Sept. 24, 2019 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating West Hills Middle School
Jalen Mae Solis, Student Body President, said it has been a fabulous year so far with wonderful things happening at West Hills Middle School. Jalen told the Board the addition of new students and teachers due to boundary changes has helped to expand the school community and created more diversity. She said one goal this year is to reach proficiency using Standards-Based Grading, which has already had a positive impact on students who are even more determined to achieve.  Jalen said she is excited for the great changes happening at West Hills Middle School.

Special Business Items
The Board approved the following: Revisions to Administrative Policy AS66 Non-resident and Charter School Student Enrollment; New Administrative Policy DP378 Employee Code of Conduct; Addendum to purchase sales agreement for the Horsley property; and the Herriman CDA project.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, reported on his activities for September and told the Board his new SUPERCAST podcast is now available.

The Superintendent introduced teachers Laraine and Jonathan Lawes as amazing educators who are making a difference, doing extraordinary things in the classroom. He then shared with the Board two videos that he said are great examples of how Educator Grant money is being used in the classroom by Laraine and Jonathan.

Presentation by South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey
South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey told the Board that a unique program is allowing the city to set 10% of RDA money aside to benefit Jordan School District and South Jordan City employees who hope to qualify for new homes in South Jordan City. Nine new homes are being built under this program for low-income families who qualify.

• Patron Comments
• Melissa Worthen, a parent with Girls Tackle Football, asked the Board to give girls the opportunity they deserve to play sanctioned tackle football at our high schools. Ms. Worthen said we need to teach girls from a very young age that they can do anything boys can do.
• Shawn Goetz, a parent with Girls Tackle Football, said the program for girls is amazing and it builds confidence and fosters friendships.
• Kami, speaking on behalf of Whitney Cook, said girls deserve to compete on their own level and not with boys on high school teams.
• Meagan Worthen, Bingham High School student, asked the Board to consider girls football as a sanctioned sport. She said girls tackle football builds confidence and provides stress relief and girls have earned it.
• Laura Goetz, West Jordan High student, told the Board as a member of the boys football team at WJHS she is treated differently and it is very difficult. Laura said the sport builds confidence and girls deserve their own sanctioned teams.
• Heather Reich, a teacher, thanked Superintendent Godfrey and Lisa Robinson for meeting with Majestic Elementary School to discuss options that might keep the school open.

• Board Comments
• Marilyn Richards attended several School Community Council meetings and is pleased with how they are using Land Trust money. Ms. Richards also attended homecoming at Bingham High School, the Jordan Education Foundation Economic Summit and an all day UHSAA Summit. She reported on the Government Relations Advisory Committee, which has set tentative legislative priorities.
• Jen Atwood said many members of the West Jordan High community have expressed thanks for the new daycare at WJHS and for the new counseling center. She said the community is also very excited about the new West Jordan Middle School. Ms. Atwood attended homecoming at WJHS and said she had fun listening to the new SUPERCAST podcast, which she found very informative. She reported on the Community Outreach Committee and said the recent Jordan Parent University was a huge success.
• Janice Voorhies congratulated West Hills and Sunset Ridge Middle Schools for embracing change and new students due to boundary changes. She complimented Copper Hills High for having such a terrific fan base at sporting events and attended the Jordan Education Foundation Economic Summit.
• Darrell Robinson thanked his family for their support. He enjoyed listening to the new SUPERCAST podcast with his family and had fun attending the Ridge View Elementary School mascot naming celebration. Mr. Robinson attended a number of PTA events and the Jordan Education Foundation Economic Summit.
• Bryce Dunford thanked Chris Richards-Khong for her leadership and service to Bingham High School. He attended Parent University and was impressed with the tremendous effort on behalf of so many in the District to make it a success.
• Tracy Miller said River’s Edge teachers are grateful for the bus stipend for bus duty. She attended the Foothills Elementary School’s Safety Assembly, which she described as fantastic. Ms. Miller is impressed with Riverton High School’s model of blended learning and attended the Sunrise Salute Ceremony at South Jordan Middle School. Ms. Miller attended the Herriman High School Mascot Bowl, which she said was a fantastic community event and appreciated information she received at the Jordan Education Foundation Economic Summit. She reported on the Facilities Committee, which is updating the 5-Year Building Construction Plan.
• Matt Young attended Riverton High School’s pilot one-act Disney plays and said they were really good productions. He also attended the Riverton High and Oquirrh Hills Middle School Community Council meetings and was happy to see how they are using Land Trust money. Mr. Young reported on the Finance & Audit Committee and applauded John Larsen for the level of information he provides the committee. He also reported the District is in the process of issuing the last of the $245 million in bonds for new schools from the 2016 bond election.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, security and negotiations.

In open session, the Board discussed housing and enrollment, an Interlocal Agreement with Bluffdale City, an aging buildings report and the possibility of establishing a Licensed Employee Advisory Committee. Board members also talked about the USBA Leadership Academy.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications