April 22, 2008

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

Employee Appeal    
      The Board approved an employee appeal 6-1.  Peggy Jo Kennett voted against the appeal because she doesn’t believe the Board should violate its own policy. 

Eastlake Elementary
      Superintendent Barry L. Newbold reported construction on the new Eastlake Elementary School in South Jordan is behind schedule and the year-round school will have a delayed start date of Aug. 25.

Patron Comment
      Susan Edwards, a parent from Draper, thanked Anthony Godfrey, executive director of the Alta K-12 Feeder System, for the outstanding job he does.  She also expressed appreciation to John Taylor, executive director of Auxiliary Services, and Board member Sherril Taylor for their assistance with a recent Draper City issue involving rezoning school property. 

• Board Comments
• Sherril Taylor thanked parents who helped raise funds for their schools’ artificial turf fields.  (The Board approved bids for Alta’s artificial turf and field, and Bingham’s track, artificial turf and parking as part of the Board’s general business items.)    
  
• Ellen Wallace encouraged the public to attend Midvalley Elementary School’s 50th anniversary celebration on May 1 and the student art shows at South Towne Center.  She also attended the meet-the-candidates night for the new school district sponsored by the Jordan Education Association (JEA) and the Jordan Classified Professional Association (JCPA).
  
• Randy Brinkerhoff thanked Board members who researched artificial turf fields and persuaded the Board of their importance.  He also noted a thank you letter he received concerning Eastmont Middle School’s Trust Land money.  He reported on his attendance at the math literacy family night at Southland Elementary School, the high school student art exhibit, the dedication of Midas Creek Elementary School, meetings about the Utah Behavior Initiative program at Butterfield Canyon and Butler Elementary Schools, and the Footprinter’s luncheon honoring law enforcement officers including those from Riverton and Brighton High Schools. 
  
• Kim Horiuchi reported on her attendance at the meet-the-candidates night and appreciated the chance to get better acquainted with those running for the new school district Board of Education.  She expressed appreciation to Principal Stephen Jolley for the tour she received of Itineris Early College High School.  She also attended Midas Creek Elementary School’s dedication.  Mrs. Horiuchi wants other high schools to know the Board is willing to match funds for artificial turf fields if communities can raise a portion of the money.
  
• Peggy Jo Kennett thanked Mr. Brinkerhoff for representing the Board at numerous school activities.  She reported on her attendance at Sunset Ridge Middle School’s “Celebration of Peace in the Community,” the dedication of Midas Creek Elementary School, the family reading and math night at Columbia Elementary School, and the high school student art exhibit.
  
• Tracy Cowdell thanked JEA and JCPA for the meet-the-candidates night for the new school district.  He also encouraged eligible high school students to register to vote so they can vote in the school board elections in June.  
  
• J. Dale Christensen said he has attended a number of School Community Council meetings and is impressed with how they are planning to spend Trust Land funds.  He said it is one of the best funding sources schools enjoy and it’s nice to hear how much schools appreciate the money.

Sunset Ridge Middle School
      Principal Catherine Jensen reminded Board members that Sunset Ridge Middle School has been recognized as a National Middle School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Level Reform.  The school is a professional learning community model and provides a variety of interventions to better assist students.  The school, which opened in 2005, has won national and international awards for educational architecture.  This year, the school is housing 180 sixth-grade students from Oakcrest Elementary School in an effort to relieve overcrowding.

Closed, Study Sessions
      The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel, property, negotiations, an employee appeal and a student appeal.

— 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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