Information from February 13, 2007 Board Meeting

(For complete minutes, please contact the Business Department)

DISCUSSION ITEMS

School Calendars-Traditional Drafts 08-09; Millcreek 07-08; Enterprise 07-08
Member Seegmiller asked about the length of quarters and could they be adjusted.  Superintendent would like the Board’s feeling on the traditional calendar.  Member Hesson asked about the scheduling of SEOP’s.  It was noted that it would allow a minimum day and teachers and students would take the Friday off.  Member Hesson has a concern about having back-to-school night before school starts.  Mr. Topham indicated this was what the principals wanted, and they had great attendance last year. 

Student Achievement Success and How Collaboration Has Helped-Sandstone
Principal Cottam introduced Mrs. Chipman and Mrs. Stewart who gave the Board “Memory Books.”  Mr. Cottam said their mobility rate is 37% and is a Title I school.  English language learners constitute 17%.  He reviewed how the students are progressing at Sandstone and indicated there are many who work together at the school. Parents, foster grandparents, Americorp teachers, and retired teachers help in math and reading.  Collaboration helps to track the students.  Each grade level meets Tuesday morning, and it follows the students to see how they have progressed or may need help.  Grade levels discuss successes and review how they have come about.  Mr. Cottam said they are looking carefully at what needs to be taught, and UTIPs testing is done to see improvement.  There is not a science textbook, and it is taught from the State core.   Many books on science and social studies are in the leveled libraries.  Mr. Cottam mentioned that elementaries could use help in getting science books.

Annual Comprehensive Guidance Presentation
Larry Stephenson requested a continuance of the comprehensive guidance program.  Mr. Gardner was unable to be here today and will come May 8 to do this presentation.

Physical Facilities
Phil Williams reported that overall progress is looking good on the four projects—Tonaquint, Desert Hills High, Desert Hills Intermediate, and Heritage Elementary.  The addition at Snow Canyon High is progressing.

ACTION ITEMS

Audit Report
Wayne Everett reported on the audit report and the findings of the audit committee.
Member Seegmiller presented a motion to approve the Audit Report.  Member Blake seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

2900-Attendance Policy
Marshall Topham reviewed a few minor modifications.  Mr. Sonju said this is not a new policy, as there were minor changes made to have the policy fit with SIS.  Mr. Palmer said on the block schedule if a student is gone five excused absences it is a lot of time.  Teachers need to be able to have students make up work.  He indicated parents are happy about the change.  Member Seegmiller asked if the new policy will still be able to, as a District, have great attendance.  Mr. Sonju felt our attendance will remain right where it is, and this is more user friendly.  Parents are notified by letter when there are three absences, and another will get a letter on five.  Mr. Palmer said there is about 15% of the students missing excessively, however, most of them are students out of school for activities, etc.
Member Travis Christiansen presented a motion to approve the change in the Attendance Policy with the few minor adjustments. Member Blake seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

School LAND Trust Funding Change-Panorama and Little Valley
Superintendent Rose indicated the Board has to approve the changes in the budgets.  Little Valley will spell out what the supplies will be for.
Member  Hesson  presented a motion to approve the changes to the School LAND Trust Funding for Panorama and Little Valley with Little Valley being more specific.  Member Christiansen seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Weight Room at Desert Hills Middle School
Phil Williams asked the Board to approve a weight room be added to Desert Hills Middle School.  Mr. Topham said the weight classes are filled already and suggests the addition of the building. 
Member Gubler presented a motion to approve the weight room at Desert Hills Middle School. Member Morris seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Sewer Easement on Washington Fields High School Site
Phil Williams asked for a conditional improvement contingent on what our lawyer says.
Member Blake presented a motion to approve the conditional sewer easement on the Washington Fields High School site contingent on our lawyer’s report. Member   Seegmiller seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Desert Hills High Mascot
Marshall Topham introduced Mr. Paul Broadhead who was a member of the mascot and color schemes committee.  Mr. Broadhead said students voted and choose Thunder as the mascot and black and gold as the colors.
Member Morris presented a motion to approve Thunder as the mascot and black and gold as the colors for Desert Hills High. Member Hesson  seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

RECOGNITIONS     (Presented at the Schools)

Superintendent’s Award for Excellence 

Kristi Vaka, Teacher, Sunset
Anne Schoppmann, Teacher Assistant, Sunset
Donna Loo, Secretary, Snow Canyon High
Danielle Johnson, Teacher, Snow Canyon High

Volunteer of the Month     

Shauna Cox, Sunset
Mona Trappett, Snow Canyon High

National Board Certification  

Mary Janice Richmond
Celeste Tolman

REPORTS: 
1.    Superintendent.
2.    Board.  There was a discussion about having a Board retreat.  It was suggested there be a two-hour meeting when attending the National Convention.
3.    Associations.  Allen Frei said the Association is looking forward to negotiations.

BREAK

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.