Introduction
Jordan School District is the largest of Utah's 40 school
Districts with 3,900 teachers who educate more
than 81,000 students. An additional 4,000 employees provide
support services for the system. There is ample opportunity
for individuals who are anxious to teach in a growing,
progressive District that is committed to students.
Location
The District covers approximately 250 square miles in the
southern half of Salt Lake County extending from the Wasatch
Mountain range on the east to the Oquirrh range on the west.
The District's borders encompass nine municipalities and
unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County. The municipalities
of West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Bluffdale, Herriman
and Draper are experiencing dramatic growth while other
areas of the District such as Sandy, Cottonwood Heights and Midvale are experiencing
moderate or no growth.
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History
Jordan School District opened its doors in 1905 with 3,000
students, 70 teachers and 20 schools. Student
enrollment continues to grow at a steady pace with more than 100,000 students expected by 2015.
On Nov. 6, 2007, Jordan District voters residing east of the Jordan River voted to create a new school district. As a result of this election, beginning in July 2009 Jordan School District will serve students residing in Bluffdale, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan and West Jordan. A new school district will serve students residing east of the Jordan River. Elections for new school board members in both districts were held June 24. The current Jordan Board of Education will continue to provide education services to students through the end of the 2008-09 school year.
Schools
As one of the fastest growing Districts in the state, Jordan
School District consists of 92 schools: 60 elementary
schools (32 of which are year-round), 17 middle schools,
ten high schools, two
applied technology centers, and three special schools.
Students
Jordan students continue to excel and win local, regional,
state and national awards. Graduating seniors are awarded
more than $23 million a year in academic and athletic scholarships.
More than 80 percent of Jordan graduates further their studies
at a university or college.
The District annually awards nearly 5,000 diplomas, and has one of the highest graduation rates in the nation. All Jordan School District
averages on state and national standardized tests are either equal
to or above state and national averages.
Universities
For employees desiring graduate degrees or additional endorsements,
the University of Utah, Westminster College, Brigham Young
University and the University of Phoenix are all located
within 20-25 minutes of the District's administrative offices.
Jordan School District is proud of its educational partnerships
with the University of Utah, Utah State University, Westminster
College, Weber State University and Brigham Young University.
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Leadership
Jordan School District is under the leadership of Superintendent
Barry L. Newbold. Newbold was appointed Superintendent
of Schools in April 1996. His nearly three decades in
education span a diverse spectrum including elementary
teacher, reading and math specialist, principal and director
of evaluation and program services. In addition, he
has taught at the college and university level. A product
of Jordan District schools, Newbold is a noted leader
in curriculum planning and school administration. He
is a certified strategic planner and established a five-year
strategic plan for the District. Newbold has an extensive
background in year-round education, use of student test
data, group-consensus building and decision-making.
He was instrumental in developing a system for evaluating
educators, administrators and staff. In 2000, Newbold
was named Utah Superintendent of the Year and was honored
as one of four finalists for National Superintendent
of the Year.
Collaborative Partnerships
The District Administration maintains a collaborative partnership
with both the teachers' and the classified employee associations.
Annual negotiations are conducted from an interest-based,
mutual gains bargaining philosophy.
Financial
Jordan School District maintains its reputation for high
student achievement at an average per-pupil expenditure
of approximately $5,083, well below the state and national averages. Almost 95 cents of every
dollar goes directly to schools for classroom instruction.
Less than six
cents per dollar is spent on school and District administration.
A national Education Intelligence Agency report shows Utah
has the least administrative top-heavy schools in the country,
and Jordan District has among the lowest administrative costs
per student in the state of Utah and the nation.
Nearby Attractions
Jordan School District, situated just minutes from Salt
Lake City, is within easy access to a variety of cultural
attractions such as the symphony, ballet, opera and more
than 100 museums. Salt Lake City is home to professional
basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer teams. Nearly
a dozen world renowned ski resorts are also located along
the Wasatch Front. Part of the 2002 Winter Olympics were
held within the boundaries of Jordan School District. Utah
is known for its winter sports, hunting and fishing and
45 state parks that offer a host of recreational activities.
Mission Statement
The mission of Jordan School District is to serve students
by providing opportunities for them to realize their potential
as contributing citizens and life-long learners. In cooperation
with students, parents and community, we are committed to
helping each student acquire academic skills, prepare for
the world of work, and develop attributes of citizenship
necessary in a democratic society. We are dedicated to maintaining
a safe environment that promotes individual responsibility,
personal achievement, and respect for all individuals.
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