Feb. 27, 2018 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Sunset Ridge Middle School
Student Body President, Brandon Malu, talked about the many things that make Sunset Ridge Middle School a great place for students, faculty and staff. He said participation in Fine Arts is very strong leading to some of the school’s biggest accomplishments. The School Ambassadors work hard every day to prevent bullying and provide outreach to students who are feeling isolated or alone. Many students participate in annual service projects like providing clothing to local refugees. Brandon said about 480 students are involved in the ‘Be The Change’ program where they pledge to be kind and reach out to others. In addition, the ‘Falcon It Forward’ program exists to support students in need by providing food for the school’s food pantry.

Bond Update
The Board approved bids for a new middle school in Bluffdale, a new elementary school in Bluffdale and a new elementary school in Herriman.

Special Business Items
The Board approved revisions to Administrative Policies D201 Program of Studies, AS97 Management of Concussions and Traumatic Head Injuries and D207 Calendar Development.

Public Input
Christine Strong, teacher, expressed concern over not having adequate representation from year-round teachers on the Calendar Committee.

Elected Official Comments
Mayor Jim Riding, West Jordan, said he was impressed with the Sunset Ridge Middle School students presenting to the Board. The mayor was invited to read as part of a Literacy Carnival at Joel P. Jensen Middle. He said it was a fun, interesting experience.

  • Patron Comments
  • Heather Gibson, parent, asked the Board to consider ways to help protect children from the harmful effects of pornography.
  • Kristi Arnold, teacher, said there needs to be more teacher training on how to protect children from the harmful effects of pornography.
  • Melissa McKay, parent, said she is working on legislation regarding pornography education in schools.
  • Pamela Bryson, teacher, asked the Board to consider a boundary change for Sunset Ridge Middle to relieve overcrowding at the school.
  • Paula Butterfield, teacher, said overcrowding at Sunset Ridge Middle is impacting safety at the school.
  • Erin Clelland, teacher, told the Board that overcrowding at Sunset Ridge Middle decreases learning.
  • Hans Brown, teacher, offered options to deal with overcrowding at Sunset Ridge Middle including starting and ending seventh-grade classes 5 minutes earlier than the other grades.
  • Abby Pizon Maughan, attorney, invited the Board to attend the 3rd annual Breaking the Pipeline Symposium on March 31.
  • Jessica Baggaley, parent, asked the Board to consider a new policy that would address grade transmittal issues.
  • Board Comments
  • Marilyn Richards said attending a legislative session with student body officers was a great experience allowing them to be a part of the political process. She congratulated South Jordan Middle students in the Business Office Specialist class for taking top honors in a national Microsoft competition and the Bingham High Miners girl’s basketball team for placing 2nd in State finals. Ms. Richards also said Herriman High School student, Blake Freeland is being honored with the UHSAA’s ‘Spirit of the Sport’ award for his selflessness as an athlete.
  • Tracy Miller acknowledged the South Jordan city council for adopting a resolution making Feb. 6 ‘Bingham High State Championship Day,’ honoring the football players and staff for their kindness and sportsmanship towards others. Ms. Miller expressed pride over members of the Bingham High Golden Gate Club for giving the reverence on the floor of the State House of Representatives. She also attended the Patriotic Program at Rosamond Elementary School where she was reminded of all the good things going on in District schools. Ms. Miller also thanked Fox Hollow and Hayden Peak Elementary Schools for participating in ‘School Day on the Hill.’
  • Jen Atwood congratulated Dixie Garrison for being named the Utah Association of Secondary School Principal’s, ‘Principal of the Year.’ Ms. Atwood was honored to be a judge at the West Jordan Middle School “We The People” contest and congratulated the WJMS team which took second place at State competition. She commended Dave Rostrom and his team for their hard work and thanked all of the schools for being so open and trusting when she stops by to visit.
  • Matthew Young honored the legacy of popular Riverton High School teacher Matt Frischknecht who recently passed away.
  • Bryce Dunford congratulated the Copper Hills High Azurettes drill team on their State Championship for the sixth year in a row calling it a tremendous accomplishment. He also reported that the Board’s independent auditor presented findings to the Audit and Finance Committee and confirmed that appropriate controls are in place in the Accounting Department and recommended the department be given more resources in the form of personnel. He said they are asking the Facilities Committee to consider needs for another major project.
  • Darrell Robinson recognized Fort Herriman Middle Assistant Principal Tim Brooks and an assistant custodian for helping drivers and clearing snow after a recent snowstorm. He congratulated Herriman Elementary School Principal, Kim Gibson for being awarded ‘Student Advocate Principal’ by the Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals. He spent time reading to students at Butterfield Canyon Elementary and attended Literacy Night at Midas Creek Elementary. Mr. Robinson also acknowledged Bastian Elementary for how they are using Land Trust money for their enrichment program and Doree Strauss for being an amazing principal.
  • Janice Voorhies enjoyed spending time at the State Capitol with student body officers and praised members of the Copper Hills High Community Council for their dedication and being so involved in the school.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed negotiations. In open session, the Board reviewed proposed Board meeting dates for the 2018-19 school year, proposed updates to administrative polices, DP335B Personal Leave, DP370B Alternative Leave Day and D207 Calendar Development. They discussed secondary school budget plans, a sanctioned program transition plan and Board speaking assignments for graduation ceremonies. They also discussed the boundary process and the book of the quarter, “Coming to Order.”

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

Board of Education
Janice L. Voorhies, President – Precinct 6
Matthew Young, Vice President – Precinct 2
Jen Atwood, Secretary – Precinct 7
Bryce Dunford, Member – Precinct 5
Tracy J. Miller, Member – Precinct 3
Marilyn Richards, Member – Precinct 4
Darrell Robinson, Member – Precinct 1