Dec. 5, 2006

High School Boundaries
      The Board approved a boundary realignment (option D) between West Jordan and Copper Hills High Schools beginning with the 2008-09 school year.  This decision gives students two years to prepare for the change.  Those students wanting to remain at their current high school may do so on a school choice permit.  The Board expressed appreciation for the public input it received on the boundary committee’s recommendations.

2007-08 Calendar
      The Board approved the 2007-08 calendars and tentative 2008-09 and 2009-10 calendars.  Traditional classes in 2007-08 begin Aug. 27, 2007, and end June 4, 2008.  Year-round classes for Tracks A, B and C students begin July 25, 2007, with Track D students beginning Aug. 20, 2007.  Classes end for Track A students on June 6, 2008, and classes for Tracks B, C, and D students end July 1, 2008.  Calendars are online at www.jordandistrict.org.

Student Appeal    
      By a vote of 4-3, the Board upheld the decision of the District Appeals Committee to suspend a student for 180 days.

• Patron Comments
• Kay Hill, a Copper Hills High School parent who lives in the Dixie Valley area, expressed concern that less than nine percent of West Hills Middle School students will attend West Jordan High School under the new boundary realignment.  She worries it will be a difficult transition for these students.
  
• Jill Evans, a West Jordan High School parent who served on the Copper Hills and West Jordan High Schools boundary committee, said all students deserve the same quality education.  She said the committee looked out for the best interest of all students as it recommended specific boundaries to the Board. 
  
• Representative-Elect Jim Bird, District 42, West Jordan, attended the District’s Growth Summit and, based on the numbers presented, believes a middle school is not needed in the Draper area.  Board member Sherril Taylor said patrons in Draper anticipate a new middle school from the 2003 bond.  He suggested that boundaries can eventually be redrawn so the new middle school can be filled with students who live both east and west of the Jordan River.  President Peggy Jo Kennett reminded patrons that the Board is in the process of reviewing its tentative building schedule.

Superintendent’s Input
     Superintendent Barry L. Newbold shared a report from the District Elementary Literacy Team that outlined the various types of literacy in-service training activities offered to teachers to increase student learning and achievement.  An additional 554 teachers will receive phase-one balanced literacy training this year.

• Board Comments
• President Peggy Jo Kennett noted it was the last Board meeting for Lynette Phillips and Ann Forbush and thanked them for their service.  She also commended the District Administration on the District’s recent Growth Summit.  Mrs. Kennett attended Copper Hills High School’s Sterling Scholar announcement assembly and West Jordan High School’s choir and Madrigal performance in Salt Lake City.  She expressed appreciation to the numerous teachers and administrators who work well beyond their contracts to provide these cultural opportunities for students.
  
• Ellen Wallace expressed appreciation to Ms. Phillips and Mrs. Forbush for their service on the Board and told them they would be missed.
  
• Randy Brinkerhoff said he appreciated the attendance of so many city and state elected leaders at the District’s Growth Summit.  He reported on his attendance at Copper Hills High School’s Sterling Scholar announcement assembly, and said his goodbyes to Ms. Phillips and Mrs. Forbush.
  
• J. Dale Christensen complimented the District Administration on the Growth Summit presentation.  He said he has appreciated the chance to work with Ms. Phillips and Mrs. Forbush and said no one understands what goes on behind the scenes to accommodate the challenges of public service.
  
• Ann Forbush said she has enjoyed her service on the Board.  She believes that Jordan School District is the biggest and the best District in the state. 
  
• Sherril Taylor offered his best wishes to Ms. Phillips and Mrs. Forbush.  He said their No. 1 concern has always been what is best for students. 
  
• Lynette Phillips expressed appreciation to the patrons of Precinct 6 for allowing her to serve them.  She also thanked the District Administration and the heart they put into their positions.  She reminded patrons that Jordan District is not a one-size fits all District.  She is grateful for the numerous programs that meet the diverse needs of students.  She appreciated the chance to     disagree with Board members knowing that they all had the best interest of students at the heart of each decision.  She asked the Board not to forget the homeless, students trying to learn English, and low-income families.  The Board and the community have a responsibility to help them succeed.

Riverside Elementary    
      Principal Bill Hanvey shared highlights of Riverside Elementary School with the Board.  The school’s improvement plan centers on improving student learning and achieving adequate yearly progress as defined by No Child Left Behind.  This past year, 85 percent of the students received a score of sufficient or substantial on the Utah Core Criterion-Referenced Tests.  The school is proud of its   student-operated TV station and early-morning choir program.

Closed, Study Sessions    
      The Board met in closed session prior to the regular meeting to discuss property, potential litigation, personnel and a student appeal. During study session, the Board reviewed 2007 summer maintenance and construction projects, moratorium schools and the boundary recommendations for West Jordan and Copper Hills High Schools.

—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