Aug. 22, 2023 Board Meeting Summary

• Summary of Board Actions During Study Session on Aug. 22, 2023

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey Superintendent of Schools, thanked Carolyn Gough and her Teaching and Learning team for tremendous effort that went into putting on a great Teacher Professional Development Day at 12 locations throughout the District. He thanked Board members for their support of the professional development day event.

Dr. Godfrey thanked members of the Office of Communications for their hard work in sharing great news about things happening in the District. He said there have been so many positive stories in the news recently celebrating our schools and employees. He thanked teachers, principals, and staff who have stepped up to help promote the good things and said he has enjoyed all of the interactions with local media in the back to school coverage.

Special Business Item
The Board approved a universal settlement and release of all claims in girls football litigation.

• Patron Comments
• Kirby Croyle, League of Women Voters, explained that she is with the LWV observer corps. She thanked the Board for working so hard for children and looks forward to collaborating in the future.
• Molly Briscoe, League of Women Voters, introduced herself as the LWV observer for Jordan School District.
• Cindy Mitchell, a Librarian South Jordan Middle School, thanked the Board for supporting her as a librarian doing the best she can for students. She said she wants parents to choose books alongside their students, furthering healthy communication about books.
• Jennifer Fullmer, a parent, said she has had marvelous experiences with her kids in Jordan School District but expressed concerns regarding pornographic materials in schools.
• Steven Burt, a parent and employee, asked the Board to act consistent with the First Amendment and view books as a whole. He said Jordan School District inspired him to have a love for reading.
• Shawn Mathis, a parent, expressed concerns regarding some books in schools and asked the Board to change what they are doing with book reviews.
• Esther Bennett, a parent, said she is deeply concerned about harmful materials in schools. Ms. Bennett said she appreciates teachers who provide parents with syllabuses to ensure students are not reading harmful materials.
• Angela Hussey, a parent, said she believes the controversial issues policy is not working, that it is not being followed and is unclear.
• Nicole Christofferson, a parent, said the book review process and policies are flawed.
• Robyn Barnhill, a parent, expressed concerns regarding dark and vile books.

Elected Official Comments
State Representative Ken Ivory asked the Board to follow HB 374, the “bright line rule” and immediately remove all inappropriate materials from JSD schools. He also read a statement from Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs asking for a call to action in the removal of inappropriate materials in schools throughout the District.

• Board Comments
• Tracy Miller attended the Utah Fellows Capstone event and congratulated Jordan School District’s three new members of the cohorts, Brenda Straley, Kelli Cannon, and William Shields. She recognized everyone who participated in the Bluffdale parade saying it was great. Ms. Miller attended the new teacher welcome event which she described as fantastic. She also was with FFA students at a Bastian Ag Center event and met with Congressman Burgess Owen’s staff at a retreat to discuss ways they can support education.
• Lisa Dean said the new West Jordan High School parking lot is beautiful. She expressed that everyone has a place in our schools and belongs here. Ms. Dean said there will be a celebration of American Founders and Constitution Month at the State Capitol rotunda on August 31 at 9:45 a.m.
• Darrell Robinson thanked Facilities Services for all their hard work keeping our school running smoothly and looking so good and thanked Transportation for their hard work over the summer months. Mr. Robinson attended several Back to School Nights and thanked school counselors for the experiences they give to students.
• Marilyn Richards attended a day long UHSAA meeting.
• Niki George reported on the Government Relations Committee which she said suggested the Board meet with local lawmakers earlier than January, in three separate meetings.
• Brian Barnett expressed concerns regarding companies possibly overcharging the District for work. He asked the Board to explore options to be less dependent on third party contractors and said we need to look for more ways to trim the fat.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, and potential litigation. In open session, the Board discussed 2024 summer capital projects and Title III Policy.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

1. Study Session – 3:46
   1. 2024 Summer Capital Projects – 23:35
   2. Title III Policy – 4:30
2. General Session – 2:32:53
   1. Pledge of Allegiance – 2:34:14
   2. Reverence – 2:34:46 
   3. Resolutions of Appreciation – 2:36:15
   4. Recognitions – 2:37:00
   5. Superintendent’s Recognitions – 2:42:52
3. Public Comments – 2:44:20
   1. Comments by Elected Officials
   2. Patron Comments
4. General Business – Approve Consent Agenda – 3:31:17
   1. Board Minutes
5. General Business – Accept Consent Agenda – 3:31:47
   1. Expenditures
   2. Financial Statements
   3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
   4. Certificates for Home Instruction
   5. Non-compliance Report
6. Bids – 3:32:05
   1. Administrator of Schools – Driver Education Canopy at Herriman High School
   2. Administrator of Schools – Driver Education Canopy at Mountain Ridge High School
   3. Transportation – Zonar Fleet Management Software
   4. Nutrition Services – Sidekick Frozen Juices
7. Special Business Items – 3:45:04
   1. Recommendation to Approve Universal Settlement and Release of All Claims in Girls Football Litigation
8. Information Items – 3:48:16
   1. Superintendent’s Report
9. Discussion Items – 3:50:59
   1. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
10. Adjourn – 4:32:21
    1. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session
11. Potential Closed Session
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3. Potential Litigation
    4. Negotiations
    5. Security