April 23, 2019 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating West Jordan Middle School
Jensen Underwood, Student Body President, told the Board that his middle school experience has been one of the best experiences of his life. Jensen said West Jordan Middle School opened in 1958 and has a long, rich history. He stated, “Now with a new school building comes new experiences.” Jensen reported West Jordan Middle is a school with students that have accomplished so much and created a great legacy. He explained that West Jordan Middle is a ‘National School to Watch.’ Students participate in a variety of service projects, after school programs and there is a great diversity at WJMS. Jensen says administrators really care about all students. In the new school Jensen said students will continue to break boundaries and be unstoppable in what they achieve.

Special Business Items
The Board approved the amended budget for the 2018-19 Fiscal Year and the proposed 2019-20 student fee schedule. The Board also approved Board Governance Polices BSC 202 and 203 as well as Administrative Policy AA446.

Public Input
Kayleen Whitelock, West Jordan resident, said she still has concerns about the 2019-20 student fee schedule and cautioned the Board to look very closely at that schedule as they consider approval of the fee schedule.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, applauded the Jordan Youth Symphony for their amazing performance prior to the Board of Education meeting. She said it is remarkable to see how well versed students are in the Arts and how much Fine Arts educators do to benefit students.

Norm Emerson, Fine Arts Consultant, reported that the State of Fine Arts in Jordan School District is doing very well with great things going on. He also applauded the Jordan Youth Symphony for their performance before Board members, family and friends and stated the group continues to grow each year.

Davyn Larm, a Herriman High School student, talked about his love for Jazz as a trombone player. He said band and music have been life changing, giving him a sense of belonging and a passion for music. Davin thanked Board members for their support of the Arts.

Sarahjane Hale, a Riverton High School student, told the Board that being a part of the theater program has given her hope and acceptance and has forced her to take risks. Because of the opportunity to perform, Sara said she has developed a sense of self worth, discipline, leadership skills, confidence and curiosity. She also thanked Board members for their support of the Arts in our schools.

Elected Official Comments
Kayleen Whitelock, West Jordan City Council member, thanked the Board for organizing a groundbreaking for the new elementary school in West Jordan and said residents would also appreciate a new secondary school in the area.

• Patron Comments
• Patrick Bieker, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, asked the Board to consider the impact of construction workers getting paid in cash will have on future income taxes.
• Adam Chaparro, parent and carpenter, said while he lives in the area and has students in JSD he has to drive 100 miles to Logan for work because of competition from workers who get paid in cash at construction sites.
• Emily Evershed, parent, asked the Board to consider changing the permit process regarding ALPS students and their siblings at Jordan Ridge Elementary School.
• Rachel Hardy, Robyn Wilson, Brittany Weldon, Heather Hill and Robert Dowse, Jordan Ridge ALPS parents, asked the Board to consider options that will not separate families for students in the ALPS program at Jordan Ridge. They say separating children makes it difficult on the students and on their parents. They said keeping extra portables at the school could be one solution.

• Board Comments
• Bryce Dunford said the Board is honored to have Governor Gary Herbert attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a new elementary school in West Jordan on April 24.
• Tracy Miller thanked the Kauri Sue Hamilton School staff for the hard work that went into their performance of “The Greatest Showman,” and she thanked the Jordan Education Foundation for honoring teachers and students at the annual JEF recognition dinner. Ms Miller also participated in the South Jordan City bus tour with elementary students where they learned about the operations of city government and she attended a South Jordan City Council meeting where new school principals were introduced.
• Jen Atwood attended a Majestic Elementary School PTA meeting and several School Community Council meetings. She attended “The Greatest Showman” at Kauri Sue, which she described as a very emotional and wonderful play.
• Marilyn Richards attended “The Greatest Showman” at Kauri Sue and said the school’s productions are always a highlight of the year. She attended the Jordan Education Foundation recognition dinner and congratulated the teachers and students who were honored. Ms. Richards also attended a number of School Community Council meetings and said our schools are doing amazing things.
• Darrell Robinson attended many great school plays including the Kauri Sue Hamilton production of “The Greatest Showman.” He enjoyed the Jordan Education Foundation recognition dinner. Mr. Robinson believes Jordan School District is leading the way in mental health education efforts. He attended a “Welcome Day” event at Butterfield Canyon where Bingham and Herriman High School members of the Golden Gate Club came out to greet students with positive messages.
• Janice Voorhies attended the Jordan Education Foundation recognition dinner where teachers and students were honored and recognized. She also attended the Student Body Officer luncheon where SBO’s gave advice to newly elected student body officers. She attended “The Greatest Showman” at Kauri Sue and was at the State Capitol where Representative Cheryl Acton signed a joint resolution recognizing Jordan School District for having the largest CNG school bus fleet in the State. She expressed pride in the Transportation Department for building the CNG fleet over the course of many years.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel and potential litigation negotiations. In open session, the Board reviewed a draft of the monitoring tool for BSC204 Monitoring Superintendent Performance and discussed the interview process for the Superintendent search. They discussed registration fees, Administrative Policy AA446 Wellness and revisions to the 2019-20 Board meeting calendar.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications