June 10, 2025 Board Meeting Summary

Budget Hearing for the 2025-26 School Year

Business Administrator John Larsen presented the proposed 2025-26 budget of $940 million to the Board of Education during the District’s annual budget hearing. The Board adopted the 2024-25 final amended budget, the 2025-26 proposed budget and authorized any budget adjustments necessary to reflect funds received from the Certified Tax Rate.

Superintendent Godfrey thanked Mr. Larsen and his staff for their hard work preparing the budget. The Superintendent said he has the highest confidence in JSD’s accounting team and their ability to take good care of public tax dollars with integrity, skill, and dedication. Dr. Godfrey said the budget reflects Board and District values in providing the best education possible for students. He said the budget is a very complicated process and is at the core of what is done as a District.

Mr. Larsen summarized three main points of the 2025-26 budget, which were: 1) Proposed Negotiated Salary Agreements; 2) Health Insurance Premium Cost Increases; and 3) Construction Projects

Mr. Larsen then reviewed the following aspects of the 2025-26 proposed budget:

  • Student enrollment is projected at 56,371students
  • WPU increase of 4.0%
  • New Jordan Learning Center (JLC) in South Jordan will open in September of the 2025-26 school year
  • Declining debt payments and the associated debt service tax rate
  • Registration fees eliminated

Special Business Items

  • The Board reviewed the sensitive material appeals and voted unanimously that three books under appeal do not constitute objective, sensitive material under Utah code.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Anthony Godfrey, Superintendent of Schools, said he is grateful for all the work that went into preparing students for graduation and for making the ceremonies run smoothly. He specifically thanked teachers and school counselors for their work with students in this year’s graduating class.

Superintendent Godfrey said having graduation ceremonies over several days worked very well and students did a great job. He said graduation is an important reminder of why “we do what we do” and he thanked Board members for their speeches and participation in graduation ceremonies.

The Superintendent reminded everyone that there are a lot of great things happening over the summer months including free meal service for all students birth to 18-years-old. He said the summer will include professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators. Dr. Godfrey said he hopes that everyone will find time away over the summer as well.

Board Comments

  • Niki George expressed gratitude to the graduating class of 2025 saying she was very proud of the way graduates represented the District. She congratulated everyone involved in the ceremonies and said it was the greatest privilege to be a part of the ceremonies.
  • Bryce Dunford congratulated the Bingham High School boys’ volleyball team on their State championship.
  • Lisa Dean expressed appreciation for everyone who helped to get students to the point of graduation this year. She attended a Family Learning Center graduation at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy saying she loves what Jordan School District does to support families and help them move forward with their lives.
  • Darrell Robinson said he attended multiple graduation ceremonies this year and he complimented Utah Valley University for a phenomenal job on keeping the flow of graduates moving and for their tremendous support.
  • Suzanne Wood congratulated the Riverton High School girls’ softball team on their State championship.
  • Erin Barrow said it was a treat and a pleasure to attend the high school graduations, which she described as a wonderful experience. Ms. Barrow said the King’s Peak Virtual High School graduation was extra special this year because it was the first graduating class of 18 students who attended all four years at the virtual school.

Closed, Study Session

In closed session, Board members discussed personnel, property, and potential litigation.

In open session, the Board continued a discussion on Portrait of a Graduate and the Strategic Plan and reviewed recommended revisions to Administrative Policy AA414 Student Overnight Travel. They discussed initial boundary change data for Midas Creek Elementary School and Sunset Ridge Middle School. The Board continued discussed schedule sharing for school events and reviewed Administrative Policy AA440 Library Media Selection and Review.

Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications

  1. Study Session – Open Meeting – 7:20
    1. Discussion on Portrait of a Graduate and the Strategic Plan- 7:53
    2. Review of Recommended Revisions to Administrative Policy AA414 Student Overnight Travel -1:01:16
    3. Initial Boundary Change Data for Midas Creek Elementary School- 5:14:32
    4. Initial Boundary Change Data for Sunset Ridge Middle School-6:11:57
    5. Schedule Sharing for School Events-6:43:24
    6. Review of Administrative Policy AA440 Library Media Selection and Review-6:56:17
  2. Budget Hearing for the 2025-26 School Year – Open Meeting 2:09:47
    1. Budget Presentation -2:09:47
    2. GP110 Public Participation at Board Meetings. For more information on providing public comment
  4. General Session – Open Meeting –4:09:09
    1. Resolution of Appreciation-4:09:09
    2. Board Member Recognitions-4:10:12
    3. Superintendent’s Recognitions-4:17:33
    4. Public Comments-4:20:17
    5. General Business – Motion to Accept Consent Agenda-4:21:03
    6. Consideration of Sensitive Material Review Appeals-4:25:47
    7. Superintendent’s Report-4:48:05
    8. Committee Reports and Comments by Board Members-4:49:27
  5. Potential Closed Session 5:00:06
    1. Character and Competence of Individuals (Personnel)
    2. Property
    3. Negotiations
    4. Potential Litigation
    5. Security