May 22, 2018 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Fort Herriman Middle School
Fort Herriman Middle School student body officers talked about the great pride they take in academic achievements, the arts and service oriented projects. They said participation in performing arts is very strong and it shows in productions like the school’s amazing musical each year. The annual ‘Diamondback Giveback’ is a highlight for students who have raised more than $35,000 for charity over the past three years, collected about 60,000 pounds of food for the Utah Food Bank and donated stuffed animals for every student at the Kauri Sue Hamilton School. In academics, the student leaders say everyone at the school takes ownership in their learning and they are very proud of SAGE test scores. Despite having a very large student population, everyone feels connected with strong relationships among students, teachers and staff.

• Recognitions
• Heather Reich, a teacher at Majestic Elementary School was recognized as an “Effective Teacher in a High Poverty School.”
• Nutrition Services Director, Jana Cruz, was recognized as the Utah School Nutrition Association Director of the Year and the National School Nutrition Association Western Region Director of the Year.
• Angela Allen, South Jordan Elementary School, was recognized as Utah School Nutrition Manager of the Year and National School Nutrition Association Western Region Manager of the Year.
• Transportation Director, Herb Jensen, was recognized as the Air Quality Ally Award winner.
• The Jordan Education Foundation recognized the Outstanding Classified Award winners.
  • Connie Robinson, Butterfield Canyon Elementary School
  • Leland Taylor, Herriman Elementary School
  • Shannon Hickman, Riverton High School
  • Lola Wilson, Oquirrh Hills Middle School
  • Mark Butterfield, Bluffdale Elementary School
  • Lori Perkins, Copper Hills High School
  • Administrator of Human Resources, Dr. June LeMaster, recognized newly promoted administrators.

Special Business Items
The Board approved the purchase and sale agreement for property near the school sites in Bluffdale. The Board approved revisions to Administrative Policies D206 Formulation of Educational Criteria for School Buildings, AA443 Student Clubs and Board Policy E404 Safety and Security. They approved a LAND Trust plan for Real Salt Lake Academy and approved a revised 2018-19 calendar to include a licensed professional development day.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, said she had the opportunity to observe an active shooter training drill at Fort Herriman Middle School. She said it was amazing to see educators transition into emergency responder mode and be proactive in helping the wounded. Superintendent Johnson expressed appreciation for police, fire and first responders who work so closely with the District.

The Superintendent also gave the Board an update on hiring. She said there are 56 job openings in secondary schools and 31 openings at the elementary level. The District is hiring 36 school psychologists so that one is assigned to each elementary school as well as those currently assigned to secondary schools. Seven openings remain in this area.

Auxiliary Services Staff Assistant, Paul Bergera, South Jordan Police Lt. Matt Pennington and Unified Fire Authority Captain Bret Fossum presented an update on future safety and security protocols. Lt. Pennington explained the Avoid, Deny and Defend model, which is a standardized strategy in handling active shooter situations. All municipalities in the Jordan School District are on board with Avoid, Deny and Defend. It is a model that teaches students, teachers and staff when to get away from the danger, deny access and, if necessary, defend yourself. All District personnel will be trained in Avoid, Deny and Defend starting this summer. Capt. Fossum talked about the ‘Stop The Bleed’ program and how all District employees will now be trained in casualty care in order to save lives and support first responders.

• Patron Comments
• Alexandra Eframo, patron, said she attended the Herriman City community meeting on suicide prevention. She said reaching out to children who are battling depression should be a top priority in our communities.
• Cathrine Voutaz, parent, thanked the Board for supporting suicide prevention education throughout the District. She asked that mental health issues continue to be addressed among students.

• Board Comments
• Marilyn Richards attended the Kauri Sue Hamilton Commencement ceremony, which she called one of the highlights of the school year. She said the Bingham High choral concert was amazing. Ms. Richards also attended the Herriman community meeting on suicide prevention and an opioid roundtable discussion with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. She congratulated the new administrators and said she enjoyed attending the District employee retirement dinner.
• Tracy Miller attended her first lacrosse game at Bingham High School and said it was a lot of fun as well as the Bingham Jazz Band Dinner Dance. She congratulated the Bingham High boys volleyball team for winning the State championship as a club sport. Ms. Miller said the Kauri Sue Commencement ceremony was a great experience and she shared thank you notes to the Board from JEA members at Eastlake Elementary School who wanted to express appreciation for the salary compensation agreement. Ms. Miller expressed her appreciation for all that teachers do to make a difference in young lives.
• Jen Atwood attended the Principal’s Reception at West Jordan High School where many amazing students were recognized and they announced the senior class received more than three million dollars in scholarships. She took a tour of the new West Jordan Middle School and experienced the beautiful chalk art on the sidewalks in front of the school. Ms. Atwood attended PLCs at West Jordan Elementary and Majestic Elementary Schools. She said to see the many great accomplishments happening in education throughout the District makes the hard work and time away from family worth it. Ms. Atwood reported on the Facilities Committee, which so far have met with the West Jordan and South Jordan City mayors to discuss growth and development.
• Matthew Young said he is amazed at the work happening in Jordan classrooms every time he attends a PLC and is grateful for the progress with the leadership of principals. He said it is a privilege to attend PLCs and see the power of outstanding leaders. Mr. Young attended the Riverton High Dinner Dance, which he said was a wonderful experience and invited everyone to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday for two new schools in Bluffdale.
• Darrell Robinson said it is great to see all the student, staff and employee celebrations this time of year. He attended PLCs in his area and congratulated the Herriman High School lacrosse team for placing second in State. Mr. Robinson thanked Todd Quarnberg for attending the Herriman Community meeting on suicide prevention and being so engaged with the parents and patrons.
• Bryce Dunford visited Terra Linda Elementary School where he was delighted to see an art show from West Jordan High School students who painted portraits of the elementary students. He said the portraits were amazing. Mr. Dunford thanked Todd Quanberg for being an excellent and highly visible principal who has served the Copper Hills High community relentlessly and had done so with a big heart. Mr. Dunford also reported on upcoming issues that are being addressed by the Finance Committee.
• Janice Voorhies thanked Mountain Shadows Elementary for putting on the musical ‘Madagascar’ and Hayden Peak Elementary for a very fun cultural dance for students, which was held outside on the lawn. Ms. Voorhies attended the West Hills Middle School choir concert and said it was lovely to see how much students enjoyed performing. She also attended the Governor’s Commission on Excellence in Education and it was gratifying to see so many people there that are so interested in promoting excellence in education.

Closed, Study Session
In open session, the Board received a report by Real Salt Lake Academy and a presentation on student achievement. They reviewed graduation assignments, discussed boundary option priorities, and grant funding for teachers as well as student recognition. In closed session, Board members discussed property.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications