Oct. 24, 2017 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Elk Ridge Middle School
Elk Ridge Middle School student, Angella Van Valkenburg said student body officers at the school are unique because they are all equal and share the same responsibilities. Amazing teachers and staff care about every student and they want to make the middle school experience better for everyone. Angella said there are a variety of organizations for students to become involved in like Lego Robotics, MESA and the Ballroom Workshop as well as performing arts opportunities. She said students embrace a number of service projects throughout the year and their involvement, hard work and commitment make Elk Ridge the best middle school in the State of Utah.

Special Business Items
The Board approved the 2017-18 Utah Consolidated Application (UCA) and authorized the issuance and sale of $100,000,000 in general obligation school building bonds.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, said she was impressed with Riverton High School cross county runners, Sean Rausch and Blake Lewis and the high caliber of students and strong moral fiber of young people throughout Jordan School District. She congratulated the Office of Communications for successful customer service seminars and Jason Skidmore for the ‘Pathways to Professions’ event that has grown bigger and better in its second year under Mr. Skidmore’s leadership.

Dr. June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources, shared with the Board an update on new hires and the results of a teacher survey. She reported that 378 new teachers were hired this school year, a reduction of 96 from last year and there were seven unfilled positions on the first day of school. Dr. LeMaster also said the District has a total of 2,786 teachers and 24 are National Board Certified. She said teacher turnover has declined from 12% last year to 9% this year.

Jana Cruz, Director, Nutrition Services, gave the Board an update on food service throughout the District. She said they serve 6.4 million meals each school year and much of the food is made from scratch. The District has the largest ‘Farm to School’ program in the State and spends $2.5 million annually on locally grown products. Lunch prices have not gone up in nine years and 40,000 meals were served in the summer program this year.

• Elected Official Comments
• Lisa Cummins, State Board of Education member, shared some State Board meeting highlights and reported on USBE’s top priorities for 2018, which include enrollment and growth, a 5.5% WPU increase and an analysis of school fees. Ms. Cummins said the State Board is also looking at educator licensing.

• Board Comments
• Tracy Miller attended ‘The Leader In Me’ leadership breakfast at South Jordan Middle School where she met great students who are doing an amazing job. Ms. Miller also attended a number of School Community Council meetings where she said there are a lot of great ideas being generated about the potential use of Land Trust money. She said it is fun to see School Community Councils catch the vision of what they can do. She also reminded the Board that the legislative breakfast is November 9 at West Jordan High School.
• Jen Atwood also attended a number of School Community Council meetings and praised parents, teachers and staff who participate for their time and service.
• Matthew Young congratulated Riverton High Cross Country runners Sean Rausch and Blake Lewis for finishing the state championship race after Blake broke his leg and was carried to the finish line by Sean. He also shared homemade cards sent by Riverton High football players and the marching band thanking the Board for the new artificial turf playing field. Mr. Young reported that the Innovations Committee will be discussing the use of technology in schools.
• Darrell Robinson attended the Wasatch Invitational Band Competition at Riverton High, which he said was an awesome event. He also applauded cross country runners for their dedication. He reported that the School Community Council Advisory Committee is working on a ‘Safety First’ initiative.
• Janice Voorhies attended a joint musical performance involving Copper Hills High, West Hills and Sunset Ridge Middle Schools and said it is so nice to see young people finding such joy in music.
• Marilyn Richards reported that she has been assigned to the realignment committee for the Utah High School Activities Association and will meet with the UHSAA Board of Trustees on November 16.
• Bryce Dunford applauded Jana Cruz and Nutrition Services for keeping lunch prices so low and maintaining the same price for the past nine years. He reported that the Finance Committee has been busy working on bond sales.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed property. In open session, the Board discussed Ends Policy 402 Empowering Employees, legislative priorities and educational equity. They received a report on Valley High School Busing and a follow-up report on student enrollment and housing needs. The Board also reviewed dedication programs for new schools.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications