Nov. 29 Board Meeting Summary

Celebrating Oquirrh Hills Middle School
Student body officer, Luke Palmer said Oquirrh Hills Middle School just kicked off “Oquirrh Fest,” their holiday charitable fundraiser. This year they are raising money for the Angel’s Hands Foundation and hope to raise $21,000. The school is grateful for community support which makes a big difference. Luke said Oquirrh Hills Middle is focused on learning with more than 700 students currently on the academic honor roll. He said there is always an effort to increase student engagement with faculty and staff at the school with a goal of providing an excellent educational experience for all. He said there are many opportunities to be involved in clubs like the HOPE Squad to make all students feel welcome at Oquirrh Hills. There is a lot of school spirit and students are grateful for great teachers and staff.

  • Public Hearing
    A public hearing was held on proposed boundary changes for Majestic, Oquirrh, West Jordan and Westland Elementary Schools; and the potential closure of West Jordan Elementary School.
  • Matthew VanDusen, a parent, thanked the Board for listening regarding the potential closure of West Jordan Elementary School. He expressed concern over housing students in portables if the school closes.
  • Peter Harris, a parent, asked the Board to postpone removing West Jordan Elementary School until there are further studies done on the changing demographics in the area from older to younger families.
  • Wendy McConnehey, a parent, said there needs to be a long-term plan for the area around West Jordan Elementary before the school is closed.
  • Andrea Young, a parent, urged the Board to keep the land if they choose to close West Jordan Elementary School.
  • Douglas Greenwood, a parent, said parents in the West Jordan Elementary School area feel neglected.
  • Special Business Items
    The Board approved the following:
  • Boundary changes (Option F) for Majestic, Oquirrh, West Jordan, and Westland Elementary Schools; and the closure of West Jordan Elementary School at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
  • Commitment of funds for securing and the demolishing of West Jordan Elementary School at the end of the 2022-23 school year and for creation of an ad-hoc committee to gather recommendations to the Board for use of the property.
  • Commitment of funds to conduct a Tier II seismic review of all schools as listed on the State’s seismic study as possibly needing upgrades.
  • Commitment of $1.5 million in one-time programming funds for Oquirrh, Westland and Majestic Elementary Schools due to closure of West Jordan Elementary School.
  • Adoption of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Kyle Greene 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.
  • Proposed Revisions to Administrative Policy D200 Philosophy of Instruction.
  • Proposed Revisions to Administrative Policy AA410 Controversial Issues.
  • Proposed Revisions to Administrative Policy AA402 Advancement, Promotion, and Graduation of Students.
  • Proposed Revisions to Administrative Policy AA419 Student Conduct, Dress, and Appearance.
  • Proposed Revisions to Administrative Policy DP367 District Records Management.
  • A resolution authorizing the issuance and sale by the Jordan School District Local Building Authority of its lease revenue bonds to finance the construction of a school benefiting the Herriman, Riverton, and Bluffdale areas.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, recognized all Jordan District Schools for the amazing work they do with charitable fundraising this time of year. He said students work so hard on behalf of others, they are intentional in their approaches and the local charities they support. Superintendent Godfrey said their efforts are so inspiring and he encouraged people to get involved. He thanked everyone for their participation supporting students and their chosen charities.

  • Patron Comments
  • Nicole Christoffersen, a parent, expressed concern about biological males identifying as females using female spaces like restrooms and locker rooms at some of our schools. She asked for a minimum standard of acceptable accommodations for transgender students.
  • Julie Richards, a parent, expressed concern over biological males using girl’s restrooms and locker rooms. She said boundaries and protections for girls are needed.
  • Meredith Balmforth, a parent, expressed concern about reading material assigned to her daughter. She said she is grateful for the policies in place to review reading materials, but suggested there be more training for administrators and teachers.
  • Jason McNeill, a parent, encouraged the Board to implement a policy regarding transgender youth in girl’s bathroom and locker facilities in order to protect transgender and non-transgender students.
  • Tamera Geertsen, a parent, said she wants her daughters to go to school feeling safe in restrooms and locker rooms.
  • Shantel Conradi, a parent, asked the Board to provide public accessible accommodations for all students to help girls feel safe.
  • Board Comments
  • Tracy Miller attended Bingham High School’s production of “Pirates of Penzance,” which she said was a fun musical. She said the Jordan Education Foundation will be holding its “Christmas for Kids” event on December 10 and they still need volunteers. She reminded the Board that the Oath of Office for new board members will be held on January, 10 at 4 p.m.
  • Jen Atwood attended West Jordan High School’s production of “Footloose,” saying it was amazing and students did a fantastic job.
  • Darrell Robinson recognized Mountain Ridge High School students who formed a Political Action Club and sponsored a very successful “Meet the Candidates Night.”

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed property and potential litigation. In open session the Board reviewed the resolution for a potential lease revenue bond for the new flex building in Herriman. They received an update on 2023 summer projects and a report on the Jordan Parent Advisory Committee meeting. The Board discussed the potential closure of West Jordan Elementary School.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

  1. Study Session – 14:24
    1. Review of Lease Revenue Bond Authorizing and Delegating Resolution – 14:58
    2. Update on Summer 2023 Projects – 33:37
    3. Discussion on West Jordan Elementary School – 1:00:02
    4. Report on Jordan Parent Advisory Committee Meeting – 1:57:03
  2. General Session – 2:50:56
    1. Pledge of Allegiance – 2:52:01
    2. Reverence – 2:53:19
    3. Presentation – Celebrating Oquirrh Hills Middle School – 2:53:42
    4. Resolutions of Appreciation – 3:02:01
    5. Recognitions – 3:02:56
    6. Superintendent’s Recognition – 3:07:22
    7. Comments by Elected Officials – 3:09:55
  3. Patron Comments – 3:10:06
  4. Public Hearing – 3:29:00
    1. Proposed Boundary Changes for Majestic, Oquirrh, West Jordan, and Westland Elementary Schools; and the Potential Closure of West Jordan Elementary School
  5. Special Business Items – 3:42:16
    1. Recommendation to Approve Proposed Boundary Changes for Majestic, Oquirrh, West Jordan, and Westland Elementary Schools; and the Potential Closure of West Jordan Elementary School
    2. Recommendation to Approve Commitment of Funds for the Potential Demolition of West Jordan Elementary School
    3. Recommendation to Approve Commitment of Funds for Tier II Seismic Review
    4. Recommendation to Approve Commitment of Funds Due to Potential School Closure
    5. Recommendation to Adopt the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022
    6. Recommendation to Approve Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy D200 Philosophy of Instruction
    7. Recommendation to Approve Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy AA410 Study of Controversial Issues
    8. Recommendation to Approve Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy AA402 Advancement, Promotion, and Graduation of Students
    9. Recommendation to Approve Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy AA419 Student Conduct, Dress, and Appearance
    10. Recommendation to Approve Potential Revisions to Administrative Policy DP367 District Records Management
    11. Consideration to Approve Resolution Directing the Board of Directors of the Local Building Authority of Jordan School District to Undertake a Certain Project through the Issuance and Sale by the Authority of Its Lease Revenue Bonds; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Certain Agreements and Documents Required in Connection Therewith; And Related Matters
    12. Motion to Adjourn Jordan School District Board of Education Meeting and Convene as Local Building Authority
  6. Local Building Authority – 5:11:57
    1. Recommendation and Possible Action to Approve Minutes from June 14, 2022 Meeting
    2. Recommendation and Possible Action to Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale by the Authority of Its Lease Revenue Bonds
    3. Motion to Adjourn Local Building Authority Meeting and Convene as Jordan School District Board of Education
  7. General Business – Approve Consent Agenda – 4:56:58
    1. Board Minutes
    2. LEA-Specific Educator Licensing
  8. General Business – Accept Consent Agenda – 4:57:25
    1. Expenditures
    2. Financial Statements
    3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
    4. Certificates for Home Instruction
    5. Non-compliance Report
  9. Bids – 4:57:57
    1. Central Warehouse – Colored Paper
    2. Central Warehouse – Period Products
    3. Facility Services – Chiller Upgrade at West Hills Middle School
    4. Facility Services – Freezer Replacement at Riverton High School
    5. Facility Services – Roof Replacement – Phase II at Riverton High School
    6. Nutrition Services – Fresh Produce
    7. Nutrition Services – Commodity Fish
  10. Information Items – 5:16:47
    1. Superintendent’s Report
  11. Discussion Items – 5:17:05
    1. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
  12. Adjourn: Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session – 5:21:00
  13. Potential Closed Session
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3. Potential Litigation
    4. Negotiations
    5. Security
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