• Board Adopts Tax Rate
        The Board of Education voted to adopt a tax rate of 0.007380, a 20 percent increase in the tax rate. The cost will be $68 per $100,000 market value on a residential property. This is $74 less than the original $142 increase originally proposed by the Board. Approximately 7 percent of the 20 percent increase is mandated by the state. In addition, the Board will cut $1 million in non-teaching positions. It has already cut 180 position totaling $8 million. President Peggy Jo Kennett said the Board is required by state law to raise taxes this year in three areas:
  
• The Legislature raised the levy for the basic tax rate, which is a statewide assessment that all school districts must impose.
  
• The District’s debt service payments are determined by the repayment schedules based on the sale of the general obligations bonds which were authorized by a public vote in 2003.
  
• The District must contribute a .0006 in the capital outlay tax levy to qualify for countywide equalization funds authorized by the 2009 Legislature.
  
•       The Board will use $20 million from its fund balance to cover the shortfall (Rainy Day Fund). Mrs. Kennett reminded the public this is a one-time solution which must be readdressed by the Board at the beginning of the next fiscal year. The shortfall will most likely be covered through additional personnel and programs cuts, and increases in class sizes. Other cuts should be expected in hazardous transportation and the community recreation budget.
        The Board announced Superintendent Barry Newbold will voluntarily take a permanent 10 percent decrease in his compensation. The Board will also return 10 percent of its annual stipend as well.
        Board members each thanked taxpayers and employees for their suggestions and input. Leah Voorhies said the Board’s discussion was fair.       Carmen Freeman said the importance of this issue demands more in-depth study from the Board. Richard Osborn encouraged taxpayers to contact their legislators and let them know the financial difficulties the District split has caused. Rick Bojak said the public hearing process has been very enlightening and he said it will help him become a better Board member. J. Dale Christensen said he hopes the audience believes public education is an investment in our future. He thanked employees for their commitment to providing a quality education for students. Randy Brinkerhoff expressed appreciation for those from the public sector who have offered to help. He urged the public to follow through with their legislators and encourage them to help.

• Board Approves 2009-10 Negotiated Agreement for Licensed Employees
        The Board ratified the 2009-10 negotiated agreement for licensed employees. The $2.6 million agreement includes:
• A 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment.
  
• Lanes will be funded.
  
• Teachers will receive three, three-hour professional development days.
  
• Teachers will pay half of the increased insurance costs.
  
• The District-funded portion of the attendance incentive for licensed employees will be eliminated.

Student Appeal
      The Board granted a student appeal.

• Patron Comments
  
• Robin Frodge, president of the Jordan Education Association, said JEA is willing to work with the Board in the coming year on balancing the budget.
  
• Jeff and Sarah Trost, who reside in the Canyons School District, requested their special needs son be allowed to attend the new Kauri Sue Hamilton School. They will submit a formal appeal to the Board.
  
• Alexandra Eframo asked the Board to get back to the basic of reading, writing and arithmetic. She said you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good education. She took a 30 percent pay cut when she worked for a struggling airline company. She believes Jordan District employees should do the same.

Board Member Comment
      Carmen Freeman said a lot of remarks at the public hearing were directed at Superintendent Newbold and the Administrative Cabinet members. He has had the opportunity to work closely with these individuals over the past year and knows first hand of their commitment to the education of children. He would hate to be “in this mess with people who are inexperienced.” He reaffirmed his full support of the Administration. Mr. Freeman encouraged the public to stop blaming everyone in the Canyons for the split. He said 47 percent of the people voted against it. “The split is done and it’s time to move forward,” he said.

Study Session
      During study session the Board reviewed policies requiring minor revisions due to changes in state law, and received a report from the Gifted and Talented Committee.

– Melinda Colton, Director of Communications