May 9, 2006

Parent-Teacher Conferences
     Superintendent Barry L. Newbold reported 98 percent attendance at elementary school spring parent-teacher conferences at both year-round and traditional schools.  At secondary schools, 66 percent of parents attended middle school parent-teacher conferences and 35 percent of parents attended high school parent-teacher conferences.

Student Appeal
     The Board of Education amended the recommendation of the District Appeals Committee to readmit the student on May 15.  The Board also accepted the discipline recommendations of the student’s parents.

• Patron Comments
• Troy Ball, a teacher at Fort Herriman Middle, asked the Board for a six percent salary increase rather than putting a portion of it toward increased insurance costs.
  
• John Hinton, a District technology specialist, presented the Board with his resignation.
  
• Matt Shake, a first-year teacher at Fort Herriman Middle, told the Board it is not fair to change District retirement benefits midstream.  Despite low morale, he is looking to the future and hopes the Board will do what is best for teachers.
  
• Jeff Arborgast, a teacher at Bingham High, reminded teachers of the influence they have on students and the future.  He said both teachers and Board members have a great responsibility and power to direct positive change for generations to come.
  
• Jenicee Jacobson, a teacher at Riverton High, said the Board needs to make a drastic change in direction for the sake of students.  She suggested the Board consider utilizing its rainy day fund, increase property taxes, show creativity in benefits, lower class sizes and develop a long-term plan to increase salaries.
  
• Debra Bills, president of the Jordan Classified Professional Association, said classified employees are unhappy about the Board’s GASB decision.  She said without an attractive benefits package, employees will leave the District.
  
• Pat Rusk, president of the Utah Education Association, thanked the Board for its support and allowing her to serve the teachers of Utah.  She encouraged teachers and Board members to put aside their differences and work together.
  
• Jill Krogue, a teacher at Westvale Elementary, thanked the Board for training her to be a great teacher.  She asked them to find a monetary way to let teachers know they are valued.
  
• Judy Taylor, a teacher at Park Lane Elementary, asked the Board to work together with teachers to find new ways to give well-deserved raises.

• Board Comments
• Randy Brinkerhoff reported on the Huntsman Award winners, attendance at the Region Three choir competition, Park Lane Elementary’s President’s Fitness Award program, the Salt Lake County Republican Convention, the Jordan Education Foundation recognition banquet and the District Teachers’ Art Exhibit at the Riverton Arts Museum.
  
• Ellen Wallace appreciates the letters she receives on how Land Trust monies are used in schools.  She also encouraged Board members to attend Valley High’s upcoming Book Affair event.
  
• Peggy Jo Kennett told teachers the Board takes its responsibility seriously and appreciates hearing teachers’ concerns.  She reminded employees the Board considers all comments.  Mrs. Kennett also applauded the “We the People” middle school competition that she had the opportunity to judge.

Hayden Peak Elementary
     Hayden Peak Elementary Principal Jodi Stewart-Browning discussed the school’s improvement in end-of-level CRT scores.  The faculty has collaborated with the principal and literacy facilitator in grade-level teams to analyze testing data.  Both grade-level and schoolwide goals have been set to increase teaching time in problem areas.  Mrs. Browning outlined numerous academic and enrichment programs at the school aimed at improving student achievement and celebrating student success.

Closed, Study Sessions
     The Board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss property, personnel, negotiations and a student appeal.  Board members also met in study session prior to the regular meeting to review the budget and revisions to a District policy related to evaluation of certificated personnel.

– 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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