Jan. 23, 2024 Board Meeting Summary

• Summary of Board Actions During Study Session on Jan. 23, 2024

Celebrating Riverton High School
Brian Scott, Student Body President, described Riverton High School as a place of belonging. He said to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary, student leaders came up with 25 things they are grateful for at Riverton High, including things like amazing teachers and staff, the energy students bring every day, academic options, and the many different ways students can showcase their talents in clubs and extracurricular activities. Brian said they are very proud of Unified Sports at Riverton High and very proud of student achievement. He said sports programs round out the school’s culture and identity. This year student body leaders handmade friendship bracelets to hand out, hoping to make all students feel welcome and a part of the school. Brian talked with great pride about Silver Rush saying it allows the student body to serve and it helps unify the community.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, said February is “Love the Bus” month, a time to express love and appreciation for school bus drivers. He said the school bus drivers transport tens of thousands of students every single day and he has deep appreciation for what they do to keep students safe.

Superintendent Godfrey attended the musical production “One of These Nights, a Broadway Review” at Riverton High School calling it a tremendous night. He applauded the students and their talent, along with teachers Clin Eaton and Kelly DeHaan. The Superintendent said it was fun to see the results of such hard work on the part of everyone involved.

Special Business Items
The Board approved revisions to Administrative Policy D200 Philosophy of Instruction, Administrative Policy DE501Curriculum Adoption and Review Committee, Board Policy GP110 Public Participation at Board Meetings and retirement of Administrative Policy AA447 Out-of-District Student Enrollment.

• Patron Comments
• Nicole Coombs, a parent, expressed frustration over the broken bleachers at Copper Hills High School, which she says are making it difficult for spectators during sporting events and those involved in cheer performances. Ms. Coombs asked that the Board allocate money to get the bleachers repaired as soon as possible.
• Joanna McLean, a teacher, talked about how cell phones are a distraction in the classroom.
• Alyssa Beynon, a teacher, said students would benefit from a Districtwide cell phone policy.
• Jill Bodine, a teacher, said cell phones in schools are distracting, limiting creativity, and making it difficult to engage students in learning. She asked the Board to be proactive and remove cell phones from instructional time.
• Wendi Stewart, a media specialist, asked that books not be removed from schools in response to passive-aggressive posts on social media. She said community standards should dictate whether books are removed.
• Rebekah Turcsanski, a teacher, said cell phones are a disruption to learning and there needs to be a District policy regarding cell phone use in schools.

• Board Comments
• Tracy Miller expressed appreciation for Unified Sports programs in Jordan School District schools saying she loves how the schools rally around students in the program.
• Niki George reminded everyone that the PTA Region VI Reflections Award Night is February 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Copper Mountain Middle School. Battle of the Bands is on March 8 at Herriman High School and State Reflections winners will be recognized at the March 19 Board of Education meeting. The Region VI PTA awards will be announced at the April 23 Board meeting. Ms. George reported on the Government Relations Committee which is looking into ways to better connect with cities and new city council members through outreach efforts and personal meetings.
• Lisa Dean wished Joel P. Jensen Middle School happy birthday as they are turning 40 years-old in February. She said they will be holding a birthday bash at the school on Thursday, February 15. Ms. Dean reminded everyone that JATC North and South campuses will hold an open house on Thursday, January 25 to showcase all of the amazing programs offered to students. Ms. Dean thanked staff at JATC South for providing Board members snack boxes for every meeting.

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

In open session, the Board reviewed the naming process for a new school in Herriman and the lease revenue bond for a new school. They discussed a seismic study grant, Administrative Policy DP3358 Employee Discrimination and Harassment, and Administrative Policy DP305 Placement and Assignment of Personnel. Board members also discussed potential changes regarding cell phones in schools and they reviewed legislative proposals.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

1. Study Session – 6:03
   1. Naming of New Elementary School in Herriman – 6:26
   2. Seismic Study Update – 14:21
   3. Review of Lease Revenue Bond Reimbursement Resolution and Lease Revenue Bond Authorizing and Delegating Resolution – 29:03
   4. Discussion on Administrative Policy DP358 Employee Discrimination and Harassment – 49:27
   5. Discussion on Administrative Policy DP305 Placement and Assignment of Personnel – 1:16:57
   6. Cell Phone Policy Part I – 1:37:59
      Cell Phone Policy Part II – 4:32:01
   7. Legislative Review – 4:08:31
2. General Session – 2:37:04
   1. Pledge of Allegiance – 2:38:41
   2. Reverence – 2:39:13
   3. Presentation – Celebrating Riverton High School – 2:40:35
   4. Resolutions of Appreciation – 2:48:12
   5. Board Member Recognitions – 2:49:10
   6. Superintendent’s Recognitions – 2:51:29
3. Public Comments – 2:52:32
   1. Guidelines for Public Comments
   2. Comments by Elected Officials
   3. Patron Comments
4. General Business – Approve Consent Agenda – 3:06:18
   1. Board Minutes
   2. Board Meeting Calendar 2024-25
   3. Evaluation of Superintendent of Schools
   4. Evaluation of Business Administrator
5. General Business – Accept Consent Agenda – 3:08:07
   1. Expenditures
   2. Financial Statements
   3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
   4. Certificates for Home Instruction
   5. Non-compliance Report
6. Bids – 3:08:38
   1. Sunset Ridge Middle School – HP Chromebooks & Licenses
   2. Career and Technical Education – Laser Engravers
   3. Board of Education Audit Committee – Financial Auditing Services
7. Special Business Items – 3:18:29
   1. Recommendation to Approve Revisions to Administrative Policy D200 Philosophy of Instruction
   2. Recommendation to Retire Administrative Policy AA447 Out-of-District Student Enrollment
   3. Recommendation to Approve Revisions to Administrative Policy DE501 Curriculum Adoption and Review Committee
   4. Recommendation to Approve Revisions to Board Policy GP110 Public Participation at Board Meetings
8. Information Items – 3:34:01
   1. Superintendent’s Report
9. Discussion Items – 3:35:51
   1. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
10. Adjourn – 4:56:41
    1. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session
11. Closed Session
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3. Potential Litigation
    4. Negotiations
    5. Security