July 18 Board Meeting Summary


Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, said it has been an extremely busy summer. He expressed his appreciation for all custodians, honoring them for the hard work they are doing getting schools and buildings ready for the upcoming school year. Dr. Godfrey also thanked Dave Rostrom and his team for the hard work on summer remodels and getting summer projects done. The Superintendent said he appreciates all the hard work that goes into preparing for the new school year. He expressed hope that everyone is getting some down time over the summer.

  • Patron Comments
  • Sarah Bennett, a parent, said the District needs to encourage critical thinkers and not punish them in our schools. She asked that it be mandatory for all students to learn about the U.S. constitution.
  • Tamara Moore, a teacher, expressed support for the Wit and Wisdom program saying she loves the focus on diversity where students can learn empathy for others.
  • Karee Atkinson, a parent, expressed support for the Wit and Wisdom program and is grateful it gives students the opportunity to learn comprehension.
  • Jennifer Price, a parent and teacher, thanked the Board for changes made in K-3 literacy over the past few years and she supports the Wit and Wisdom program.
  • Michael Atkinson, a student, said we should not fear exposing students to real concepts of the real world in which they live.
  • Christina Boggess, an elected official, expressed some concerns over the Wit and Wisdom program and asked to have a conversation with Board members regarding the curriculum.
  • Heather Belcher, a parent, said she has reviewed the Wit and Wisdom curriculum and some of the content is not age appropriate.
    • Emily Doll, a parent and educator, said Wit and Wisdom is an excellent choice for elementary students and would be a beautiful resource for educators.
  • Pamela Hansen, a teacher, said she was thrilled to express support for Wit and Wisdom and believes it holds great promise.
  • Hailey Tigue, a teacher, supports the Wit and Wisdom Curriculum which she says gives teachers a clear road map in which to do better.
  • Erin Burrow, a parent, attended the literacy open house and is excited about the new curriculum.
  • Nicole Harris, a teacher, expressed support for Wit and Wisdom, which she believes will allow students to be exposed to rigorous reading and it is not a “one size fits all” approach.
  • Brian Barrow, a parent, said Wit and Wisdom seems like a fantastic program.
  • Steve Morrison, a parent, said Wit and Wisdom seems to be a great program, which encourages critical thinking.
  • Sheila Staley, a teacher, said she really likes the Wit and Wisdom curriculum and she believes it will enhance the already rising literacy scores in the District.
  • Scott Schauss, a parent, is advocating for late start times for secondary students in the District.
  • Lindsey Hinkins, a parent, is advocating for late start times for secondary students and said it has been very successful in other districts.
  • Board Comments
  • Tracy Miller reminded the Board and patrons that Truth in Taxation is on Tuesday, August 1 at 6 p.m. at West Jordan High School. She also said the “Portrait of a Graduate” team met and there will be multiple opportunities to give input to the group.
  • Darrell Robinson said it has been an extremely busy summer. He attended the Utah Virtual Learning Collaborative Inaugural Summer Institute on July 11 hosted by Jordan School District. He said Salt Lake Academy has a new director, Sam Gibbs and Mr. Robinson is excited to work with the new director.
  • Marilyn Richards reported on the Facilities Committee which will bring next summer’s proposed project list to the next Board meeting.
  • Lisa Dean reported that phase one of the Big Creek Regional Park is now open.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, and potential litigation. In open session, the Board discussed the Early Literacy Plan and potential boundary changes. They received an update on the K-6 Language Arts Curriculum.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

  1. Retreat
    1. Audio Enhancement Demonstration
    2. Communication Styles
    3. Communication Procedures
  2. Study Session
    1. Review of Jordan School District Early Literacy Plan
  3. General Session – 9:07
    1. Pledge of Allegiance – 10:31
    2. Reverence – 11:02
    3. Resolutions of Appreciation – 12:06
    4. Recognitions – 12:56
    5. Superintendent’s Recognitions – 14:01
  4. Public Comments – 15:39
    1. Comments by Elected Officials
    2. Public Comment on Proposed K-6 Language Arts Curriculum
    3. Patron Comments
  5. General Business – Approve Consent Agenda – 58:23
    1. Board Minutes
    2. Jordan School District Early Literacy Plan for Early Literacy Grant Renewal
  6. General Business – Accept Consent Agenda – 58:54
    1. Expenditures
    2. Financial Statements
    3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
    4. Certificates for Home Instruction
    5. Non-compliance Report
  7. Bids – 59:18
    1. West Jordan High School – Uniform & Apparel Discount Incentive
    2. Career and Technical Education – Computer Labs
    3. Custodial Services – Waste Collection
    4. Facility Services – Building Demolition of West Jordan Elementary School
  8. Information Items – 1:20:11
    1. Superintendent’s Report
  9. Discussion Items – 1:20:48
    1. Truth-in-Taxation Procedures
    2. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
  10. Adjourn – 3:18:24
    1. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session
  11. Potential Closed Session
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3. Potential Litigation
    4. Negotiations
    5. Security
Board of Education
Tracy J. Miller, President – Precinct 3
Niki George, First Vice President – Precinct 6
Darrell Robinson, Second Vice President – Precinct 1
Brian W. Barnett, Member – Precinct 2
Lisa Dean, Member – Precinct 7
Bryce Dunford, Member – Precinct 5
Marilyn Richards, Member – Precinct 4