Sept. 27, 2005

Sale of Bonds
      The Board of Education approved a resolution confirming the sale and authorization of $25 million of general obligation school building bonds. The Board accepted a bid from LaSalle Financial Services, Inc., at an interest rate of 3.94 percent.

Design Award
      Kyle Taft and Bruce Barnes of MHTN Architects presented the Board of Education with a design award for South Valley School. The school received a Project of Distinction honor as part of the 2005 Education Design Showcase conducted by School Planning and Management. The organization annually recognizes outstanding architecture and design in education.

Resolution
      The Board signed a resolution congratulating Midvale Middle School on its 50th anniversary.

Summer Migrant Program
     School Lyn Burningham, coordinator of Alternative Language Services, provided an overview of the District's Summer Migrant School Program. The program, which runs three mornings a week for six weeks in June and July, is housed at Midvale Elementary School because of its central location. The program is funded through federal grants and targets migrant, Native American, and homeless students. Some Title I and court-ordered students also participate in the summer program. Approximately 210 students from all grades enrolled this summer and took part in a variety of hands-on activities taught by licensed, ESL-endorsed teachers. In addition to instruction, the summer school offered a Career Center, guidance and counseling, parent classes, Literacy Night, use of the library and technology labs, a family banquet and a field trip to Lagoon.

Public Comment
      Michael Pulsipher, co-chairman of the Daybreak Elementary School boundary committee, reiterated that the boundary committee made the right recommendation regardless of the high enrollment at the school this year. Many parents have contacted him and suggested a boundary adjustment. He feels strongly that neighborhoods should stay together and reminds parents that the committee did what was best for all communities involved.

Board Comment
      Randy Brinkerhoff reported on his visits to Riverton Elementary School, Fort Herriman Middle School, Oquirrh Hills Middle School's Shadow Day, and the Riverton K-12 Feeder System principal meeting.

Policies Reviewed
      The Board discussed revisions to the following District policies:

• AA424—Literature Selection and Review: Mary Bailey, curriculum consultant, reviewed modifications to the policy that include adding standards for independent reading; allowing secondary school Literature Selection and Review Committees to review and approve lists from which students may self-select literature to be read outside of the classroom as part of an assignment; and minor changes to the membership on the District Elementary Literature Selection and Review Committee.
• AA440—Library Media Selection and Review: Cheryl Bunderson, director of Instructional Support Services, suggested changes to this policy that go hand-in-hand with AA424. The revisions reflect full compliance with the First Amendment, clarify the process for selection and enhance implementation of the process.
• AA406—Advanced Placement Program: Tom Hicks, executive director of the Brighton K-12 Feeder System, recommended revisions related to language and changes made in the advanced placement program. The policy also adds stipulations to ensure appropriate procedures are taken at the school and District level.
  The Board will vote on all three policies at its Oct. 18 meeting.

Heartland Elementary
      Heartland Elementary Principal Trenton Goble said the school of 650 students is focused on technology, literacy and safety. Every teacher has a laptop computer with wireless access to the Internet and printing. Balanced literacy is being implemented in all classrooms and teachers have received in-service training. First- and second-grade teachers have teamed together to ensure that students are reading on grade level. Organized programs are offered during recess to decrease student discipline referrals. Most recently, the students raised $1,730 for Hurricane Katrina victims and some of the evacuees now attend the school.

Closed, Study Sessions
      The Board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss property and personnel. Board members also met in study session prior to and following the regular meeting to review revisions to District policy, the No Child Left Behind Plan for the 2005-06 school year and the Utah School Boards Association Leadership Conference.

—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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