Oct. 29, 2024 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Fort Herriman Middle School
Addie Simmons, Student Body Officer, said as Fort Herriman Middle School turns 20-years-old, they are proud to be a National School to Watch with incredible teachers and staff who make students feel valued and loved. Addie said teachers help students achieve mastery and succeed every single day. She said they are grateful to have CTE, giving students career options and many awards are available at the school to help celebrate students. Addie said one of the most rewarding things at Fort Herriman every year is the Diamond Back Give Back holiday charity fundraiser. There are many leadership clubs in which to be a part of at Fort Herriman, band and orchestra are celebrated and very successful, and Addie said she is grateful for the opportunity to be a Student Body Officer. She also said the Esports program is thriving and the school is proud of students who participated in their first “We the People” competition taking second place in State. 

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, introduced Jordan Education Foundation Director Mike Haynes who presented his annual report, along with JEF Board President Jenna Miller. Dr. Godfrey said miracles happen when you work with the foundation and you will not find more positive people anywhere. He said Foundation members seek out opportunities to change and save the lives of students and teachers.

Mr. Haynes thanked the Board for creating a culture where employees speak so highly of District leadership. He thanked Board members for their hard work. Mr. Haynes reported that $615,000 in classroom grants were awarded to teachers last year enhancing the learning experience for students, and $1,000,000 in in-kind donations came from Zyia. He said cash donations to the Foundation continue to increase and thanked everyone for the overwhelming support on this year’s National Day of Service. Mr. Haynes said the work they do is built on community partnerships and connections with people who value public education.

  • Patron Comments
  • Shelly Taft, an employee, expressed sincere gratitude as a kindergarten teacher for the three extra prep days this summer. As a high school cross country mom, she thanked the Board for helping to figure out travel issues for athletes to have a successful season.
  • Megan Skolmoski, a student, said as a senior at Riverton High School she feels the District’s new cellphone policy feels aggressive. Megan said she is old enough to vote, but the District doesn’t trust she is capable of using her cellphone responsibly.
  • Jenacee Hill, a parent, said cellphones are used too much by students and there are so many benefits to having a no cell phone policy.
  • Aaron Hill, a parent, said cellphones don’t belong in the classroom and he thanked the Board for doing what is best for kids.
  • Board Comments
  • Tracy Miller said she is impressed with the Riverton Elementary School remodel and thanked facilities staff for their hard work to complete the renovations over the summer months. She expressed appreciation for the culture at Rosamond Elementary and likes their theme for this school year which is “Write Your Own Story.” Ms. Miller recognized Bryan Veazie for doing a great job with the Unified Sports program in the District, along with support from the Jordan Education Foundation.
  • Niki George attended a West Jordan City band concert and praised the many JSD teachers who are members of the band. She said students in the District have such well-rounded teachers. Ms. George enjoyed attending the State Unified Soccer Tournament. Ms. George reported on the Government Relations Committee which is considering options for a legislative breakfast to give local lawmakers District data and articulate hopes for the upcoming legislative session as it pertains to public education.
  • Lisa Dean attended the West Jordan High School Band concert and the combined West Jordan and Copper Hills High chamber orchestra concert. She expressed her appreciation for all the opportunities talented teachers give students. Ms. Dean reported on the Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee (JEAC) which partnered with Language and Culture Services to hold a Multi-Cultural Conference in October for all secondary schools. Ms. Dean described it as a very inspiring event. She told Board members that JEAC will hold a community night for all families and community members on March 12.
  • Bryce Dunford reported on the Finance Committee which met and discussed options to make up for the loss of approximately $5,000,000 in student fees the District will no longer receive. Mr. Dunford reported that one option would be the consideration of a tax increase.

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

In open session, the Board discussed the K-12 Mathematics Curriculum adoption process, potential revisions to Administrative Policy AS94 Student Discrimination and Harassment, potential revisions to Administrative Policy DP358 Employee Discrimination and Harassment, and potential revisions to Administrative Policy AA419 Student Conduct, Dress, and Appearance. Board members also discussed potential changes to Board Policy GP103 Board Members’ Principles of Operation: Conduct & Ethics; and the Appendix document Guidelines for New Board Member Orientation. They continued a discussion on enrollment and the housing continuum and discussed potential boundary changes at Aspen Elementary School. The Board discussed potential Bingham and Herriman High School boundary changes and talked about implementation of Policy AA453 Use of Personal Electronic and Communication Devices.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

  1. Closed Session – 10:59
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3. Potential Litigation
    4. Negotiations
    5. Security
  2. Study Session – 40:05
    1. K-5 Mathematics Curriculum Adoption Process – 40:20
    2. Review of Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy AS94 Student Discrimination and Harassment – 1:12:12
    3. Review of Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy DP358 Employee Discrimination and Harassment – 1:13:17
    4. Discussion on Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy AA419 Student Conduct, Dress, and Appearance – 1:13:55
    5. Continued Discussion on Potential Changes to Board Policy 103 Board Members’ Principles of Operation: Conduct & Ethics; and the Appendix Document Guidelines for New Board Member Orientation – 1:14:49
    6. Continued Discussion on Enrollment and Housing Continuum – 1:25:01
    7. Discussion on Options for Potential Boundary Changes at Aspen Elementary School – 4:32:01
    8. Discussion on Bingham and Herriman High School Boundaries – 5:40:09 
    9. Discussion on Implementation of Policy AA453 Use of Personal Electronic and Communication Devices – 6:28:09
  3. General Session – 2:46:10
    1. Pledge of Allegiance – 2:47:40
    2. Reverence – 2:49:00
    3. Presentation – Celebrating Fort Herriman Middle School – 2:51:39
    4. Resolutions of Appreciation – 2:58:35
    5. Board Member Recognitions – 2:59:23
    6. Superintendent’s Recognitions – Jordan Education Foundation – 3:04:25
  4. Public Comments – 3:14:54
    1. Guidelines for Public Comments
  5. General Business – Approve Consent Agenda – 3:24:04
    1. Board Minutes
    2. Amendments to 2024-25 School LAND Trust Plans for Oquirrh Hills Middle, Riverside Elementary, and Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary Schools
    3. LEA Specific Licenses
    4. Contract for Business Administrator
  6. General Business – Accept Consent Agenda – 3:24:32
    1. Expenditures
    2. Financial Statements
    3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
    4. Certificates for Home Instruction
    5. Non-compliance Report
  7. Bids – 3:25:05
    1. Teaching & Learning — Finch Robot Classroom Flock
  8. Special Business Items – 3:30:25
    1. Recommendation to Approve Administrative Policy AS94 Student Discrimination and Harassment
    2. Recommendation to Approve Administrative Policy DP358 Employee Discrimination and Harassment
    3.  Recommendation to Approve Revisions to Administrative Policy AA419 Student Conduct, Dress, and Appearance
    4. Recommendation to Approve Revisions to Board Policy GP103 Board Members’ Principles of Operation: Conduct & Ethics; and the Appendix Document Guidelines for New Board Member Orientation
  9. Information Items – 3:39:13
    1. Superintendent’s Report
  10. Discussion Items – 3:40:13
    1. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
  11. Adjourn – 6:55:59
    1. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session
  12. 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