Dec. 10, 2024 Board Meeting Summary

• Summary of Board Actions During Study Session on Dec. 10, 2024

Celebrating Joel P. Jensen Middle School
Josh Bustos, Student Body Officer, said Joel P. Jensen is a place of excellence and opportunities with incredible staff catering to learning needs and making sure every student can find success personally and academically. Josh said at Joel P. they value strong relationships and core values guide everything they do every day. He reported that students find remarkable success, especially in the area of credit recovery. The Ron McBride Foundation offers great support to Joel P. with grants funding a long list of after-school programs. Josh said Joel P. encourages the expression of diverse cultures, with Latinos In Action and People of the Pacific performing for the Board of Education at the meeting. The presentation ended with students saying Joel P. Jensen is a school where every student can learn and grow.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, said there is a lot of charitable fundraising going on in JSD schools this time of year which is very exciting. He thanked everyone for all they do to support activities leading up to the winter break.

The Superintendent presented his annual report to the Board saying he never takes his job for granted and he wants to do everything he can to make the most of his position every day. Dr. Godfrey said it is a joy to see all the good things happening in Jordan School District and that the trends are going in the right direction. He said he never takes for granted the support from Board members and their approach to supporting students and himself. The Superintendent praised John Larsen for his high standards in accounting and the way in which his team conducts business. Dr. Godfrey reported on enrollment leveling out in the District, on the increase in diversity, and on declining attendance. The Superintendent also reported on test scores in reading, language arts, math, science as well as in RISE, AP testing, and the ACT. He reported that the drop-out rate is down in JSD and graduation rates are at an all-time high at 92%.  He applauded Human Resources for all of the great applicants coming to the District and thanked the Board for supporting efforts to empower employees. The Superintendent talked about safety and security, customer service, and how much he enjoys showcasing students, teachers, and staff on his weekly podcast the Supercast.

The Superintendent thanked Tracy Miller and Marilyn Richards for their time on the Board of Education and for their support throughout the years.

• Patron Comments
• Amanda Bollinger, an employee, introduced herself as the incoming State School Board member representing District 9 and said she looked forward to collaborating with the Board on solving issues and concerns as well as finding ways to retain high quality teachers.
• Shawn Mathis, an employee, expressed concerns about DP338 Reimbursement of Licensed Employees Elected to Public Office and the potential funding of political campaigns and activists.
• David Morales, a patron, expressed concern over his children being listed as ESL and asked the Board to look closely at existing programs and services provided to students.
• Janet Sanders, JEA President, thanked the Board and administration for working with JEA in efforts to make public education all that it can be so that society can thrive.
• Kendall Pool, an employee, said Joel P. Jensen Middle is an amazing school and employees are one big work family and deeply care about one another. He said it would be a huge disservice to students to close the school.

• Board Comments
• Lisa Dean said Jordan School District is well represented on the West Jordan community band. She also reminded District employees that the “What I Wish You Knew” conference is being held at Riverton High School on January 21.
• Niki George said this is the busiest time of year for teachers and thanked them for their hard work. She congratulated the Copper Hills High cheer team for winning first place in the Regional Stunting Cheer Competition. She reported on the Government Relations Committee which recently held a series of successful legislative breakfasts. Ms. George recognized and thanked Tracy Miller and Marilyn Richards for their time serving on the Board of Education.
• Tracy Miller said this year’s JEF Christmas for Kids was a huge success serving more than 700 students in need. She reminded everyone that the JEF Donor Appreciation Lunch will be held on January 30. Ms. Miller said serving on the Board of Education has been the honor of a lifetime and her favorite experience throughout the years has always been attending graduations. She said she is proud of the work done during her time on the Board and said the District is in good hands moving forward.
• Marilyn Richards thanked fellow Board members for their support over the last eight years saying it has been a magnificent experience and she will truly miss everyone.

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

In open session the Board discussed potential boundary changes at Aspen Elementary, Board Policy GP117 Travel and Other Board Expenses, and a West Jordan High School renovation. They reviewed revisions to Board Policy E400 Mission Statement, new Board Policy E405 Ends, and proposed revisions to Administrative Policy DP338 Reimbursement of Licensed Employees Elected to Public Office.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

1. Study Session – 6:35
   1. Discussion on Potential Boundary Changes at Aspen Elementary School – 7:18
   2. Discussion on Board Policy GP117 Travel and Other Board Expenses – 23:22
   3. Review of Revisions to Board Policy E400 Mission Statement – 27:37
   4. Review of New Board Policy E405 Ends – 30:54
   5. Review of Proposed Revisions to Administrative Policy DP338 Reimbursement of Licensed Employees Elected to Public Office – 36:01
   6. Discussion on West Jordan High School Renovation – 1:18:58
2. General Session – 2:36:49
   1. Pledge of Allegiance – 2:38:23
   2. Reverence – 2:40:08
   3. Presentation – Celebrating Joel P. Jensen Middle School – 2:40:35
   4. Resolution of Appreciation – 2:52:10
   5. Board Member Recognitions – 2:52:55
   6. Superintendent’s Recognitions – 2:54:42
3. Public Comments – 2:55:51
   1. Guidelines for Public Comments
4. General Business – Approve Consent Agenda – 3:08:28
   1. Board Minutes
5. General Business – Accept Consent Agenda – 3:08:52
   1. Expenditures
   2. Financial Statements
   3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
   4. Certificates for Home Instruction
   5. Non-compliance Report
6. Bids – 3:09:15
   1. Fort Herriman Middle School – Chromebooks and Licenses
   2. Central Warehouse – White Copy Paper
   3. Transportation – School Buses
7. Special Business Items – 3:13:35
   1. BUDGET HEARING: Recommendation to Approve Amended Budget for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year
   2. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of an Amendment to the Board Compensation Schedule
   3. Recommendation to Approve Boundary Change at Aspen Elementary School
   4. Recommendation to Approve Revisions to Board Policy E400 Mission Statement
   5. Recommendation to Approve New Board Policy E405 Ends
   6. Recommendation to Retire Board Policies: E401 Student Achievement; E402 Empowering Employees; E403 Customer Service; and E404 Safety and Security
8. Information Items – 3:55:16
   1. Superintendent’s Annual Report to the Board of Education
9. Discussion Items – 4:43:45
   1. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
10. Adjourn – 4:57:31
    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