Aug. 25, 2020 Board Meeting Summary

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, gave an update on the reopening of schools.

Special Business Items
The Board approved the following: The Jordan School District K-3 Literacy Plan, An Allocation for In-Classroom Teachers to Purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Needed Supplies.

• Patron Comments
• Joesph Fleischer, a patron, encouraged the Board to focus on culture and diversity so no one feels marginalized in Jordan School District.
• Niki George, a teacher, thanked everyone for their efforts on the first day of school. She suggested the District align all DLI schools so students are getting the same amount of class time.
• Harrison Salisbury, a parent, said he respects the fact that the District has to follow the Governor’s mask order, but questions the science behind the benefit of students wearing masks.
• Kevin Nanu said he is a hard-working student who currently attends a charter high school. He asked the Board to consider accepting international students like himself, looking for more opportunities in public schools.
• Selosm Kassah, from West Africa, said he also attends a charter high school and would like the opportunity to broaden has experiences by being accepted into a Jordan District high school.
• Ezia Spencer K-Anto, from West Africa, said he is grateful for the opportunity to study in the United States but feels like he has missed out on opportunities because international students are not accepted in the District’s high schools. He asked the Board to consider changing that policy.

• Board Comments
• Matt Young said the new Hidden Valley Middle School is now open in Bluffdale. He attended a tour and ribbon cutting at the school and said it is a beautiful building with great leadership and an amazing plan. Mr. Young visited Bluffdale Elementary School where they held a Back-to-School Week and invited all the students in by appointment to meet with their teachers. He said he is grateful to all teachers and administrators recognizing their efforts in reopening schools.
• Tracy Miller had the opportunity to visit many schools in her area and recognized the hard work that has gone into reopening them. She thanked parents for their patience in the reopening process. Ms. Miller said we opened two new schools on time this year and the most recent phase of renovation work at Bingham High School will be done in two weeks.
• Janice Voorhies said the staff at the new Antelope Canyon Elementary School in West Jordan did an extraordinary job reaching out to students and parents with scheduled tours before school started giving everyone a real sense of community. Ms. Voorhies reported that the Jordan Education Foundation’s annual golf tournament fundraiser was a success thanks to generous community support including support from Glenmore Golf Course.
• Jen Atwood praised the West Jordan High School administration, students and patrons for following all the guidelines at last weeks home football game. She said both teams demonstrated great sportsmanship. She reminded everyone that a drive-through celebration is being held for last year’s retirees on September 15 at Bingham High School.
• Marilyn Richards visited a number of schools and was impressed by the positivity she encountered. She said the schools have been so inviting. She called the Jordan Ridge Elementary front office renovations awesome. Ms. Richards reported that the Government Relations Committee is working on a 2020-21 legislative priority list and the Legislative Breakfast and Mayor’s Roundtable will be held on January 12.
• Darrell Robinson had a great experience visiting Rosamond Elementary School. He also visited counselors at Riverton High School and is very impressed with the work being done. Mr. Robinson said he is grateful for educators who are doing such a great job despite many new challenges.

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

In open session, the Board received an update on the school reopening plan, discussed the State public health order on masks and the criteria and process for school or classroom closure. They also discussed what the Board can do to assist with the school reopening and received a summary report on pandemic-related funds. The Board reviewed a statement regarding classroom discussion on culture and diversity and they discussed a timeline for building the new elementary school in Herriman.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications