May 25, 2021 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Riverton High School
Dallin Carter, Student Body President, said it has been a year filled with ups and downs but Riverton High remained a strong nation and kept life moving forward. The theme for this year was “Live Life” and things kicked off with a “Hello Week.”  Dallin said there were many modified events throughout the year and things like football games brought a sense of normalcy back again. He said students raised $90,000 for their charity over the holiday season and everyone wants the school year to end strong. Dallin thanked the Board and school administration for their support.

• Jordan Education Foundation Support Professionals Award
  The following employees were recognized as Outstanding Jordan Education Support Professionals.
• Lou Ann Burnett, Herriman High – Administrative Assistant
• Clydine Carlson, West Jordan High – Administrative Assistant/Registrar
• Natalie Casper, Accounting – JSD Administrative Assistant Mentor/Trainer
• William Flint, Riverside Elementary – Head Custodian
• Lisa Ford, Bingham High – School Administrative Clerk
• Monique Forman, Bluffdale Elementary – Nutrition Manager
• Ann Fritz, South Jordan Middle – Administrative Assistant
• Emily Gates, JATC South Campus – Nutrition Manager
• Christy Green, South Hills Middle – Administrative Assistant/Attendance
• David Hawkins, JATC North – Head Custodian
• Tonya Holmes, Elk Ridge Middle – School Campus Monitor
• Mindy Kinder, Southland Elementary – Nutrition Manager
• RaeAnna Kirk, Jordan Hills Elementary – Lead Nurse
• Diane Malmborg, River’s Edge School – Instructional Assistant
• Tiffaney Marquez, Westvale Elementary – Administrative Assistant
• Alicia Mckendrick, Mountain Point Elementary – Nutrition Manager
• Trisha Mortensen, Eastlake Elementary – Nutrition Manager
• Michelle Nielson, Copper Hills High – School Administrative Clerk
• Jeremy Peart, Oquirrh Hills Middle – Head Custodian
• Autumn Penney, Kauri Sue Hamilton School – Head Custodian
• Louanna Schick, Riverton High – Administrative Assistant/Registrar
• Debra Schmidt, Rosamond Elementary – Administrative Assistant
• Deborah Soelberg, Transportation – Route Coordinator
• Ruth Sowell, Joel P. Jensen Middle – Administrative Assistant/Attendance
• Barry Watkins, Columbia Elementary – Head Custodian

Superintendent’s Recognition
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, recognized Kymberli Cosner, the 2021 Jordan School District Teacher of the Year. He said being the number one teacher out of more than 3,000 Districtwide is no small feat. Dr. Godfrey applauded Ms. Cosner for fully engaging her students in learning and elevating that learning and he is proud to have her represent JSD in the State Teacher of the Year competition. 

Ms. Cosner said her parents taught her that anything is possible if you work hard. She thanked Columbia Elementary School, JSD administration, and her teaching team for their support.

Superintendent Godfrey also reported on additional awards in JSD. He congratulated District counselors who swept the State Counselor Association award categories and Utah Education Shield Award winners at Monte Vista Elementary School and West Jordan Middle School. The Superintendent said Terra Linda Elementary School Assistant Principal Yajaira Martinez was honored as UAESP Assistant Principal of the Year.

Elected Official Comments
Rep. Susan Pulsipher, thanked all educators in JSD for the amazing work they have done along with administrators and support professionals this school year.

Special Business Items
The Board approved the calendar for the 2022-23 School Year. The Board approved Administrative Policy DP380 Maternity/Parent Leave.

• Board Comments
• Darrell Robinson congratulated the Mountain Ridge High School Lacrosse team and thanked the school and community for unity in supporting the team.
• Jen Atwood said the “One School, One Book,” program at West Jordan Middle School was a great success and this year included an amazing virtual interview with author Jason Reynolds. She attended the Majestic Elementary School Family Learning Center graduation ceremony and was so proud to see parents receive their GED. Ms. Atwood also attended several retirement celebrations.
• Niki George attended the Copper Hills High School play “Into The Woods,” and was incredibly impressed. She also attended “Battle of the Books,” and said it was fun to see the student experience.
• Tracy Miller attended “Battle of the Books,” at Eastlake Elementary School and said it was very impressive. She also attended the Bingham High School Band concert which said described as great. She also thanked Bluffdale Elementary and Riverton High School for hosting elected officials calling it a great visit and the students were very impressive.
• Marilyn Richards reported on the Finance Committee which met and reviewed the budget that will be presented to the Board for approval in June.

• Patron Comments
• Amy Ward, a parent, thanked the JSD Board for allowing parent voices to be heard and for always listening.
• A group of parents asked the Board to keep Critical Race Theory out of our classrooms. They voiced opposition to the 1619 Project and said alternative curriculum and options should be considered such as 1776 United. 
• Jason Glenn, a parent, expressed gratitude to the Board for listening to parents and patrons. He said it is great to live in a community where different viewpoints can be expressed and thanked the Board for trying to balance everything in a tough year.
• Angel King, a parent, thanked the Board for keeping the Life Skills Program at Riverton and Bingham High Schools. Ms. King and a number of parents asked the Board to allow all students with special needs to attend their neighborhood, boundary schools in the future. The parents expressed frustration over special needs students being bussed out of their neighborhoods.
• Several parents expressed concern over the Friday school schedule being considered for the upcoming school year.

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

In open session, the Board discussed modifications to the 2022-23 Calendar and received a report from the Extra Mile Pay Committee. They discussed parameters for the 2021-22 Friday schedule, kindergarten Friday schedule options and possible equipment purchase to live stream Board of Education Meetings. The Board received a pandemic update.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications