Jan. 15, 2008

• National Board Certification
       The Board recognized the following teachers who have earned their National Board Certification:
  
• Eva Belliston, Crescent View Middle School
  
• Glenda Butikofer, Midas Creek Elementary School
  
• Jodi Ide, Brighton High School
  
• Kristen Jarman, Hayden Peak Elementary School
  
• Teresa Rex, West Hills Middle School
  
• Patricia Serre, Riverton High School
  
•      Jordan School District leads the state with 36 National Board Certified teachers.  This is the most prestigious certification a K-12 educator can receive. 

Land Purchased
     The Board authorized the purchase of 12 acres of property in West Jordan for a future elementary school site.  The land, located at approximately 5900 W. and 8200 South, cost $250,000 per acre.

Board Meetings Changed
     The Board approved revising its meeting schedule.  Jordan Board of Education meetings will typically be held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.  A revised meeting schedule is available on the Web site at www.jordandistrict.org/board/agenda.htm.

Antenna Site Leases
     The Board approved wireless antenna site leases at Albion Middle and Jordan Ridge Elementary Schools.  Kim Horiuchi stated that while the Board acknowledges research on both sides of the issue, the District Administration presented inconclusive research about the potential affects of the antennas.  The Board approves antenna lease agreements only if approved by School Community Councils. 

Student Appeal
     The Board voted to uphold the decision of the District Appeals Committee concerning a student appeal.           

Parent-Teacher Conferences
     Superintendent Barry L. Newbold presented the Board with the fall elementary parent-teacher conference report.  Attendance at year-round parent-teacher conferences was 98 percent and attendance at traditional parent-teacher conferences was 97.6 percent.

• Administrative Changes
       Superintendent Newbold announced changes to the Administrative Cabinet due to the retirements of Moya Kessig, executive director of Human Resources, and Theresa Gotay, executive director of the Jordan K-12 Feeder System.  Both administrators retire at the end of this month.
  
• June LeMaster, currently executive director of the Hillcrest K-12 Feeder System, will become the executive director of Human Resources.
  
• Tom Hicks, currently executive director of the Brighton K-12 Feeder System, will direct both the Brighton and Hillcrest K-12 Feeder Systems.
  
• Bevan Wasden, currently executive director of the West Jordan K-12 Feeder System, will direct both the West Jordan and Jordan K-12 Feeder Systems.

Patron Comment
     Matthew Smith of West Jordan thanked the Board for purchasing the elementary school site in the West Jordan area.  He questioned the location of the property because it will most likely require busing once a school is built.

• Board Comments
  
• Peggy Jo Kennett reported on her attendance at the International Baccaulareate (IB) graduation ceremonies at Hillcrest High School, and the Utah School Boards Association (USBA) annual convention in Salt Lake City.  Mrs. Kennett commended Burke Jolley for the financial presentation he gave at the convention and said the District is fortunate to have him as its business administrator.
  
• Kim Horiuchi reported on her attendance at the USBA conference.
  
• Randy Brinkerhoff reported on his attendance at the following: Riverton’s City’s Christmas Around the World, South Jordan City’s Lights-On Celebration, Riverton High School’s winter choral performance, the winter art show at the Crane Museum in Riverton, the Candlelight Ceremony at Bingham High School and the USBA convention.
  
• Ellen Wallace requested the Board send a letter of appreciation to Sarah Meier, USBA president, expressing appreciation for the recent USBA convention.  Mrs. Wallace attended the University of Utah policy review session and suggested having the presentation made to the entire Board.  She also noted the many schools that completed charitable fundraisers during Christmas and is impressed with the efforts of so many schools.
  
• Tracy Cowdell reported on his attendance at the IB graduation and said a parent asked him to thank the Board for the IB program and its commitment to funding the program.  Regardless of the District division, Mr. Cowdell would like the District Administration to begin making plans to have an additional IB program on the west-side of the District. 

Butterfield Canyon
     Principal Shelly Davis said Butterfield Canyon Elementary School is a changing, growing community.  The school opened its doors in 2006 with 738 students and today has a population of 1,144 students.  The school’s theme, “Where Kids Come First,” is illustrated daily by its 81 staff members.  The teachers are involved in professional learning communities and the school is designated as a Utah Behavior Institute school.

Closed, Study Sessions           
     The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel and a student appeal.  During study session the Board heard a REAL Salt Lake soccer presentation, received a report from the District’s government affairs specialist, and reviewed the recommended 2008 capital outlay projects.

— Melinda R. Colton, Reporting

Board of Education
J. Dale Christensen, Ed.D., President
Tracy Scott Cowdell, J.D., Vice President
Randy S. Brinkerhoff, Member
Kim Murphy Horiuchi, Member
Peggy Jo Kennett, Member
Sherril H. Taylor, Member
Ellen S. Wallace, Member

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

Past Issues of Memorandum