2009-10 Teacher of the Year Recognized
      Richard Hoonakker, a biology teacher at West Jordan High School, was recognized as the 2009-10 Jordan School District Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hoonakker has taught at West Jordan High School since 2003. He is the class officer adviser, a member of the Comprehensive School Improvement team, and coaches the Varsity Girls Soccer Team. Assistant Principal Jim Birch said: “Richard’s excitement, exhaustive preparation and love for the students are unequaled. Richard is the teacher every parent wishes for their child to experience.”
      Mr. Hoonakker created two programs specifically designed to increase the retention of transition students coming into the high school from 9th grade. He also built an anatomy program at the high school. He has three full classes of students and a waiting list of more than 30 trying to get into this program He oversees the Sophomore House program that has 100 of the school’s “invisible” students currently enrolled. This program combines in a collaborative climate within the students’ history, science and English classes.
      Last year Mr. Hoonakker implemented the student-centered mentoring program, Jag Crew. He interviewed and trained, 130 upper-class students to become mentors in a weekly JAG class that helps sophomores adapt to high school faster, build relationships with successful students, and learn strategies necessary to succeed in high school.

Foreward to Policy Manual Revised
      The Board approved a revision to A1—Foreward to the Policy Manual, that gives the Superintendent or his/her designee the authority to make minor edits to policies which do not change the intent or objective of the policy.

Superintendent’s Report
      Superintendent Barry L. Newbold reported traditional schools had a successful opening. He said the District considers it a second opening since the first school year opened the end of July when the District’s 27 year-round elementary students began classes. He commended staff, both at the school and District levels, for their efforts. He noted that Silver Crest Elementary School and the Kauri Sue Hamilton School opened successfully the end of August. Superintendent Newbold said the District’s enrollment is slightly under 49,000 students but it anticipates additional students starting after Labor Day.

• Gifted/Talented Committee Report
        Teri Mattson, gifted/talented consultant for the District, presented the recommendations of the Gifted/Talented Middle School and Identification Task Forces.
        The middle school task force examined the District’s historical foundation of the program and evaluated the gifted/talented programs, including the ALPS program. The committee offered the following recommendations:
  
• That there be a purposeful implementation of strategies and services to meet the needs of gifted/talented students through a continuum of services.
  
• That permanent middle level gifted/talented committee be formed and charged with the responsibility of developing support materials delivery options, and accountability standards for the continuum of services model.
  
• That each middle school articulate and publish strategies and services implemented at their respective school.
  
• That all middle school students be assessed in 2009 for placement in the 2009-10 ALPS program, but that students applying for 8th and 9th grades be assessed for instructional purposes only.
  
•       The identification task force considered research-based practices and determined essential procedures and assessments for identifying students for ALPS. The committee’s recommendations include:
  
• Use multiple criteria from multiple sources.
  
• Include quantitative and qualitative assessment.
  
• Be proactive in recruiting candidates for a pool.
  
• Repeat assessments over time to identify additional students.
  
• Promote inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness.
  
• Use identification data to drive instruction.
  
• Develop procedures for evaluation of the process.
  
• Communicate with parents and teachers about the characteristics of giftedness.
•       Kerrie Naylor, assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Staff Development, said the goal is to make the program self-sufficient for the 1,200 students participating. Last year the District supplemented the program by $15,000. The testing fee in 2009-10 will be raised from $25 to $35 which will allow the program to pay for itself.
        The Board will take public comment on the recommendations until its next meeting on Sept. 22.

Employee Appeal
      The Board denied an employee appeal regarding a reduction in force.

Patron Comment
      Jared Snow, a parent representing students who live in the Heritage Place Estates subdivision in Herriman, expressed concerns about the safety of students walking to Silver Crest Elementary School. He asked that the 87 students who live in the subdivision be bused to the school. He said Herriman City has no plans for sidewalks on 129000 South or 6000 West. Once the new high school in Herriman opens, he said the traffic will increase even more.

• Board Comments
• Peggy Jo Kennett noted this was the Board’s first meeting at its new location in the Auxiliary Services Building, 7905 S. Redwood Road. She said the District had a great start to the school year and said it’s been an interesting challenge to deal with a range of issues from the budget to President Obama.
  
• Rick Bojak congratulated West Hills Middle School for being featured on Fox 13’s “Cool School of the Week.” He also commended Bingham High School’s football team who played Trinity High School from Euless, Texas, in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Mr. Bojak said he attended the live broadcast party at the Megaplex 20 theaters at The District in South Jordan organized by Bingham students. This past week he visited 14 schools. He recognized McKenna Larsen, a student at Oakcrest Elementary who has been selected to have an article published in the national magazine, “Highlights.” Her article on super heroes was selected out of 35,000 entries. Mr. Bojak reported on Principal Kathe Riding at Columbia Elementary School who has developed a homework box that contains donated school supplies. Needy students can select items they need to complete their homework.
  
• Randy Brinkerhoff congratulated Bingham High School’s football team on recently defeating Alta High School, the state defending champions. He also thanked the cities who have changed their meeting times so city officials can attend school board meetings. Mr. Brinkerhoff reported on his attendance at both the new year-round and traditional teacher inductions, the Administrators Leadership Conference, and the Utah School Boards Association pre-delegate assembly. He reported the Jordan Education Foundation’s golf tournament raised $50,000. He expressed appreciation for the foundation and all it does consistently to help children and teachers.
  
• Carmen Freeman reported on his attendance at the schools in his precincts. He was impressed with the smooth opening of Silver Crest Elementary School and thanked those who were responsible in opening the school. He said the Administration and Board are considering suggestions received from patrons at the truth-in-taxation hearing. He said the Board will be looking at every budget item and see where it can make additional cuts. Mr. Freeman said the Board is also committed to enlisting the help of the Legislature to assist with the District’s financial challenges.

Study Session
      During study session the Board reviewed policies requiring minor revisions due to changes in state law. In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property and potential litigation.

– Melinda Colton, Director of Communications