Feb. 26, 2019 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Riverton High School
Joey Nokes, Student Body President, said it has been a very busy time for Riverton High School with all winter sports making it into State tournament play. He talked about the great pride everyone took in HOPE Week activities at the school. Joey said it was wonderful working in collaboration with Riverton City on mental health and wellness presentations and seeing an amazing turnout for the very successful HOPE Walk. He also said this year’s Silver Rush was a big success benefiting the Shelter Kids Foundation and students within the halls of Riverton High.

New Elementary School in West Jordan
The Board approved a bid to provide new construction on a new elementary school in West Jordan.

Special Business Items
The Board approved proposed revisions to Administrative Policy AS98 Bullying and Cyberbullying, and ratified a proposal regarding the emergency closure day.

Elected Official Comments
Kayleen Whitelock, West Jordan city council member, thanked Board members for the hard work they do and reminded them of the need for more schools in West Jordan.

• Patron Comments
• Heather Reich, a teacher, talked about the many benefits her 6th grade students at Majestic Elementary School received from their participation in the school’s performance of Shakespeare. She said the experience sets students up for future success and even students who struggle in reading had a positive experience in the play.
• Patrick Bieker, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, expressed concern over sub-contractors and how they are getting paid at construction sites.
• Calvin Fors, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, also expressed concern over alleged payroll fraud on the part of sub-contractors at construction sites.
• Shannon Diotaiuti, teacher, said there are wonderful things happening for students at Majestic Elementary School including a focus on new opportunities in STEM and other science related activities during and after school.

• Board Comments
• Tracy Miller attended a ‘Living Real Life’ anxiety awareness presentation at Riverton High School. She said it was great to see Riverton City working with the school on events to benefit the entire community. Ms. Miller attended the JEF donor luncheon, Eastlake Elementary School’s Chinese New Year program and Majestic Elementary School’s production of Shakespeare. She thanked Riverton City for recognizing students and teachers in their monthly “Excellence in Education Awards” and she attended a number of School Community Council meetings. Ms. Miller reported that the Facilities Committee will bring an updated summer projects list to the Board soon and they are in the process of updating the 5-Year Building Construction Plan. It will now be called the Project Building Plan.
• Matthew Young attended the ‘Living Real Life’ anxiety awareness presentation at Riverton High School and said it is great to see what can happen when the community comes together to address issues and come up with solutions. He said the annual JSD Legislative Breakfast was a success and he wants teachers to know how much elected officials value their input. He attended Riverton High’s performance of Peter and the Starcatchers and was amazed by the talent of students involved. Mr. Young reported the Finance and Audit Committee is preparing for the budget process and has received an update from John Larsen on the budget forecast.
• Marilyn Richards attended the performance of Shakespeare at Majestic Elementary School and said it was great. She appreciates all the donors who contribute to the JEF and those who attended the annual donor luncheon. Ms. Richards said the monthly SBO lunch was held at the State Capitol and it was a wonderful experience for everyone. She congratulated Copper Hills for placing first and Bingham High School second in the State drill competition and Bingham for placing first and Copper Hills second in State finals for girl’s basketball. She reported that members of the Government Relations Committee are spending a lot of time at the State Capitol during the legislative session and she thanked Mike Anderson for his work on the Hill.
• Janice Voorhies attended “We The People” at West Jordan Middle School, which she said is a remarkable program where students learn the constitution and how it influences society. Ms. Voorhies was proud of JSD students who participated in Public Schools on the Hill Day and enjoyed the monthly SBO luncheon, which was held at the State Capitol. She thanked the Jordan Education Association for providing classroom grants.
• Darrell Robinson said he is grateful for the District’s working relationship with our cities and local elected officials. He attended a Chinese New Year program at Foothills Elementary School and a 6th grade musical at Midas Creek, which he said was fantastic. Mr. Robinson thanked Herriman High School for sponsoring a ‘Vaping Night” to educate the community about the vaping epidemic. He attended a PTA organizing night for the new schools and thanked everyone who showed up and expressed interest in participating in PTA. Mr. Robinson also thanked administrators who thought outside the box for solutions to a snow day makeup day.
• en Atwood congratulated Kathe Riding for being selected ‘Community Leader of the Year’ by the Jordan Elementary School Principal’s Association. She enjoyed being a judge for “We The People” at West Jordan Middle School and congratulated the participants for taking first place in State competition. Ms. Atwood also took a tour of the new West Jordan Middle School under construction and was joined by department heads and Principal Garrison. She says there is a lot of excitement over moving to the new school. She reported the Community Outreach Board Advisory Committee has scheduled the next Parent University for April 11, 7 p.m. at South Hills Middle School.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, and negotiations. In open session, the Board reviewed policy governance and the 2019-20 student fee schedule. They discussed next steps in the superintendent search, procedures for budget requests and the calendar for committees established by the Board.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications