May 26, 2020 Board Meeting Summary

  • Special Business Items
    The Board approved the following:
  • New Policy DP379 LEA-Specific Educator License Requirements
  • Revisions to Board Policy Ends 401 Student Achievement
  • Continued discussions (during the Board study session on Tuesday, June 9) regarding a proposed plan to move the ALPS program from Jordan Ridge Elementary School
  • Moving Blackridge Elementary School to a traditional calendar
  • A delayed start year-round calendar for South Jordan Elementary School
  • The Board did not approve plans for the “Jordan Cup” athletic competitions and fine arts performances
  • Public Input
  • A large group of parents expressed support for keeping the ALPS program at Jordan Ridge Elementary School. Some said they have concerns over the mental health and wellness of students who might be moved to the program in another school, while others expressed a strong desire to keep siblings together at the same school.
    Several parents said moving ALPS punishes families who live in the boundary or have moved into the school boundary so their children can attend Jordan Ridge. Others said the ALPS program has become a vital part of the Jordan Ridge community and moving the program will negatively impact families.
  • Several parents expressed support for moving ALPS out of Jordan Ridge stating that a boundary adjustment is the most fiscally sound option for the District as a whole. Another parent said if moving ALPS out of Jordan Ridge would mean her children could all attend the same school, that would be advantageous. One parent asked the Board to make a final decision so students and families don’t have to face uncertainty again. She suggested students currently in the ALPS program at Jordan Ridge be allowed to age out of the program with no new classes behind them.
  • Several teachers and parents expressed concern over options that would allow special education students to be moved out of South Jordan Elementary School, stating that it would have an adverse impact on the students.

Superintendent’s Report – School Recognitions
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, thanked municipalities within Jordan School District for their support during school dismissal. He recognized city crossing guards for helping to keep students and families safe while participating in the emergency grab and go breakfast and lunch program. Superintendent Godfrey also thanked Brad Sorensen and high school principals for the tremendous amount of work and dedication they put into making graduation activities and ceremonies meaningful and memorable for students. He also applauded District staff for adapting during the difficult dismissal time and the various roles they played moving things forward.

  • Board Comments
  • Tracy Miller thanked high school principals for an amazing job creating meaningful graduation opportunities for seniors. She thanked all principals for making the best of a difficult situation helping students to be safe but celebrate successes.
  • Marilyn Richards thanked high school principals for creating graduation opportunities like the one she participated in at Bingham High School with the drive-up diploma photo opportunity. She also reported that the Joint Legislative Committee will hold a meeting on June 2 and the UHSAA voted to approved girls wrestling as a sanctioned sport for 2020-21.
  • Bryce Dunford recognized Superintendent Godfrey for his leadership and tremendous job he is doing during the COVID crisis and school dismissal stating he is the right man for the job.
  • Jen Atwood reported on the Community Outreach Advisory Committee which met to discuss an appropriate gift for graduates from the Board.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, and negotiations.

In open session, the Board received an update on the school dismissal, continued a discussion on delayed start options for South Jordan and Blackridge Elementary Schools and discussed long-term solutions for both schools. They listened to a summary of graduation plans and held a budget discussion.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

Board of Education
Bryce Dunford, President – Precinct 5
Tracy J. Miller, Vice President – Precinct 3
Matthew Young, Secretary – Precinct 2
Jen Atwood, Member – Precinct 7
Marilyn Richards, Member – Precinct 4
Darrell Robinson, Member – Precinct 1
Janice L. Voorhies, Member – Precinct 6