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FEBRUARY 2006 |
Board Adopts Plan C
During its regular meeting Feb. 21, the Board of Education voted to adopt Plan C as presented by the GASB Advisory Task Force and modify the cost of employee post-retirement insurance. More than 400 employee comments were considered as the Board adopted the plan in an effort to eliminate District post-retirement benefits and comply with new rules imposed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
Plan C, as outlined in information previoiusly provided to employees, was the only one of the three plans presented that stayed within the allotted budget. During the meeting, Board members expressed regret at having to make this difficult decision. Selecting Plans A or B would potentially drain funds that could otherwise be used for salary increases or other forms of compensation.
The Board also adopted the elements listed under “Common to All Plans” on page 3 of the GASB information booklet, with the exception of a modification to the cost of post-retirement insurance. These elements include:
- Begins with the 2006-07 contract year;
- Years served in the District and salary, for calculating District retirement only, will be frozen;
- Sick and personal leave payout and $75 per year benefits will be calculated the same as current policy, but frozen at the end of the 2005-06 contract year;
- Upon retirement, the employee will receive a cash equivalent, in today’s dollars, in lieu of a non-cash benefit such as insurance coverage;
- Employees must still retire from the District and the Utah State Retirement System to qualify;
- The dollar amount each employee will receive is capped and will not increase, but may decrease depending on personal situation;
- Employees who retire after the current contract year may implement COBRA health insurance at 102 percent of employee premium cost for the first 18 months of retirement. For the next six-month period, the current retiree insurance cost of 110 percent will be applied. Beginning the third year, and each year thereafter, the District insurance cost will be adjusted to the prior three-year retiree average.
Additional information, including answers to common questions, is available in the GASB information booklet. New Q&As are added online at www.jordandistrict.org as available. |
GASB Meetings and Updates
Members of the GASB Advisory Task Force will be on hand to address employee questions about changes to District post-retirement benefits during three open house meetings this week:
- Feb. 28: 4-6 p.m., Joel P. Jensen Middle, 8105 S. 3200 West, West Jordan, cafeteria/gym
- March 1: 4-6 p.m., Crescent View Middle, 11150 S. 300 East, Sandy, cafeteria/gym
- March 2: 4-6 p.m., Elk Ridge Middle, 3659 West 9800 South, South Jordan, cafeteria/gym
Please note that representatives will not have information available at these meetings to provide specific individual retirement payout details. A benefits calculator to help employees approximate District retirement payout based on plan changes is available on the GASB Web page at www.jordandistrict.org/general/gasb/index.html . The page also contains new questions and answers, as well as information for those considering retiring this year. Additional questions and answers will be added as they are available.
Media Specialist of the Year
Susan Huff, media specialist at Riverton High, received the Media Specialist of the Year award from the Utah Educational Library Media Association. The award recognizes an individual who is making a significant contribution to library media programs in Utah.
Educator of the Month
The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Credit Union honored Karma Bateman, math teacher at Jordan High, Sandy, as Educator of the Month for February. The award was presented at a luncheon Feb. 23.
Bear Drive for Abused Children
Student Accreditation Team leaders from Oquirrh Hills Middle, Riverton, delivered 170 stuffed bears and various other stuffed animals to the Salt Lake County Children’s Justice Center. A wide variety of new, stuffed animals were donated by students, teachers, staff and administrators during its annual "Bear Drive." These stuffed animals will be given to children who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, abductions and Shaken Baby Syndrome. To date, Oquirrh Hills Middle has donated more than 450 stuffed animals.
Kindergarten Wedding Ceremony
Willow Canyon Elementary, Sandy, was the site of a most unusual wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day. The letters “q” and “u” were “married” in Denise Hudson’s kindergarten classroom. All 22 students participated in the ceremony. A flower girl and bridesmaids marched up a classroom aisle meeting the groomsmen in the front where Hudson spoke about the “qu” sound and gave examples. Other students sang the ABC song, took photographs, and served refreshments. Guests of honor included Principal Karen Thomson who blew bubbles as the happy couple went down the aisle to the “Wedding March.”
Poster/Costume Contests
As part of Foreign Language Week at Oquirrh Hills Middle, Riverton, the Foreign Language Department held poster-decorating and costume contests. During the week, posters decorated the school’s halls, encouraging students to sign up for a foreign language.
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Benefit and Wage Statements
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Per negotiated agreement, the District will be providing all benefit-eligible employees a benefit and wage statement with February payroll. The statement provides estimates on gross wages, as well as the amount the District pays on behalf of employees for benefits. It is an estimate only based on contracted wages and benefits at a single point in time and may not match exactly with actual earnings. The statement also will not reflect any overtime or changes in contracts made during the year. Please read all information carefully, including the footnote explanations to understand the statements. If, after reviewing this information, you still have questions about your statement, contact one of the following:
- medical coverage, Insurance Department, (801) 567-8146;
- wages, Human Resources Department, (801) 567-8150.
GASB Decision Tonight
The Jordan Board of Education will address the GASB Advisory Task Force plans for phasing out District post-retirement benefits during its regular meeting tonight (Feb. 21), 7 p.m., at Mount Jordan Middle School. Information about the Board’s decision will be available Wednesday morning (Feb. 22) by e-mail and on the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org. Printed information for employees will follow in Current on Friday (Feb. 24).
Board President Peggy Jo Kennett (left) and Board Member J. Dale Christensen pause with Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini at the children’s play area inside the newly opened Midvale Family Heath Center at Midvale Middle. |
Clinic Officially Opened
Superintendent Barry L. Newbold, Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini and representatives from the Salt Lake County Health Department were among those participating in a program to officially open the Midvale Family Health Center inside Midvale Middle. Jordan District, Midvale City and Intermountain Healthcare, worked together to create the center. The clinic offers primary medical care to community members and students. This is the first independent school clinic to open in Utah, and represents a public-private partnership unique in the state.
Human Rights Award
Joyce Guenon, Native American Education Outreach coordinator for the Alternative Language Services Department, was awarded the Human Rights Award from the Utah School Counselor Association. She was recognized at the organization’s annual meeting Feb. 10 in Provo. The award recognizes “exemplary service in improving lives.”
Outstanding Arts Educator
Mary Ann Larsen, third-grade teacher at Welby Elementary, South Jordan, was recognized as the Outstanding Elementary Arts Educator for Jordan District during the annual ABC the Arts and Me Awards Gala. The event, sponsored by Artistic Resource for Teachers and Students (ARTS) and Zions Bank, recognizes extraordinary contributions by educators in the arts.
English Article Published
Anna Smith, District secondary literacy teacher specialist, had an article published in the February 2006 issue of English Leadership Quarterly. The publication is produced by the National Council of Teachers of English.
Teacher Feature
Diena Riddle, assistant principal at Bingham High, South Jordan, was recently recognized on the KSL Radio “Teacher Feature” program. She has been with Jordan District since 1984.
Foreign Language Week
Joel P. Jensen Middle, West Jordan, recently completed its annual foreign language week, with students speaking only the language from the class they are taking. The cafeteria provided different foreign cuisines during the week which culminated with foreign language teachers presenting an assembly for all foreign language students. The theme continued with the school’s bi-annual “Culture Awareness Week” Feb. 13-17.
Patriotic Program
Third-grade students at Quail Hollow Elementary, Sandy, shared a patriotic program Feb. 16 for the school and Feb. 17 for parents. The program was written by third-grade teacher Diane Pearson with help from team members Terry Debenham, Abby Graham and Susan Schiffman.
National Board Certification Scholarships
Plans are underway to award the 2006 National Board Certification scholarships. An informational meeting will be held March 6 at the District Office, Board Room B, 4 p.m. Scholarship forms will be available at this meeting. To pursue National Board Certification, teachers must have taught for three years, have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and hold a valid state teaching license. For more information, contact Pam Su'a, pamela.sua@jordan.k12.ut.us, (801) 567-8320 or see www.nbpts.org .
Huntsman Award Nominations
Nominations for the 2006 Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education are now open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 3. Judges will select six teachers, three administrators and a volunteer to be honored this spring. The awards are designed to "recognize, inspire and reward the best teachers, school administrators and volunteers in Utah for continually seeking ways to improve the quality of education in our public school system." Nomination forms are available at www.huntsman.com/haee.
Retirement Open House
Christine Timothy, tech assistant in the Special Education Department, is retiring after 34 years with Jordan District. An open house will be held in her honor Feb. 27, 3-5 p.m. in Board Rooms A and B at the District Office.
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GASB Information Updates
All employees should have received a GASB information booklet containing information about how the District is addressing the GASB issue and answers to commonly asked questions. The District GASB Web page at www.jordandistrict.org/general/gasb/index.html is updated with new information as it becomes available, including additional questions and answers. The Board is expected to make a final decision at its Feb. 21 meeting.
Health Clinic Opens in School
A unique partnership brings together three partners to open an independent community clinic at Midvale Middle. Jordan District, Midvale City and Intermountain Healthcare, worked together to create Midvale Family Health Center. The clinic officially opens following a ceremony tomorrow (Feb. 15), 1 p.m., in the Little Theater at Midvale Middle. The clinic will offer primary medical care to community members and students. Medical care will be provided regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. Fees for services will be based on a sliding scale, based on patient’s income and family size. This is the first independent school clinic to open in Utah, and represents a public-private partnership unique in the state.
Utah First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman reads to students at Monte Vista Elementary. |
First Lady Reads to Students
Utah First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman read “Thomas and the Library Lady” to students at Monte Vista Elementary, South Jordan, Feb. 8. Students in Jennifer Maffei's first-grade class each received a book at the end of the First Lady’s presentation. Sixth-grade student government ambassadors greeted Mrs. Huntsman as she arrived at the school.
Family Literacy Night
Students and families at Quail Hollow Elementary, Sandy, enjoyed Family Literacy Night Feb. 8 featuring Judy Gunn of Gunn Wools. Gunn spun stories as well as yarn on her drop spindle and wheel. She also helped students make their own yarn.
Anti-Smoking Campaign
West Hills Middle, West Jordan, was honored by Truth About Tobacco and radio station U-92 for the school’s anti-smoking campaign. Student council representatives, along with advisers John Schneggenberger and Phil Johnson, were honored with a pizza party, and the entire school received a dance party Feb. 10. The school’s anti-smoking rap video can be viewed at www.u92online.com/at/antivideo.html .
Final REACH Training for 2005-06
Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage (REACH) training is a two-day workshop for teachers to help them understand diversity values. The course consists of activities, role-play, curriculum infusion materials and sharing of cultural perspectives. A follow-up day (about 10 weeks later) is offered for teachers who previously participated in the two-day training. The final REACH two-day training dates are March 28-29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and the REACH day three training date (follow-up for those who completed the two-day training 10 weeks prior) is March 22, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. All REACH trainings are held at the Auxiliary Services Building. Teachers interested in attending must get approval from their principals and register with Toni Soeffker, Alternative Language Services, (801) 567-8116. Substitutes are arranged by the teacher and paid by the District.
Bully Proofing Your Classroom
The Student Intervention Services Department reminds teachers they have access to a great curriculum to combat bullying through the Discovery Health Connection Web site. Log in at www.discoveryhealthconnection.com/ and click “Get Real About Violence.” Then click on your grade level. Right at your finger tips you will have 10-15 lessons on bully proofing your classroom. From the site, teachers can download videos, worksheets and lessons. If you are not already registered with a user name, password and passcode, call Jeani Mulliner, (801) 412-2953, to get your school’s passcode. Registration must be completed before you can log in to the site.
School Psychology Conference
The Utah Association of School Psychologists has invited Jack Fletcher, Ph.D., to address its mid-winter conference. Fletcher is an expert on learning disabilities and will speak on “Reauthorizing Learning Disabilities: Evidence-based Approaches to Identification and Interventions.” Psychologists, special education teachers, parents and other professionals are invited to learn about the latest trends in assessing and remediating learning difficulties by attending this conference. The conference will be held at the Sheraton City Center, Salt Lake City, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Registration is available at the door or register online at www.coe.usu.edu/psyc/uasp.
Retirement Open House
After 27 years in Nutrition Services, Judy Meyer is retiring. An open house will be held in her honor Feb. 24, 2-3 p.m. in the media center at Hayden Peak Elementary, West Jordan.
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GASB Presentation Tonight
At tonight’s (Feb. 7) Board of Education meeting, the GASB Task Force will present options for eliminating certain District post-retirement benefits to comply with new rules imposed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Details of this presentation will be available online at www.jordandistrict.org immediately following the meeting and will be mailed to all employees on Feb. 9. Additional information about GASB can be found at www.jordandistrict.org/general/gasb/index.html.
Teacher Feature
Craig Hansen, computer teacher at West Jordan Middle, was recently recognized on the KSL Radio “Teacher Feature” program. He has been with Jordan District since 1978.
National Brekke Award
Superintendent Barry L. Newbold was chosen as the first recipient of the Norman R. Brekke Award, presented by the National Association for Year-Round Education (NAYRE). The award, named in honor of longtime Oxnard (CA) School Superintendent Norman R. Brekke, will be bestowed annually to a superintendent nationally who exhibits the characteristics of administrative competence, longevity, character, hard work, concern for people and dedication to year-round education as a way to improve student learning while saving taxpayer dollars. Jordan School District began operating elementary schools year-round in 1985 and currently has 28 year-round schools. More than 3,000 schools nationally operate on a balanced or year-round calendar. The award will be presented during the association’s Annual Conference, Feb. 26-28, in San Diego.
- Career and Technical Education Awards
- Several Jordan District educators and administrators received awards during the Utah Association for Career and Technical Education (UACTE) mid-winter conference Jan. 27-28:
- Scott Olsen, Career and Technical Education director, Arch of Fame national award;
- Ken McLaughlin, Copper Hills High, West Jordan, CTE Teacher of Year;
- Sue Hall, Jordan Applied Technology Center (JATC), West Jordan Campus, Outstanding Career and Technical Educator
- Scott Olsen and Terry Price, CTE specialist, Technology Student Association division recognition; and
- Carol Vanden Akker, retired, formerly JATC, West Jordan Campus, Work-Based Learning division recognition.
- In addition, three CTE teachers represented Jordan District on the UACTE Board: Rick Minor, West Jordan High, president; Pepper Poulsen, Jordan High, Sandy, award chair; and Linda Stokes, Riverton High, family and consumer science president.
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Employment Opportunities
See current job openings posted by the Human Resources
Department at www.jordandistrict.org/hr
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To submit an item for Current, send
an e-mail to Michael Kelley at michael.kelley@jordan.k12.ut.us or
contact him at (801) 567-8337. |
