March 27, 2018 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating West Hills Middle School
Brynne Ferguson, student body officer, said there is great pride among students who attend West Hills Middle School. That pride is the result of many successes at the school including the amazing school musical production, which is produced each year by the PTSA involving more than 100 students. Brynne said the number of tardies at West Hills has reduced dramatically since a new tardy policy went into place six years ago. She also talked about the school’s ‘Be The Change’ campaign having a tremendous impact on the entire student body. The campaign has led to more acts of kindness, a reduction in the number of school suspensions and created a friendly atmosphere at West Hills Middle.

Special Business Item
The Board approved the 2018-19 student fee schedule.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, said she joined members of the Jordan Education Foundation in their annual prize patrol surprising teachers with the 2018 Educator of the Year awards. She said recognizing hard working teachers is always a highlight of the school year. Superintendent Johnson said the recent Student Body Officer luncheon was another great reminder of how articulate young people are and how they can embrace problem-solving skills. The luncheon included incoming students from the 9th grade in an effort to assure them that high school will be a positive experience.

• Elected Official Comments
• Mayor Jim Riding, West Jordan City, thanked Board members for their hard work. He also told them about a new Copper Rim subdivision coming to West Jordan, which will likely bring more families and students into the District.
• Mayor Dawn Ramsey, South Jordan City, thanked everyone for their legislative efforts to make sure students are taken care of and to protect education.

• Patron Comments
• Lora McFarland, special education teacher, said she loves her job but feels overwhelmed with the large class sizes.
• Ashley Raines Parshall, special education teacher, asked the Board to do something about caseloads that are not manageable for special education teachers.Erin Preston, a parent, expressed concern over the number of recent suicides among students at Herriman High School. She asked the Board to increase support for suicide prevention and counseling services.

• Board Comments
• Marilyn Richards attended a number of School Community Council meetings and was impressed to see how they were using their Land Trust funds making the money count for children. She also attended a UHSAA meeting where they discussed spring sports and recognized a JSD high school with the Spirit of Sport Award.
• Tracy Miller attended a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at South Jordan Elementary School, which she described as amazing. She also attended the Bingham High School Minerette showcase and a middle school ‘Battle of the Books.’ Ms. Miller congratulated the Bingham High School HOSA students who took second place at State competition with their safety video. She also reported on the Legislative and Community Relations Committee, which will be reviewing the new state recommendations on middle school course requirements. She also attended a USBA meeting where they recapped accomplishments in public education during the 2018 legislative session.
• Jen Atwood attended several School Community Council meetings and appreciates all the time parents and staff take to make sure Land Trust funds are used wisely.
• Darrell Robinson attended a play at Midas Creek Elementary School called ‘Robin and the Hoodies’ and attended a Chinese New Year’s program at Foothills Elementary School. He also attended a Leader in Me conference and a Herriman High School Community Council meeting. Mr. Robinson thanked Herriman High for the work they are doing with their HOPE squad and for producing a ‘You Matter’ video. He also reported that the School Community Council advisory board is working on a mission statement.
• Janice Voorhies attended a middle school choir festival and described the musical talent as astonishing. She also attended West Hills Middle School’s production of ‘Singing in the Rain,’ which she said was excellent.
• Bryce Dunford congratulated Cassandra Ivie for being named a Utah Sterling Scholar in computer technology. He also reported that the Finance Committee agreed to a request by Riverton City for an extension on a CDA.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, negotiations and security. In open session, the Board received an update on student data governance and security and a presentation on the comprehensive plan for Special Education. They also received a recap of elementary school capacities and a review of middle school capacities. The Board discussed guidelines for Board committees and received information on a potential Board-sponsored scholarship program. They also discussed tentative dates for additional meetings for boundary changes in the fall and discussed committee assignments for Board members.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications