March 29, 2016 Board Meeting Summary

Special Business Items
The Board approved a potential bond amount of $245 million for the November 2016 Election. The Board adopted the student fee schedule for 2016-17 and approved revisions to Administrative Policy AA414-Student Overnight Travel and Administrative Policy AA416-Field Trips.

Celebrating West Jordan Middle School
Student Body President, Hunter Sanders, talked about the many opportunities for students to improve academically at West Jordan Middle School. He said “Pride Time” is reserved for students who need extra help with their studies or time to do make-up work. Others talked about diversity at the school with clubs like ‘Latinos in Action’ where students tutor children at Majestic Elementary in reading each week. The ‘Poly Club’ helps to develop an understanding of the Polynesian culture and Student Ambassadors work hard to help new students get adjusted while promoting pride in the school. MESA is alive and well with a focus on girls and minorities engaged in math, engineering and science. In addition, the National Junior Honor Society fosters student growth in academics and community service throughout the year.

Superintendent’s Report
Barbara Gentry, Science Consultant, reported on new state science standards for students in 6th – 8th grade. She said the State Board of Education approved the new standards after considerable public comment and discussion over the course of two years. The process included a Parent Review Committee joined by business leaders, individuals in higher education and middle school teachers. Mrs. Gentry said the new standards replace those that have been in place for 24 years and the goal is to have students more actively engaged in science. The new standards will be used starting in the 2017-18 school year. In the meantime, an educational campaign will be initiated to help teachers and parents understand the new science standards.

• Patron Comments
• Karl McKenzie, Riverton High tennis coach, asked the Board to approve replacement of the tennis courts at Riverton High School. He said the courts are used extensively by members of the community along with the Riverton tennis team and the courts have deteriorated so much that they are beyond repair.

• Board Comments
• Matt Young thanked members of the Facilities Committee for all of their hard work on the summer project list.
• Janice Voorhies attended the Sunset Ridge Middle Anti-Bullying program, which she said was very powerful. “The Pirates of Penzance,” West Hills Middle School’s operetta, was one of the best she has seen performed by middle school students.
• Susan Pulsipher shared a legislative review by the Utah School Boards Association (USBA). She said the association took positions on about 20 of the 180 education-related bills this session.
• Kayleen Whitelock reported the Facilities Committee has done a lot of work on summer projects and is currently looking at a number of architectul designs for a new high school. They have narrowed the design plans down to two and will tour high schools with those designs. Mrs. Whitelock attended West Jordan High’s musical “Little Women” which she described as amazing.
• Richard Osborn congratulated Bingham High boys basketball for winning the 5A State Title and Copper Hills High for taking second place. He recognized Copper Hills Drill for taking first in State with Bingham and Herriman placing second and third. Mr. Osborn also recognized Herriman High wrestling for taking second place in State wrestling.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, and negotiations. In open session, the Board reviewed policies for evaluation of licensed personnel and administrators, student fee schedules and the distribution of Land Trust plans. They also discussed audio streaming capabilities and progress toward a bond election.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications