Nov. 26, 2019 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Elk Ridge Middle School
Student body officers described Elk Ridge Middle School as a place that is full of opportunities where students and staff love to serve others. They said there is success in the classroom because teachers who routinely go above and beyond to make sure students have the support they need. The SBO’s said plenty of hands-on learning is also leading to student success.  Elk Ridge Middle was described as a school with an amazing culture, rich in the arts with many talented students – a school where everyone is made to feel welcome and that they belong.

Recommendation to Adopt the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
The Board adopted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Kyle Greene of the auditing firm Squire & Company said the District’s financial statements conform with state and federal accounting principles. Because of this, the firm has issued an unmodified opinion (clean opinion) that the statements given to the Board accurately reflect the business that has taken place this past year. Mr. Greene concluded by saying the District is in a good financial position.

Approved Additions to the School Fee Schedule
The Board Approved an Interlocal Agreement with Bluffdale City for Shared Use of Hidden Valley Middle School’s Auditorium, Fields and Dog Park

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, reported on his activities for the month.

Dr. Godfrey introduced Oquirrh Elementary School Principal Shauna Worthington and shared a video about Ms. Worthington’s ‘Principal’s Project’ taking place at Oquirrh Elementary. An effort is underway to collect enough cereal to give every student in seven JSD Title I schools their own box of cereal as a gift for the holidays. Superintendent Godfrey praised Ms. Worthington as an amazing principal and educator who cares deeply for students and looking out for their needs.

• Board Comments
• Darrell Robinson visited a number of School Community Council meetings and complimented fall sports participants on a great season. He attended “Sister Act” at Mountain Ridge High School which he described as great. Mr. Robinson also attended a Herriman Police Department active shooter training at Herriman Elementary School and was very impressed with the preparation on the part of first responders. Mr. Robinson reported on the Innovations in Education Advisory Committee and said he received an update on the REAL Salt Lake Academy.
• Janice Voorhies attended West Jordan High School’s musical “All Shook Up” and described the student talent as impressive. She also attended a number of new school dedication ceremonies and said it is satisfying to see communities elevated by the addition of new schools.
• Jen Atwood attended the West Jordan High School musical “All Shook Up” and was impressed with the energy and number of students who participated. She also attended a production of “Charlottes Web” at Joel P. Jensen Middle School. Ms. Atwood reminded everyone that students are beginning the holiday fundraising season and it is wonderful to see them participate in the service projects. She reported on the Community Outreach Advisory Committee which held a Parent University where Ms. Atwood said the panel did an exceptional job,
• Marilyn Richards attended the South Jordan Middle School musical “Honk” and said it had a great message of kindness. She also attended several new school dedications and Parent University. Ms. Richards reported on the Government Relations Advisory Committee which is concentrating on proposed tax reform in Utah. Mike Anderson gave a brief overview of the proposed tax reform. Ms. Richards also gave an update in UHSAA issues.
• Matt Young attended “Sister Act” at Mountain Ridge High School which he described as tremendous. Mr. Young also attended the Riverton High School musical “Crazy for You” which he said had a tremendous display of talent on the part of students. Mr. Young also attended a number of new school dedication ceremonies. Mr. Young reported on the Finance and Audit Advisory Committee which is proposing an ad-hoc committee to examine future growth funding for JSD.
• Bryce Dunford attended Bingham High School’s musical “Children of Eden” and was blown away by the performance. He said he was honored to dedicate four new schools into the Jordan School District family.
• Tracy Miller thanked everyone who helped to coordinate the new school dedication ceremonies. She attended a number of School Community Council meetings along with Veterans Day programs at South Jordan Middle and Eastlake Elementary School. Ms. Miller met with students in the Teacher Education program at JATC South and said she had a great discussion with the students. Ms. Miller reported on the Facilities Advisory Committee which has been reviewing construction site monitoring, building designs, costs and building use for future schools.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel and negotiations.

In open session, the Board reviewed a 2016 bond update postcard, survey results for the 2020-21 school calendars and survey results on proposed boundaries for the new elementary school in West Jordan. They discussed permit policy and procedures and the results of the Gifted and Talented Review Committee’s work. The Board also reviewed options for Majestic Elementary School and a plan for moving forward with the Licensed Advisory Committee.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications