Aug. 24, 2021 Board Meeting Summary

Summary of Board Actions During Study Session on August 24, 2021

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, thanked Jeri Clayton for her years of service to Jordan School District. He said the school year has gotten off to a great, smooth start and he is proud of everyone’s efforts despite pandemic-related uncertainty. The Superintendent updated the Board on the successful start to our brand new virtual schools and the Majestic Elementary Arts Academy. He said the Supercast has reached a milestone 100 episodes and thanked the Office of Communications for their dedication to making the podcasts happen each week.

Dr. Godfrey introduced Jordan Ridge Elementary School Principal Melissa Beck who reported on literacy efforts at her school. Ms. Beck talked about the school’s mission and vision statements to elevate student learning and success. She introduced her “Dream Team,” which has been successful in identifying gaps in student learning. They talked about the importance of 4-day a week collaboration time for teachers and how that has helped to meet the needs of all students at Jordan Ridge. The group also talked about “Walk to Read,” supporting student interventions and how it has been instrumental in keeping students engaged in reading and achieving proficiency for every child.

Special Business Items
The Board Approved the Following Special Business Items
A legal services agreement regarding vaping litigation
The 2021-22 Early Literacy Plan
The 2021-22 TSSA Plans
Revisions to Administrative Police AS90 Drugs and Alcohol
Revisions to Board Policy GP110 Public Participation at Board Meetings

Patron Comments
Cyndi Nordfelt, a parent, said she is concerned about what she sees as a lack of advanced or enriched learning options for students, especially girls, in Jordan School District for academic rigor outside of ALPS.
Nicole Christofferson, a parent, said the redefinition of the District’s Controversial Issues policy is pretty good but she believes there is still a lack of enforcement.
Kiersten Glenn, a parent, said she is concerned about the use of preferred pronouns in some classrooms.
Heather Belchers, a parent, said she is also concerned about the use of preferred pronouns in classrooms and she believes it is in violation of Utah code.
Mark Thomas, a grandparent, said he is concerned that a history teacher told his grandchild that the story of Paul Revere is false. He encouraged parents to get involved in Board meetings.
Jaada Olson, a parent, expressed concern over preferred pronouns being requested from students in middle schools as a way to get to know them.
Jolene Phelps, a parent, expressed concern over teaching CRT in schools.
Rinsley Jensen, a return missionary living in Hawaii, said we need to love and support all children and teach them that they are not victims.
Rebecca Colley, a parent, expressed concern over the Second Step program (SEL).
Stephen Haslam, a teacher, thanked the Board for their hard work. He said teachers should be able to teach the real history of this country, even if it is uneasy. He said many of his colleagues are afraid to speak out on this. Dr. Haslam said we discuss theories, we do not teach theories.

Board Comments
Tracy Miller thanked Bingham High School for adjusting to virtual learning for the first two weeks of school while construction work was being completed. She reported that students will be back in person on Monday, August 30. She recognized Jeri Clayton for more than 21-years of dedication and commitment to Jordan School District and taking minutes at countless Board of Education meetings. Ms. Miller said Jeri Clayton did a lot of work behind the scenes and she will be greatly missed. She reported on the Bond Committee which will be holding focus groups as a next step toward a possible bond.
Bryce Dunford reported on the Facilities Committee which will be organizing stakeholder walk-throughs inside new schools at every level. The Committee is seeking stakeholder input on how we can improve the building plans prior to building new schools.

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

In open session, the Board reviewed proposed revisions to Administrative Policy AS90 Drugs and Alcohol as well as Board Policy GP110 Public Participation at Board Meetings. They received an update on the Day Ranch property transaction and discussed water conservancy in the District and 2022 Summer Capital Projects. The Board discussed administrative policies regarding clubs in middle schools, the ESSER III Plan, the election process for the Licensed Educator Advisory Committee (LEAC.), and procedures for possible future school closures due to diminishing enrollment. The Board received an update on 2021-22 pandemic related plans.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

Board of Education
Tracy J. Miller, President – Precinct 3
Bryce Dunford, First Vice President – Precinct 5
Marilyn Richards, Second Vice President – Precinct 4
Jen Atwood, Member – Precinct 7
Niki George, Member – Precinct 6
Darrell Robinson, Member – Precinct 1
Matthew Young, Member – Precinct 2