Nov. 28, 2017 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Oquirrh Hills Middle School
Student body officers shared with the Board the many reasons why they love Oquirrh Hills Middle School. They talked about the amazing faculty, staff and supportive environment at the school where student success is celebrated on a regular basis. The students praised the level of technology at the school, which they say has made learning so much easier and fun. They said there are a variety of ways for students to get involved in different clubs in and outside of the regular school day such as clubs like PTSA, MESA, Dance, Debate and First Lego League. One of the most popular activities is the winter fundraiser where the entire student body raises money for local charities. Last year the total exceeded $20,000.

Recognitions
The Board recognized Riverton High School Cross Country team members Blake Lewis and Sean Rausch for demonstrating the highest level of sportsmanship and camaraderie in the State Cross Country Competition.

Recommendation to Adopt the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
The Board adopted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Paul Winward of the auditing firm of Squire & Company said the District’s financial statements conform with state and federal accounting principles. Because of this, the firm has issued an unmodified opinion (clean opinion) that the statements given to the Board accurately reflect the business that has taken place this past year. Mr. Winward concluded by saying the District is in a good financial position.

Calendars
The Board approved the proposed 2018-19 traditional, year-round and AB school calendars.

Public Input
Vicki Olsen, JEA President, thanked the Calendar Committee members for their hard work. She said when revising the policy on how the calendar is developed, the Board should keep in mind student growth and how the calendar benefits teachers in their work.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, thanked John Larsen and his team, along with Jeri Clayton, for the hard work and long hours spent compiling the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). She also recognized Brad Sorensen, Anthony Godfrey, Mike Anderson and Travis Hamblin for their tireless work and dedication to developing boundary adjustment options. In addition, Superintendent Johnson applauded Mike Anderson for being quoted in a National Publication for a story on standards-based learning.

Becky Gerber and Wendy Harmon, Consultants, Curriculum & Staff Development, gave the Board an update on literacy and math. Ms. Gerber told the Board that at the elementary level, principal and teacher advisory groups are helping to make sure the needs of teachers and students are met and that they are supported. From July through November, 185 hours of professional development occurred with about 2,000 teachers participating. She added that there are also online professional development courses available.

Wendy Harmon said that principal and teacher advisory groups are beginning in elementary math and they are working with the BYU Partnership on comprehensive math instruction. At the secondary level, there are also teacher advisory groups and district wide site-based professional development. In addition, Ms. Harmon is conducting classroom observations which she says helps to build stronger relationships with teachers in the classroom.

• Patron Comments
• Teresa Kwant, a parent, said she was representing the Jordan Heights, High Points and Candlelight neighborhoods where everyone supports Boundary Change Option 5 for Eastlake Elementary School. She asked the Board to postpone any boundary changes until new schools come on line next year.
• Jamie Rothe, a parent, suggested the Board wait one more year before deciding on boundary changes.
• Valarie Hatch, a parent, also asked the Board to postpone boundary changes for one year.
• Ruth Cook, a parent, suggested the Board postpone boundary changes until next year and then move Eastlake Elementary back to a year-round calendar.
• Laura Gaylord, a parent, said the Daybreak area needs more schools to accommodate all the growth.
• Teresa Rushton, a parent, wants her children to stay at Eastlake Elementary because they came from a charter school and now love the experience they are having at Eastlake.
• Zakia Richardson, a parent, said the District cannot continue to ignore that Eastlake is almost at capacity and something must be done to relieve the overcrowding.

• Board Comments
• Janice Voorhies thanked West Jordan High School for being such a great host for the Board of Education Legislative Breakfast with delicious food from students in the Pro Start program and a performance by the Madrigals. She attended Copper Hills High performance of ‘My Fair Lady’ and said the District is blessed to have so many talented students who do such a fantastic job. She also attended ‘Cinderella’ at Sunset Ridge Middle, which she said was lovely and attended dedication ceremonies at Golden Fields and Bastian Elementary Schools.
• Jen Atwood said she had a fantastic time at dedication ceremonies for the District’s two new elementary schools. She experienced ‘Mindfulness’ training and met with the School Community Council at West Jordan Middle School. Ms. Atwood also attend WJMS’s production of ‘Annie,’ and praised students and staff for a fantastic job and their hard work and dedication.
• Matthew Young attended Riverton High School’s production of ‘Cinderella,’ which he said was really fun to see and applauded students for the amazing performance. He said the Princess Party fundraiser at Riverton High was a unique event where children were able to meet Cinderella and sit in her coach.
• Tracy Miller enjoyed the South Jordan Middle School ‘Salute to Veterans’ program and Bingham High’s production of ‘Shrek the Musical.’ She observed professional development among teachers at Herriman High and said it was so interesting to see the great work and collaboration of educators. Ms. Miller also spent time at Heartland Elementary where teachers are using deep data dives to help children succeed at the highest level.
• Darrell Robinson attended the Herriman High School production of ‘Much To Do About Nothing,’ and observed PLC time at Foothills Elementary and Fort Herriman Elementary. Mr. Robinson also attended a Patriot Day Celebration at Blackridge Elementary and College Week at Herriman High, which he described as awesome.
• Marilyn Richards attended the Veterans Day program at South Jordan Middle School, ‘Shrek the Musical’ at Bingham High and ‘Annie’ at West Jordan Middle School. She said the talented students did a great job at each event. She congratulated the Bingham Miners for their history making 6A State Football Championship. Ms. Richards also enjoyed dedication ceremonies at the new Bastian and Golden Fields Elementary Schools.
• Bryce Dunford said it was a privilege to work behind the scenes with staff at Golden Fields Elementary School in preparation for the dedication ceremony. He said it was a delight to see the love everyone already has for the new school and how everyone just pitches in to make the school a success and he was thrilled to be a part of it all.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation and negotiations. In open session, the Board discussed the International Baccalaureate Program, student fees, Policy DP333 Leave – Sabbaticals, avenues for community outreach by Board members, naming of facilities and school clubs. They also discussed their Mission Statement, monitoring of the Superintendent’s performance and administrative policies from the Joint Relations Committee. In addition, they listened to a presentation on the proposed 2018-19 traditional, year-round and AB school calendars and received an update on Dual Immersion visas.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications