Dec. 8, 2020 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Sunset Ridge Middle School
Sunset Ridge Middle School students talked about how much they love their school. They said everyone is adjusting to a school year that is different using things like Spirit Week and lunchroom activities to keep students involved. The students said the school’s Flight Crew welcomes 7th graders each year helping them get acquainted to middle school. They highlighted the HOPE Squad which encourages acts of kindness and rewards student for being kind.  The National Jr. Honor is proud of the service work they do throughout the year and Latinos in Action help tutor Spanish speaking students on a regular basis.

Superintendent’s Recognition
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, recognized Kami Taylor, Teaching & Learning Specialist, for her work establishing a competitive Esports program in Jordan School District.

Ms. Taylor said all students are invited and welcome to participate in Esports. She thanked the Board for supporting the new video game competitive sports program, which already has seven high school participating and 269 student athletes signed up to play. She explained how the sport is played and said “I-team” is the student organization or league Jordan District students will compete in as gamers. Ms. Taylor said Esports gives students an opportunity to learn strategies and team building skills while having fun in a sport they love. She said an added benefit is that students in Esports are eligible for considerable college scholarships.

Special Business Items
The Board approved an amended budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, reported on his activities over the past month.

Patron Comments
Kelly Giffen, JEA President, said she appreciated the Board’s in-dept discussion on teacher grants but JSD educators would like that money added to their salary schedule instead. She extended a public invitation to the Board for a meeting on how to better collaborate together.

• Public Official Comments
• Mayor Dawn Ramsey, South Jordan City, thanked Janice Voorhies for her selfless service and for being a model of what a public servant should be. Mayor Ramsey said Janice Voorhies has contributed great things to Jordan School District and always strived to do what is best for students, teachers, staff and parents.
• Susan Pulsipher, State Representative, said she appreciates all the amazing work on the part of Board members. Representative Pulsipher said she had the privilege of working with Janice Voorhies on the Board and has the highest of respect for her.

• Board Comments
• Jen Atwood attended the West Jordan High School Community Council meeting. She said WJHS continues to work on International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization which she described as very exciting. Ms. Atwood attended a Community Outreach Committee meeting where they are looking at updates to the Board page on the District website which would make it easier for patrons to connect with Board members. She also recognized Janice Voorhies for her time as a Board member and said a lot of greatness comes from Janice.
• Marilyn Richards attended the Government Relations Committee meeting where they met with several local lawmakers to discuss education topics and share ideas on the upcoming legislative session. She expressed appreciation for Janice Voorhies for her contributions to the committee as well as the contributions of other committee members.
• Tracy Miller said Janice Voorhies is going to be missed on the Board of Education because of her wisdom and dedication to children and education.
• Darrell Robinson thanked Janice Voorhies for sharing her wisdom and for all she has done as a member of the Board of Education.
• Bryce Dunford said he was grateful for his time spent with Janice Voorhies on the Board and considers her a mentor and friend. Mr. Dunford said Janice will be missed and he thanked her for eight years of service.
• Janice Voorhies said people go into education because they care deeply. She thanked everyone in Jordan School District for having the goal of helping children.

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

In open session, the Board received a report on grants for educators and 2021 summer capital projects. They discussed Teacher and Student Success Act (TSSA) framework for 2020-21 and a bond timeline. The Board received a report on schools being moved to virtual instruction, an update on the pandemic response and discussed the group book study.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications