Sept. 25, 2018 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Bingham High School
Braden Sorenson, Student Body President, talked about the rich history at Bingham High School which opened in 1908, 100 years ago. Braden said the past is very important at Bingham, along with traditions. He talked about excitement over the ‘B’ lighting ceremony recently in which the Bingham ‘B’ was illuminated on the mountainside for the first time in school history. Braden said while Bingham is known for 6A football championships, there are many other amazing things going on at the school. He conveyed to the Board the great pride students take in charity events like ‘True Blue,’ which benefits organizations like Make-A-Wish Utah and the Jordan Education Foundation. Braden said the school’s theme is “Our Time Is Now” encouraging everyone to make a difference at school and in the community this school year.

Boundary Realignment Options and Projections
Associate Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anthony Godfrey shared proposed boundary realignment options and projections. The latest on boundary options and a patron survey will be posted on the District website at boundary.jordandistrict.org.

Special Business Items
The Board approved revisions to Administrative Policy AS90 Drugs and Alcohol and a Jordan School District Literacy Plan.

• Patron Comments
• Amy Martz, Utah House 42 legislative candidate, praised District officials for their thorough presentation on proposed boundary options. She asked that the Board make good use of the space at Majestic Elementary School if it is closed.
• Jennifer Price, a parent, said she has three children with dyslexia in the District. She asked that the Board consider implementing a pilot program currently used in Cache County Schools, which focuses on helping children with dyslexia achieve.
• Carolyn Bona, Principal, Midas Creek Elementary School, talked about the success of a program called Lexia at her school, which has resulted in significantly higher proficiency in reading for students with dyslexia.

• Board Comments
• Janice Voorhies talked about the excitement she feels attending high school football games where student energy and enthusiasm is in the air. She thanked high school principals for their commitment to extracurricular activities and showing up at events.
• Matthew Young thanked the amazing parents, teachers and principals who devote so much time serving on School Community Councils. In addition, he thanked Riverton area principals who attended Riverton City’s evening devoted to mental health and wellness, which focused on the impact of social media. He applauded the city for designating individual resource officers for South Hills Middle, Oquirrh Hills Middle School and Riverton High. Mr. Young said he met with both the Bluffdale and Riverton City Councils to update them on the progress of new schools under construction in their cities.
• Jen Atwood thanked West Jordan High for inviting the Board to attend homecoming activities and the homecoming football game. She reported that the Facilities Committee is talking about phase II of the safety initiative.
• Marilyn Richards commended Herb Jensen for the great things that are happening in Transportation, growing the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus fleet. She enjoyed attending the West Jordan High and Bingham High homecoming football games and events. Ms. Richards also attended the lighting of the Bingham ‘B’ on the mountainside. Ms. Richards met with UHSAA regarding student athlete eligibility rules and with Salt Lake County regarding swimming pool needs for student athletes in the District.
• Tracy Miller said she got to know JATC North better during a trip to Nelson Labs. She attended a patriotic program at South Jordan Middle on 9/11 and said the music was amazing. Ms. Miller also attended the Riverton High School football game where Kauri Sue students performed and described it as a very special moment with two schools working closely together and supporting one another. She applauded the City of Herriman for providing a separate resource officer in every school. Ms. Miller reported that the Legislative Committee is working with local lawmakers regarding the upcoming legislative session and Region 6 PTA is working to staff PTA for the new schools.
• Darrell Robinson said it is fun to attend all of the fall sporting events in the District and he is enjoying his work with the School Community Councils. He expressed appreciation for the hard work going on in Transportation to increase the CNG bus fleet and to residents and District personnel who volunteered at evacuation centers during recent wildfires in the Herriman area. Mr. Robinson reported the Community Council Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday to discuss new membership for the Calendar Committee.
• Bryce Dunford shared a parent letter with the Board expressing great appreciation for Mrs. Blair, a teacher at Fox Hollow Elementary School. He said it is just one example of the amazing teachers working in Jordan School District.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property and negotiations. In open session the Board discussed Ends Policy 403 Customer Service and the role of elected officials in an Incident Command/emergency situation. The Board also reviewed proposed revisions to Administrative Policy AA411 Sex Education.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications