board approved boundary changes affecting undeveloped property within the boundaries of Bastian and Golden Fields Elementary Schools.

Recommendation to Approve Policy
The Board approved additions to Policy DP371- Employee Information Network Acceptable Use.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, said it has not been a quiet summer in the District. She reported that Human Resources has been working hard to fully staff positions in year-round and traditional schools, Curriculum has been busy conducting professional development sessions and about 700 students enrolled in a variety of the 1,630 summer on line classes that were offered. She reported that USTAR grants funded STEM programs at a number of our schools, which were very well attended by over 1100 students. She congratulated West Jordan High graduate, Sarah Provard for winning ‘Best of Show’ in a prestigious North American woodworking show and competition in Las Vegas. Superintendent Johnson said Sarah is a perfect example of the District giving students with a wide range of talents the opportunity to succeed.

Paul Bergera, Staff Assistant, Auxiliary Services, presented an update on summer projects. He reported that staff has an enormous amount of work to complete over the course of just 10 weeks when students and staff are out of the buildings. He said summer renovations are underway at Copper Hills High, Bingham High, West Jordan High and Majestic Elementary. Mr. Bergera said staff is also working hard to install artificial turf at three high schools and they are replacing the old turf at Bingham High School. In addition, he said the new Golden Fields Elementary School is 99% complete and Bastian Elementary School is now 95% complete.

  • Board Comments
  • Janice Voorhies said her grandson is on the Copper Hills High football team and the players are very excited to watch as new turf is installed on the football field. She thanked Auxiliary Services employees for making that happen.
  • Matthew Young said the Innovations in Education Committee has been working on the definition of ‘innovation,’ which they believe is “Positive, continuous change at the student, teacher, school or District level that can be replicated throughout the education community.” He said they are also exploring the possibility of restoring the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the District.
  • Jen Atwood thanked Director of Facility Services, Dave Rostrom and his team for the hard work they are doing over the summer months on upgrades at schools throughout the District. She reported that the Facilities Committee took a tour of summer project schools and they were impressed by the progress and amount of work that is being done. The Committee also looked at proposed summer projects for next year.
  • Bryce Dunford said the Finance Committee is looking at how to better provide the Board with information on District fund balances and what appropriate fund balances should be for the District.
  • Tracy Miller attended the Utah Jazz New Recruits Welcome Assembly at South Jordan Elementary School. She said it was a fun and exciting event for the school and community. Mrs. Miller was a judge for the ‘We the People’ event at Jordan Ridge Elementary and attended Mrs. Walton’s 5th grade play, ‘Shakespeare’s Star Wars.’ She reported that the Legislative Committee met with a representative from the State Board of Education regarding upcoming education legislation and the results of a statewide teacher satisfaction survey.
  • Darrell Robinson said he attended Herriman City’s summer production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ and it was nice to see District staff involved in the play and community events. He reported that the School Community Council Committee is working to establish a schedule and a list of topics for upcoming Jordan Parent Universities.
  • Marilyn Richards reported that she has been elected to the new 16-member Board of Trustees for the Utah High School Activities Association (USHAA), which will have its first meeting on August 24. She is also organizing individual meetings with all of the regions she represents, which are all classification 6 schools.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, and potential litigation. In open session, the Board received an update on progress of the Real Salt Lake Academy charter school. They also reviewed a semi-annual report and Five-Year Building Construction Plan. In addition, the Board received a presentation on the potential expansion of the Kauri Sue Hamilton School, reviewed the 2018 summer project recommendations and discussed the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for architectural services. Finally, they reviewed Policy Governance BSC200 Global Governance – Management Connection and BSC201 Unity of Control.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

Board of Education
Janice L. Voorhies, President – Precinct 6
Matthew Young, Vice President – Precinct 2
Jen Atwood, Secretary – Precinct 7
Bryce Dunford, Member – Precinct 5
Tracy J. Miller, Member – Precinct 3
Marilyn Richards, Member – Precinct 4
Darrell Robinson, Member – Precinct 1