Feb. 12, 2008

Elementary School Named
     The Board approved the name of Falcon Ridge Elementary for the new elementary school in West Jordan located at approximately 6100 W. 7000 South.  The school will open in July on a year-round calendar.

• Leaves Approved
       The Board approved four sabbatical leaves for the 2008-09 school year for teachers who are all enrolled in BYU’s Leadership Preparation Program:
  
• Brenda Anderson, Rose Creek Elementary School
  
• D. McKay Robinson, Butterfield Canyon Elementary School
  
• Jeremiah Edwards, Rose Creek Elementary School
  
• Mark Burge, Welby Elementary School
  
•      The Board also approved an educational leave for Shirley Ann Dawson of Elk Meadows Elementary School for work on her Ph.D. in special education at the University of Utah.

• Patron Comments
• Betty Shaw of the Region 6 PTA expressed concern for the lack of physical education and movement in schools.  She commended teachers for being creative in providing activities for students.  She also expressed enthusiasm about the District’s teacher in-service training programs available to help them teach students to be more healthy.
  
• Sherri Bodine, who chairs Crescent Elementary’s School Community Council, asked the Board to consider changing the school’s start and end times so students can get out earlier.  The school has had a late start (8:55 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.) since 1998 and was told it was a temporary time change due to construction.  The community believes ending the school day 15-20 minutes earlier would help accommodate such things as after-school activities, doctor and dentist appointments, and teacher in-service classes.

• Board Comments
• Randy Brinkerhoff reported on his attendance at the JATC, West Jordan Campus open house, and the Reflections display at Riverton’s Crane Home Museum.    
  
• Peggy Jo Kennett thanked Sherry Wasden, Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services, and staff for gathering information to name the new elementary school in West Jordan.  She also appreciated the opportunity to meet with Bevan Wasden, executive director of the Jordan and West Jordan K-12 Feeder Systems, who helped her better understand this year’s testing data.  Mrs. Kennett also reported on her attendance at a teacher recognition event at Riverside Elementary School and the recognition dinner for the state finalists for the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching.   She thanked the Jordan Education Foundation for its annual report and expressed appreciation for all they do for students.  Mrs. Kennett also reported this year’s legislative session is half over and she expressed appreciation to the superintendent and other school board members for being active on legislative matters.
  
• Tracy Cowdell reported on his attendance at the Reflections display at the Crane Home Museum, and Sandy Elementary School’s patriotic assemblies this week.  Mr. Cowdell expressed concern over the continued shortage of bus drivers and custodians.  He requested the Administration present a plan to the Board on how best to solve the shortages.  He commended employees for all they are doing to make up for the shortages in those areas.
  

Draper Elementary
     Principal Tamra Baker said Draper Elementary School is the state’s oldest public school with a 111-year history of academic excellence, community support and student enrichment.  She shared with the Board the school’s numerous enrichment and service learning opportunities.  The school’s professional development includes mathematics, balanced literacy, and technology.  Draper Elementary staff also provide parent math classes and seminars so parents can assist their students at home. 

Closed, Study Sessions
     The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel and property.  During study session the Board discussed the K-12 online program and naming a new elementary school in West Jordan.

— 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

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