Dec. 6 , 2005

• Boundaries Approved
• New elementary school in Draper, 13322 S. Lone Rock Drive (465 East): With a 4-3 vote, the Board approved the recommended boundaries for the new elementary school in Draper. The new school will be comprised of students from Oak Hollow and Draper Elementary Schools.
• New elementary school in Herriman, 6860 W. Mary Leizan Lane (13825 South): The Board approved the recommended boundaries for the new elementary school in Herriman. The school will be comprised of students from Foothills and Herriman Elementary Schools. These boundaries will most likely change two years after the school opens because of high growth in the area.
  Note: Approved boundaries can be found online at www.jordandistrict.org.

• Policies Revised
• AA413—Drama Production Selection Committee: The Board adopted revisions to this policy that clearly state class and school drama productions are extensions of the state core curriculum as well as national standards. The policy specifies the responsibilities of the District Drama Production Selection Committee and the Local Drama Production Selection Committee.
• BP178—Purchasing Procedures: The Legislature recently renumbered its procurement policy, so the Board approved revisions to this policy that reflect correct references to the state law. A table of contents has been added to facilitate use of the policy.

Volunteer Hours
      Melinda Peterson, director of Region VI PTA, reported that more than 56,000 volunteers donated 383,817 hours last year in Jordan District schools. She said if those volunteers were paid an hourly wage it would total more than $3 million. Mrs. Peterson reminded the Board that volunteers in schools make a huge difference in the life of children.

• Board Comments
• Lynette Phillips thanked Midvale City and Intermountain Healthcare for partnering with the District to provide a health clinic at Midvale Middle School. She also reminded everyone that there are many students from economically disadvantaged families who are struggling and could use extra help this time of year.
• Peggy Jo Kennett commented on how difficult it is for the Board to make decisions related to boundaries. She thanked parents who serve on boundary committees and provide recommendations to the Board. Mrs. Kennett reiterated Ms. Phillips statement that Winter Recess is not a welcomed break for many students who rely on school as a safe, comfortable place. She expressed appreciation to administrators and staff who make school a good place for those who come from difficult homes. Mrs. Kennett attended a School Community Council meeting at Majestic Elementary recently and was impressed with the parent involvement.
• Ellen Wallace shared several articles that have appeared in the newspapers about public education, including West Jordan High students who donated hair to Locks of Love, and the profile on John Gardner who is retiring as principal of Jordan Valley School. She noted an article on vouchers and reminded the Board it will be a big issue again this year during the legislative session.
• Randy Brinkherhoff presented “Myth Busters” at Rose Creek and Rosamond Elementary Schools and said the presentation has stimulated positive dialogue about public education.

Welby Elementary
      Principal Jacque Pace-Fivas highlighted the accomplishments of Welby Elementary with the Board. Welby’s staff focuses on teaching the whole child. Teachers are engaged in professional development and technology, and the community is involved in events such as family math and science nights and a student author/artist night. A variety of enrichment activities are provided for students, including those who struggle.

Closed, Study Sessions
      The Board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss property, personnel and potential litigation. Board members also met in study session prior to the regular meeting to review a policy waiver for the Transportation Department, boundaries for the new school in Draper and Districtwide construction needs.

– 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

Past Issues of Memorandum