July 31, 2018 Board Meeting Summary

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Patrice A. Johnson, Superintendent of Schools, reported that the first Avoid-Deny-Defend and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care training was held for year-round teachers and all traditional calendar teachers will receive the same training in August. She also shared with the Board an update on hiring in the elementary and secondary schools, reporting that almost all positions have been filled.

• Patron Comments
• Heather Reich, a teacher, thanked John Larsen and Anthony Godfrey for their efforts to get the best possible outcome in teacher compensations and she thanked Board members for their commitment to teachers.
• Tom Willis, a patron, asked the Board to consider his suicide prevention program which uses birds to identify at risk individuals.
• Brooke Hyer, a parent, expressed concern over food that is being brought into classrooms, which could pose a threat to children with allergies.

• Board Comments
• Janice Voorhies said the Copper Hills High parking lot is already full, which indicates a lot of activity going on to get ready for the new school year, something that is happening at all of our schools. Mrs. Voorhies reported that the Southwest Economic Summit will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. – noon at the JATC South.
• Marilyn Richards said she is happy with the progress being made on new school construction in the District.
• Tracy Miller heard from East Lake Elementary School teacher Kerry Simi, who expressed thanks to the Board for listening and addressing the issue of overcrowding at the school. She also asked the Board to share legislative priority ideas with her for the upcoming legislative session.
• Darrell Robinson reported that the first Parent University will be held in September and the topic will be understanding boundary changes.

Closed, Study Session
In closed session, Board members discussed personnel and property. In open session, the Board reviewed GP113 Board Committee Principles and discussed a Health and Wellness organizational approach, boundary realignment, a timeline for selection of new building school colors along with 2019 USBA legislative priorities. They also received an update on insurance, the calendaring process for capital projects and the Carson B. Smith scholarship. The Board discussed communication between Board members and patrons.

– Sandy Riesgraf, Director of Communications