Jan. 22, 2019 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating West Jordan High School
Lauryn Meyers, Student Body President, said the theme at West Jordan High School this year is ‘On Our Way.’ The theme reflects the fact that every student is on his or her way to something whether it is finding success in academics or athletics, and everyone is working their way toward graduation. Lauryn said one of the best things about WJHS is faculty and staff, who work hard at helping students achieve. Students at WJHS are very proud of their charity season. This year the school’s charity was the Angels Hands Foundation, which helps families with children facing rare diseases. Lauryn explained how students raised money by holding events every single day during the month of December inside and outside of school with community support. Students were proud to break a school fundraising record this year with $69,000 raised for the Angels Hands Foundation. They also take great pride in rising graduation rates, up for the 5th year in a row at 85.3%. Lauryn said WJHS ranks third in the State for an increase in math scores. She concluded by saying students love being Jaguars, and part of that is because of the community spirit at WJHS.

Recognitions
Dr. June LeMaster, Administrator of Human Resources, introduced newly appointed administrators.

On behalf of the Board of Education, Jen Atwood recognized Janice Voorhies for her leadership as Board president over the past two years, impacting educators and students throughout Jordan School District. Board President, Bryce Dunford also thanked Mrs. Voorhies for her leadership and dedication.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, said the District’s new Health and Wellness website received high praise during a recent legislative lunch where some suggested it should be a model for other district’s around the State. She recognized McKinley Withers for his hard work on the website, along with the Office of Communications.

Steve Hall, Director, Jordan Education Foundation, reported on the Foundation’s contribution to the District throughout the year. He said foundation board members engage the community and are constantly helping to enhance opportunities for teachers and students. He talked about the 274 classroom grants that were awarded and a steady increase in donations to the Foundation. Mr. Hall said there are now Principal’s Pantries in every school in the District and Christmas for Kids provided a holiday shopping trip for more than 300 students this year. He said recognizing teachers is a priority as the Foundation gets ready to present their annual Educator of the Year awards.

Elected Official Comments
Mayor Dawn Ramsey, South Jordan City, thanked Janice Voorhies for her work as Board president over the past two years saying she has been an impressive advocate for Jordan School District.

Patron Comments
Heather Reich, a teacher, reported on ideas being generated by teachers and staff to keep Majestic Elementary School open. She said they will do whatever it takes to keep the school open.

• Board Comments
• Tracy Miller judged ‘We The People’ at South Jordan Elementary for 5th grade students and said it was a great experience. She thanked McKinley Withers for putting together the parent meeting at Bingham High School on suicide prevention, which was well-attended and delivered excellent information. Mrs. Miller also attended the Region Reflections Awards, which she described as a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents. She also reminded the Board that the 2019 legislative session is now less than a week away with Feb. 15 as USBA Day on the Hill and Feb. 19 being District Day on the Hill.
• Darrell Robinson congratulated the Herriman High School swim team on their national recognition and the HHS guidance counseling team for being recognized as the ACTE 2019 Counseling Team of the Year. He also attended the Herriman High School Community Council meeting where they discussed the “Thrive” program. Mr. Robinson talked about the great job Riverton City does in recognizing Jordan School District and its students and he thanked all administrators who are going through changes right now.
• Janice Voorhies attended a Copper Hills High School Community Council meeting and praised parents for their participation. She attended an assembly at Terra Linda Elementary School organized to thank Dell Loy Hansen for his support of Jordan School District and public education. She said students leading the assembly did a great job. She also attended an assembly at Hayden Peak Elementary School where a teacher was recognized as KSL News Radio’s Teacher Feature.
• Jen Atwood thanked all of the great administrators in our schools who have such a positive impact on students and education. She praised West Jordan High students for conducting the flag ceremony, singing the National Anthem and for their presentation celebrating West Jordan High School. She thanked West Jordan Middle School Principal Dixie Garrison for her presentation at the USBA annual conference regarding all of the wonderful work going on at WJMS.
• Marilyn Richards thanked McKinley Withers for the excellent job he did organizing the parent meeting at Bingham High School and for all his efforts in educating on mental health and wellness. She said West Jordan Middle School will hold a community celebration of the school’s history on May 16 and 18.
• Matt Young attended the Bingham High School community awareness event and said it was well done. He also attended a Riverton High School Community Council meeting, thanking those who participated and he attended the Musical Dance Theater Company’s annual review.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel and property. In open session, the Board discussed setting norms and protocols for the Board, the location for the middle school ALPS program, student fees, educational and sabbatical leaves, proposed revisions to Administrative Policy AA411 Sex Education and the process and timeline for hiring a new Superintendent of Schools. They also discussed challenges or problems Board members would like to solve and the effectiveness/composition of Board committees.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications