Summary of Board Actions During Study Session on April 23, 2024
Celebrating Mountain Ridge High School Carter Jackson, student and Makai Jackson, SBO President, talked about growing a legacy at Mountain Ridge High School and the pride everyone takes in being a MRHS Sentinel. The school theme this year is “Story of Our Lives,” due to the fact that students will remember their time at Mountain Ridge High for the rest of their lives. Makai Jackson said MRHS takes great pride in the success of its many athletic teams, programs, and clubs which were awarded state and national recognitions this year. Makai talked about the successful December charity drive ‘Season of Scarlet’ which raised a record $109,479 benefiting the For The Kids Foundation. She said the school continues to expand its legacy and write the story of MRHS which has awesome students, teachers, and staff. She concluded by saying “Together We are Sentinel Strong.”
Recognitions Region 6 PTA Director Sonja DeLaney, Associate Director Jessica Navarro, and Awards Specialist Ann Howden presented the Region 6 PTA awards to the following:
Administrator
Abe Yospe, Foothills Elementary School
April Thompson, Riverton Elementary School
Advocacy
Stephanie Beck, Foothills Elementary School
Development
Danielle Gough, Fox Hollow Elementary School
Laurie Jo McDonald, Foothills, Elementary School
Elementary Educator
Chris Bernier, Foothills Elementary School
Gina Nokes, Riverton Elementary School
Engagement
Jen Gallagher, Foothills Elementary School
Bingham High School PTSA
Inclusivity
Julie Stuart, Foothills Elementary School
Secondary Educator
Brett Nelson, Riverton High School
Cris Stiles, Mt Ridge High School
Marc Jensen, Bingham High School
Spirit of PTA
Chantal Brown, Bingham High School
Heather Vanleeuwen, Jordan Ridge Elementary School
Megan Wilding, Blackridge Elementary School
Morgan Meyers, Foothills Elementary School
Support Staff
Carolyn Wood, Riverton Elementary School
Favio Gonzalez, Foothills Elementary School
Kaydee Gehrke, Black Ridge Elementary School
Tricia Troester, Elk Meadows Elementary School
Volunteer
Ashley Pack, Golden Fields Elementary School
Camille Kidman, Riverton Elementary School
Elissa Tran, Copper Mountain Middle School
Kayci Richins, Riverton Elementary School
Kimber Probst, Foothills Elementary School
Laurie Larsen, Blackridge Elementary School
Mackenzie Ferrin, Columbia Elementary School
State Winners from Region 6
Abe Yospe
Stephanie Beck
Danielle Gough
Chris Bernier
Jen Gallagher
Julie Stuart
Cris Stiles
Favia Gonzalez
Tricia Troester
Congratulations to all of the amazing Region 6 PTA award recipients!
Superintendent’s Report Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, recognized 220 students in the Herriman High School Choir, Orchestra, and Tour Concert Band for their recent performance at the National Veterans Day Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii. The students represented not just HHS and Jordan School District but the entire State of Utah. One of the students, Connor Price, thanked Board members for their support saying it was an incredibly valuable experience to celebrate and honor Vietnam veterans for their sacrifice on such a meaningful trip.
The Superintendent also thanked everyone involved in the Jordan Education Association’s recognition dinner and program. He said everyone did a tremendous job, including the evening’s MC, KSL’s Amanda Dickson. Dr. Godfrey congratulated the wonderful group of 18 Outstanding Educators of the Year, the Outstanding Principal of the Year, Mike Glenn, and student honorees. He said it was a night to remember.
Special Business Items
The Board Approved the Following Special Business Items:
Amended budget for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Calendar for the 2025-26 school year
Portrait of a Graduate and Strategic Plan documents
Falcon Ridge excess property – CW land purchase sales agreement
Patron Comments
Elizabeth Urie, student, expressed frustration over the discontinuation of the Debate class at Bingham High School. She said it was one of her favorite programs and it taught her how to speak and present her views. Ms. Urie asked that the program be reinstated.
Thom Urie, a parent, expressed disappointment over discontinuation of the Debate class at Bingham High School of which his daughter has been a part since 9 ninth grade. He said a high school debate program is a great way to prepare students for the real world and asked that it be reinstated.
Board Comments
Tracy Miller thanked the Jordan Youth Symphony for their wonderful performance prior to the Board meeting. She attended “Adam’s Family” the musical at Mountain Creek Middle School and “Shrek Jr.” at South Jordan Elementary School. Ms. Miller said the Native American Night where they celebrated the Native American culture along with 25 graduates was great and she thanked everyone involved in the JSD Wellness Night at Riverton High where families were connected with a wide variety of health and wellness resources.
Niki George congratulated students at JATC South who are going to Nationals in the Virtual Reality Video Gaming Writing competition and to the Copper Hills High School Chess Club for winning gold at the Utah State Championships. Ms. George also congratulated HOSA students who participated in State competitions, to Oakcrest Elementary for their great production of “Newsies,” and to Falcon Ridge Elementary School for celebrating the school’s “Sweet 16” birthday. Ms. George also thanked Region 6 PTA members for everything they do to improve the quality experiences in our schools.
Darrell Robinson recognized students who participated in “We the People,” congratulating Fort Herriman Middle School for taking second place in State and West Jordan Middle School for placing third in State.
Bryce Dunford expressed concern over possibly discontinuing the Debate class at Bingham High School saying he is hopeful someone will step up to teach Debate and keep the program going.
Marilyn Richards reported on the Facilities Committee which will take a field trip to see the new Juniper Elementary School on May 7.
Lisa Dean attended the Unified Sport Bocce Ball tournament saying it was a great event unifying all students and she thanked the many volunteers who helped to make it happen.
Closed, Study Session In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, and negotiations.
In open session, the Board reviewed the calendar survey for 2025-26, a report on enrollment trends for multi-language learners, and proposed options for support from Education Elements.
Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
Property
Potential Litigation
Negotiations
Security
Board of Education
Tracy J. Miller, President – Voting District 3
Niki George, First Vice President – Voting District 6
Darrell Robinson, Second Vice President – Voting District 1
Brian W. Barnett, Member – Voting District 2
Lisa Dean, Member – Voting District 7
Bryce Dunford, Member – Voting District 5
Marilyn Richards, Member – Voting District 4