April 27, 2021 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Herriman High School
Herriman High School student body leaders talked about what they called a year like no other. They said the theme at Herriman High this year is “This is Home.” They talked about the wide variety of courses offered at Herriman High and expressed pride in the 55 AP scholars at the school. Fine Arts including band and choir are exceptional and performing at superior levels in Region and State competitions.They expressed pride in the rugby team achieving number one in State and their Cheer Coach as Cheer Coach of the Year. Students participate in a wide variety of service projects including collecting coats for the Jordan Education Foundation and raising $50,000 for the Angel’s Hands Foundation. They described Herriman High School as a home where students are loved and can learn and grow.

Recognitions
Region 6 PTA Awards Presented by Karen Beebe, PTA Region 6 Director:

• Involvement
  • Rachael Farley, Riverton Elementary School
  • Wendy Langeberg, Westland Elementary School *State and local PTA Winner
• Elementary Educator
  • Janae Young, Bluffdale Elementary School
  • Nicole Harris, Antelope Canyon Elementary School
  • Caitlin Nguyen, Mountain Shadows Elementary School
  • Kelly Lybbert, Jordan Ridge Elementary School
• Secondary Educator
  • Brian Larson, South Hills Middle School
  • Rebekah Whitham, Riverton High School *State and local PTA Winner
  • Brett Boberg, Bingham High School
• Administrator
  • Yajaira Martinez, Bluffdale Elementary School
  • Tami Bird, Antelope Canyon Elementary School *State and local PTA Winner
  • Rodney Shaw, Bingham High School
• Support Staff
  • Elizabeth Vuyk, Bluffdale Elementary School
  • Peggy Bawden, Antelope Canyon Elementary School
  • Kathie Hobbs, Mountain Shadows Elementary School
  • David Cha, Oquirrh Elementary School *State and local PTA Winner
  • Brenda Landeen, Hidden Valley Middle School
  • Libby Spicker, Bingham High School

• Special Business
  The Board Approved the Following Special Business Items:
• Amended budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year
• Proposed School LAND Trust Plans for 2021-22
• Friday schedule for 2021-22
• Revisions to Administrative Policy AS61 Student Records and Transcripts
• Revisions to Administrative Policy AS64 Student Retention and Acceleration
• Revisions to Administrative Policy BP178 Purchasing Provisions

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, said he has had fun joining the Jordan Education Foundation recognizing Outstanding Educators in schools across the District over the past several weeks.

The Superintendent recognized several District Board Certified Teachers, thanking them for the dedication to their craft:

• Belva Parks, Riverton High School
• Raj Narayan, Special Education Department

• Patron Comments
• A group of parents asked the Board to consider allowing students the choice to not wear masks at school. They expressed concern over mental health and wellness of students required to wear masks. Some said research has shown that masks are not effective in keeping students healthy.
• Rebecca Colley, a parent, expressed concern about “Test to Play,” and the chemicals used in the swabs.
• A number of parents questioned the Board’s stand on “Critical Race Theory,” (CRT) and expressed concern over diversity and inclusion being taught in the classroom. They said they do not want controversial topics taught in the classroom.
• A number of parents asked the Board to follow the State Health Order requiring masks in schools. They said masks in the classroom have been a major part of success in getting students back to normal activities and not having a mask mandate will make it more difficult for at-risk students in our schools. With just a few weeks left before the end of the school year, they asked the mask mandate remain in place.
• Nicole Kor, a parent, asked the Board to clarify the results of a Friday schedule in the 2021-22 school year and wanted to make sure their voices were heard in the survey.

Elected Official Comments
Mayor Dawn Ramsey, South Jordan City, said it was a privilege to visit schools over the past few weeks honoring Outstanding Educators with the Jordan Education Foundation.

• Board Comments
• Bryce Dunford said he was very impressed with Elk Ridge Middle School administration and their handling of a recent COVID-19 outbreak at the school. Mr. Dunford reported on the Facilities Committee which is in the process of looking at potential summer projects for next year.
• Marilyn Richards attended the Elk Ridge Middle School musical “Matilda.” She said the students did an awesome job and she was so impressed with the incredible talent.
• Tracy Miller recognized the Bingham High School Dance Team for their recent performance which she said was phenomenal.
• Jen Atwood attended the Jordan School District middle and high school art show at the West Jordan City Library and said it was wonderful with so much talent on display.
• Darrell Robinson reminded Board members about the upcoming groundbreaking for the new elementary school in Herriman.

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

In open session, the Board discussed school banquet expectations, student COVID-19 vaccination opportunities in schools, the Licensed Employee Advisory Committee (LEAC) meeting and recommendations for the 2021-22 Friday schedule. The Board also discussed updates to Administrative Policy DP380 Maternity/Paternity Leave and honoring District retirees. They received a report by Superintendent Godfrey in compliance with Board policy BSC204 Monitoring Superintendent Performance.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications