Jan. 27, 2026 Board Meeting Summary

• Summary of Board Actions During Study Session on Jan. 27, 2026

Celebrating Bingham High School
Jack Knudson, student body president, said the history of Bingham High School is rich and integral to the school’s identity. Jack is the 107^th student body president at Bingham and said he has huge shoes to fill. However, he pointed out that the one thing he is better at than pretty much any other student body president is he can do a handstand for 20 seconds.

The theme at BHS this year is “Ignite the Spark,” and Jack said that is integrated into everything they do from athletics to academics, with the hope that students love their school and their classes. He said there is great pride in the success athletics and other extracurricular activities have seen over the past year competing in state competitions in tennis, Unified Soccer, cheer, marching band, ballroom dance and more. There is also a great deal of pride in the increased Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Enrollment course participation. Jack said the student government “Ignited the Spark” with their annual “True Blue” holiday fundraising event, collecting more than $120,000 for local charities. Jack concluded by saying culture runs deep at Bingham High School and they wanted to share a part of that culture with the Board by conducting a cherished tradition, their pinning ceremony.  The ceremony involved giving each Board member a BHS pin, with recipients responding, “It’s a great day to be a Miner,” reinforcing the school culture and community.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, recognized National Board Certified Teachers: Dionne Tarpenning, Monte Vista Elementary School who is a new National Board Certified Teacher; and LaRue Edwards, Herriman High School, recently recertified.

Dr. Godfrey praised the 17 National Board Certified Teachers districtwide saying a great deal of effort goes into receiving the credential, which is recognized as the highest, most respected, and voluntary professional credential in K-12 education, demonstrating advanced teaching standards and expertise. He said it is a rigorous process for teachers who want to improve their craft and they go way above and beyond. Dr. Godfrey said they are a great example of amazing teachers.

Superintendent Godfrey reminded everyone that JATC North and JATC South will hold an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 4 – 7:30 p.m. He encouraged everyone to look into the great programs and opportunities offered at both locations, programs that often lead to amazing careers. Dr. Godfrey said showing up to talk to teachers in person is often the best way to explore a student’s interest in a program or programs.

Patron Comments
Greg Hazard, a parent, expressed concern over a policy which gives parents just five days to excuse a student who was absent from school. He suggested the policy be revised or that it should possibly not exist.

• Board Comments
• Niki George recognized JATC North students for winning a NASA TechRise competition. A team including Zach Hall, Mason Rice, Canyon Bullock, and Blake Bigler, will now work with a NASA TechRise team over the next 18 months and their experiment will then be launched on one of NASA’s High Altitude Balloons. Ms. George reported on the Joint Legislative Committee and reminded everyone that Friday, January 30 is “Day on the Hill” for anyone interested in attending and said “Public Education Day” was last week and it was fun to see all of the things happening.
• Brian Barnett reported on the Facilities Committee which is hoping to gather information from the Board on efforts as it relates to under enrollment in some of our schools. Mr. Bennett asked the Board if there was any interest in analyzing the remodel or upgrade needs of middle schools in the District.
• Erin Barrow congratulated the Copper Hills High Madrigals for being invited to perform at the West Jordan City Oath of Office ceremony. Ms. Barrow attended the Bingham High School holiday charity drive assembly which she described as such fun and said she enjoys meeting with high school student body officers for their monthly luncheons. Ms. Barrow also attended the Jordan Education Foundation Donor Luncheon where she said it was lovely to see all the good things happening in our District. She also attended the “What I Wish I Knew” conference and thanked everyone who helped to organize the meaningful and impressive event.
• Lisa Dean recognized the great work being done at Joel P. Jensen Middle School where teachers are doing so much to make sure students become life long learners, keeping social and emotional wellness in mind. She also recognized West Jordan Middle School for their “Sammy’s Buddy” program which connects students with and without special needs, creating inclusion and building friendships throughout the school. Ms. Dean reminded Board members that March 19 is the bus tour day for JEF’s “Outstanding Educator of the Year” awards and February 9 is the District LEAC meeting at JATC South starting at 4 p.m.
• Suzanne Wood expressed appreciation for all the goodness in Jordan School District and the solid foundation that was laid by all of those who served before her and for involved parents, devoted teachers, and students who helped in creating that foundation.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, potential litigation, and negotiations. In open session, the Board received an update on the Districtwide Health and Wellness Day, and discussed enrollment considerations. They reviewed 2026 summer projects, and legislative proposals and action regarding education. The Board also reviewed Board Policies GP105 – GP110.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

1. Study Session -4:31
   1. Student and Employee Health and Wellness Update – 4:55
   2. Review of Summer Project – 1:13:53
   3. Enrollment Considerations – 1:29:46
   4. Legislative Review Part I – 1:51:52
      Legislative Review Part II – 4:32:43
   5. Review of Board Policies GP105 through GP110 – 4:59:30
2. General Session – 2:39:23
   1. Pledge of Allegiance – 2:40:39 
   2. Reverence – 2:41:45
   3. Celebrating Schools – 2:42:30
   4. Resolutions of Appreciation – 2:51:59
   5. Board Member Recognitions – 2:53:15
   6. Superintendent’s Recognitions – 3:08:36
3. Public Comments – 3:17:15
4. General Business – Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Items – 3:29:34
   1. Board Minutes
   2. Annual Board Meeting Calendar 2026-27
   3. LEA Specific Licensing
5. General Business – Motion to Accept Consent Agenda – 3:31:15
   1. Expenditures
   2. Financial Statements
   3. Personnel – Licensed and Education Support Professionals
   4. Non-compliance Report
6. Bids – 3:32:00
   1. Fort Herriman Middle School – Chromebooks
   2. Riverton High School – Chromebooks
   3. West Jordan High School – Chromebooks
   4. Information Systems – E-Rate Network Switch Upgrade
   5. Transportation – Compressed Natural Gas Tank Replacement
   6. Transportation – A/C Retrofit of School Buses
7. Special Business Items – No items requiring Board approval have been received since last business meeting
8. Information Items – 3:50:00
   1. Superintendent’s Report
9. Discussion Items – 4:00:59
   1. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members
   2. Topics for Bulletin Board
10. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session – 5:24:45
11. Closed Session
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3.  Potential Litigation
    4. Negotiations
    5. Security