Jan. 18, 2005

Boundaries Set for New Middle School in West Jordan
      The Board approved boundaries for the new middle school in West Jordan scheduled to open for the 2005-06 school year. The school will take approximately 750 students from the West Hills Middle School boundaries. View the boundaries on the District Web site at www.jordandistrict.org.

Policy Revised
      The Board approved revisions to policy AS82—Home and Hospital, to include that home instruction shall be provided at a student’s home or other designated public location such as a library, police or fire station.

Student Appeal
      The Board modified the District Appeals Committee recommendation requiring the student to attend an early intervention class in lieu of the 180-day suspension. Failure to successfully complete the class will bring the student’s appeal back to the Board for reconsideration.

Standardized Testing Reviewed
      Clyde Mason, director of Accountability and Program Services, provided Board members with a review of the District’s performance on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test (UBSCT) and an update on the District’s grade 11 UBSCT status.
      • Iowa Tests: This fall, the ITBS replaced the Stanford-9 Achievement Test as the norm-referenced assessment required by Utah law. The test was given to students in grades three, five and eight. A survey battery in reading, language and math was also administered to students in grade six. Students in grade 11 took the Iowa Test of Educational Development. The District’s scores were considerably above the national scores in all subjects at all grade levels.
      • UBSCT: Of the 594 juniors who participated in the October 2004 reading subtest, 57 percent passed. Of the 1,271 juniors who took the math subtest, 31 percent passed. Of the 900 juniors who took the writing subtest, 59 percent passed. Overall (including both the February 2004 and October 2004 tests), 90 percent of juniors have passed the reading subtest; 78 percent have passed the math subtest and 86 percent have passed the writing subtest.

Board Comments
      • Randy Brinkerhoff reported on his attendance at Midvalley Elementary’s Writers Workshop and the Utah School Boards Association (USBA) State Convention.
      • Ellen Wallace reported on the Board’s attendance at the USBA State Convention and noted fellow Board member, Ann Forbush, is one of two USBA legislative representatives. Mrs. Wallace also thanked Sandy City for providing a police officer at Board meetings.

Celebrating Southland Elementary
      Doree Strauss, principal of Southland Elementary, shared the school’s goals stating their main focus is to improve student achievement in reading and writing skills through collaborative leadership and creative best practices. Mrs. Strauss reviewed the school’s test scores, resources, gift/talented programs, technology, community support and BYU partnership. The school’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and Land Trust monies are used to promote literacy and “Focus Kids” assists students who are reading below grade level.

Appointments, Transfers
      The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments and transfers:
      • Catherine Jensen, currently principal at West Hills Middle, transferred as principal of the new middle school in West Jordan.
      • Michael Sirois, currently principal at South Hills Middle, transferred as principal of the new middle school in Herriman.
      • Janette Milano, currently principal at Crescent Elementary, appointed as principal of South Hills Middle.
      • Debbie Shumard, currently an assistant principal at Oak Hollow and South Jordan Elementary Schools, appointed as principal of Crescent Elementary.
      • Sally Sanson, currently a teacher at Copperview Elementary, appointed as assistant principal of Oak Hollow and South Jordan Elementary Schools.
      • Kim Baker, currently an assistant principal at Butler Middle, appointed as principal of West Hills Middle.
      • Shelley Nordick, currently a District technology teacher specialist, appointed as
assistant principal at Butler Middle.
      • Doree Strauss, currently principal of Southland Elementary, transferred as principal of the new elementary school in South Jordan (Daybreak subdivision).
      • Terri Summers, currently assistant principal at Hayden Peak and Jordan Hills Elementary Schools, appointed as principal of Southland Elementary.

Closed, Study Sessions
      The Board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss property and personnel and to review a student appeal. The Board also met in study session prior to the regular meeting to review policies, the District’s comprehensive guidance program and review proposed names for the new middle school in Herriman.

– Melinda R. Colton, Reporting

Board of Education
Peggy Jo Kennett, President
Ellen S. Wallace, Vice President
Randy S. Brinkerhoff, Member
J. Dale Christensen, Ed.D., Member
Ann C. Forbush, Member
Lynette Phillips, Member
Sherril H. Taylor, Member

Barry L. Newbold, Ed.D., Superintendent
D. Burke Jolley, Deputy Superintendent for Business Services

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