Aug. 29, 2017 Board Meeting Summary

Recommendation to Approve 5-Year Building Construction Plan (Draft)
The Board approved the updated draft of the 5-Year Building Construction Plan.

Recommendation to Approve Interlocal Agreement
The Board of Education approved the Interlocal Agreement between the Community Development and Renewal Agency of Herriman, Herriman City and Board of Education of Jordan School District for the Herriman Anthem Community Reinvestment Project area.

Public Input
Herriman City Manager, Brett Wood, said the agreement will help grow property taxes quicker and stronger. He said the collaboration between Herriman City and Jordan School District has been phenomenal.

Superintendent’s Report 
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, said the opening of two new elementary schools was fantastic and it was heartwarming to see students, staff and parents so excited. She was grateful to be a part of the Real Salt Lake Academy opening. The Superintendent enjoyed a School’s Open Safety Assembly at Monte Vista Elementary School and said the bus safety video produced by the Office of Communications was very well done. She enjoyed visiting Bingham High School’s teacher training sessions focusing on how to ensure Professional Learning Communities are high functioning and applauded Jill Durant on a successful and impactful summer Administrative Conference. Superintendent Johnson recognized Copper Hills High teacher Rickee Stewart for the work she is doing to help our District’s homeless students by requesting donations rather than having a bridal gift registry for her upcoming wedding. The Superintendent reported that Rickee’s story has gained local and national media attention. She also thanked members of the Cabinet and all employees for doing what it takes to get the job done meeting the needs of more than 53,000 students in the District.

• Patron Comments
• Kerry Simi, teacher, asked the Board to look into school building access for teachers over the summer months and after-hours access, during the school year.

• Elected Official Comments
• Susan Pulsipher, State Representative, thanked Board members for their hard work stating that she knows first-hand the very important and difficult decisions that have to be made in education.

• Board Comments
• Marilyn Richards said she attended the two new school open houses and loves the new school climate. She also visited all elementary schools in her area on the first day of school and reported it was a great start. Ms. Richards also reported that the UHSAA Board of Trustees met and she was elected co-chair.
• Tracy Miller attended the Bingham High School breakfast at Copperton Park on the first day of  school and she attended a number of back-to-school nights in her area. She enjoyed the School’s Open Safety Assembly at Monte Vista Elementary and applauded the Office of Communications for doing a good job on the bus safety video, which she encouraged everyone to watch and you can view below. Mrs. Miller reported on the Legislative Committee, which discussed the ‘Our Schools Now’ initiative and is working on organizing a pre-session meeting with local legislators
• Jen Atwood visited all of the schools in her area on their back-to-school nights and thanked everyone for their efforts in making them successful. She thanked local stores for donating backpacks to schools and for the positive impact that has on students. She reported that the Facilities Committee reviewed the progress of summer projects and discussed estimates for artificial turf on high school baseball fields. Mrs. Atwood said she is excited about the design process for the expansion of the Kauri Sue Hamilton School.
• Darrell Robinson enjoyed Senator Orrin Hatch’s visit at Bastian Elementary School and attended the opening of the Real Salt Lake Academy, which he described as awesome. He said he appreciates the hard work of all administrators and thanked Herriman City for their working relationship with the District. Mr. Robinson reported that the School Community Council Committee has scheduled the first Jordan Parent University for September 28.
• Bryce Dunford announced that the mascot for the new elementary school in South Jordan is the Golden Fields Gladiators. He invited everyone to attend Terra Linda Elementary School’s 45-year birthday celebration on September 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the school. He reported the Finance Committee has compiled a calendar of all financial issues that will come before the Board.
• Janice Voorhies said a momentous event happened on Friday night when the Copper Hills High football team broke its 0-29 record, winning their game against Ben Lomond. She expressed appreciation for all the hard work that has gone into opening schools throughout the District.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property and potential litigation. In open session, the Board talked about middle school course offerings and schedules, student housing and growth, and Administrative Policy DA153 Building Access. They  reviewed the Herriman tax increment project and Murray School District boundary adjustments. Board members also looked at proposed State Rule 27-621 District of Residence and got feedback to the Legislative Law and Licensing Committee and received follow up information on directives given by the Board to staff. In addition, the Board discussed laws regarding collection of ‘Our Schools Now’ signatures by employees.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications