Nov. 24, 2020 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating South Jordan Middle School
Brenna Miller, Student Body Officer, described South Jordan Middle School as a phenomenal place where you will find caring teachers and staff. She said teachers give it their all every day, going above and beyond giving students multiple chances for success. There are a variety of electives for students to choose from and a huge emphasis on being a positive member of the school community. Brenna said every day starts with a “Mindful Minute” and students always seek to be kind. She thanked the Board and District administration for the hard work they are doing at this time.

Recommendation to Adopt the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
The Board adopted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. Paul Winward of the auditing firm Squire & Company said the District’s financial statements conform with state and federal accounting principles. Because of this, the firm has issued an unmodified opinion (clean opinion) that the statements given to the Board accurately reflect the business that has taken place this past year. Mr. Winward concluded by saying the District is in a good financial position.

• Special Business Items:
  The Board Approved the following special business items:
• Proposed boundary changes for Jordan Ridge and South Jordan Elementary Schools.
• Proposed boundary changes for Bastian and Golden Fields Elementary Schools and establishing boundaries for the new elementary school in South Jordan.
• Proposed boundary changes for Bastian, Butterfield Canyon, Herriman and Silver Crest Elementary Schools and establishing boundaries for the new elementary school in Herriman.
• The Ivory land trade agreement.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, recognized school psychologists for their caring and well-informed approach connecting with families and students throughout the District. He said increasing the number of psychologists in our schools is making a difference because psychologists are having an impact on the entire school climate. Superintendent Godfrey expressed his thanks for the great work being done.

• Patron Comments
• Kelly Giffen, JEA President, said with teacher morale at an all-time low, now is the time to give teachers a bonus. Ms. Giffen expressed frustration over educator grants which she says were underfunded and left teachers feeling unappreciated.
• Michael Goldhardt, head swim coach at Herriman High School, asked the Board to intervene on behalf of student athletes who are not being allowed to use county facilities for swim practices at this time.
• Joseph Goldhardt, swim captain at Herriman High School, said it is not fair that student athletes involved in the swim program cannot practice at county facilities.
• Ethan Murray, swim captain at Herriman High School, said it is not fair that other student athletes in other programs are being allowed to practice but the swim team cannot practice due to county restrictions.
• McKella Leeper, swim captain at Herriman High School, said swim team members have been banned from practicing a sport to which they have dedicated their lives.
• Ali Wells, swim captain at Herriman High School, said the swim team practices all COVID safety guidelines and should be allowed to practice at county facilities.
• Kevin Olsen, swim coach at Herriman High School, suggested it may be time to discuss building a swim facility for Jordan School District.
• Christy Miller, a parent, asked the Board to advocate for the swim team being allowed to practice at county swim facilities again.
• Robyn Briggs, a teacher, suggested the district move all high schools to online learning until after the winter break.
• Robin Allen, a teacher, asked the Board to bring students back to in-person learning because it is safer for them.
• Ellen Hensel, a parent, urged the Board to keep middle school on virtual learning until after the winter break.
• Melissa Green, a parent and teacher, said her biggest concern with online learning is the impact on student mental health and wellness.
• Raymond Brazier, a teacher, said he is finding success with virtual learning where there is greater participation on the part of students.

Board Comments
Marilyn Richards, recognized Lyn Burningham for her professionalism and dedication filling in for Principal Beck at Jordan Ridge Elementary School. Ms. Richards reported on the UHSAA and discussed whether the Board could advocate for high school swim team members to be allowed to practice at county facilities right now.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed potential litigation.  In open session, the Board reviewed boundary options, updates to Board Policies and they discussed  pandemic protocol and new Board member orientation. The Board received an update on pandemic response. 

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications