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Author: communications

Published on
  • Effective: 11/12/91
  • Revision: 9/22/20
  • Reviewed: 12/10/13
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes that under Utah Code 53G-6-202, a minor between the age of six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age is generally required to attend either a regularly established private or public school.  The Board also recognizes that there are exceptions to this provision under the law and delegates to the District Administration responsibility for developing policy to handle exceptions to these Compulsory Education requirements.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirement shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. A partial release from school to enter employment may be given to students who are over age sixteen (16) and who have completed the eighth grade.  Minors excluded under this provision are required to attend part-time schooling or home schooling as prescribed by the Board.
    2. Students may be excluded from the compulsory attendance requirement in the following circumstances:
      1. The minor has completed the work required for graduation from high school.
      2. The minor is in a physical or mental condition which renders school attendance inexpedient and impractical.  The student's condition must be certified by a licensed physician.
      3. The minor's employment provides proper influences and adequate opportunities for his/her education.
      4. The Administration has determined that a minor over the age of sixteen (16) is unable to profit from attendance at school because of inability or a continuing negative attitude toward school regulations and discipline.
    3. On an annual basis, resident school-aged students shall be excused from compulsory attendance by the Board, as defined by Utah Code 53G-6-204, when:
      1. A school-age student’s parent or legal guardian files a signed and notarized affidavit with the District affirming that:
        1. The school-age student will attend a home school; and
        2. The parent assumes sole responsibility for the education of the school-age student, except to the extent that the student is dual enrolled in a public school as defined in Utah Code 53G-6-702.
      2. A certificate excusing the school-age student from attendance shall be issued by the District:
          1. Within 30 days after a signed and notarized affidavit is filed by the school-age student’s parent as provided in B.1 above.
          2. On or before August 1 each year thereafter unless the school-age student (Utah Code 53G-6-402):
            1. Enrolls in a school within the school district; or
            2. No longer attends home school; or
            3. The district of residence has changed.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/6/1991
  • Revision: 11/24/2015
  • Reviewed: 8/27/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education encourages both parental involvement in the operation of the school district and parental participation in the educational process.  Therefore, the Board authorizes the District Administration to develop procedures to build effective communication between parents, teachers, and administrators; to provide parents with opportunities to be actively involved in their children's education; and to establish School Community Councils for receiving community input on local school issues.
  2. Administrative Policy
    This policy shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Parent Involvement at the District Level
      1. Parents shall be represented on District committees and advisory groups, as appropriate.
      2. Parent members of the District consolidated student achievement plan committee shall participate in an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of school and make recommendations for policy revisions based upon evaluation findings.
      3. Parents may address the Board at school board meetings, public hearings, and other appropriate occasions.
    2. Parent Involvement at Local Schools
      1. The District will provide technical assistance and other support necessary to assist schools in planning and implementing effective parental involvement plans to improve student academic achievement and performance.
      2. Schools shall provide opportunities for parents to serve as school volunteers. (See policy DE502—Volunteer Services.)
      3. Schools are encouraged to draw upon the talents of parents for special presentations, enrichment activities, and other events or circumstances where parent participation may enhance the curriculum.
    3. Parent Involvement in Student Education
      1. Parents shall regularly receive information about their student's academic performance;   i.e., report cards, progress reports, etc.
      2. Parents shall have opportunities to discuss their child's educational program and progress with teachers at parent/teacher conferences or other meetings as appropriate.
      3. Informal parent/teacher conferences may be initiated and scheduled by either the parent or teacher whenever it seems in the student's best interest.
      4. Parents shall be notified of student disciplinary problems and provided opportunities to be involved in the solution. (See policy AS67 NEG—Discipline of Students.)
    4. Parent Involvement in School Community Councils
      1. Organization
        1. Each school shall organize a School Community Council.  Each School Community Council shall consist of parents or guardians of students who are attending the school, school employees and the school principal.
        2. Each school community in the organizational year, half of the terms shall be for one year and half for two years.  In subsequent years, all terms shall be for two years.  Each school, in consultation with the Administration, shall set the beginning date of the term of office for School Community Council members. (53G-7-1202)
        3. A parent or guardian qualifies to be a candidate for election if at any time during the term of office, the parent or guardian’s student will be enrolled at the school.  The parent or guardian shall be elected by secret ballot by a majority vote of those voting in the election and serve a two-year term.
        4. Each employee member, except the principal, shall be elected by secret ballot by a majority vote of the employees and serve a two-year term.  The principal shall serve as an ex-officio member with full voting privileges.
        5. A school community council may determine the size of the school community council by a majority vote of a quorum of the school community council provided that:
          1. the membership includes two or more parent or guardian members than the number of school employee members; and
          2. there are at least two school employee members on the school community council. (53G-7-1202(4)(c)(ii)
        6. Educators in the District can serve as parent representatives on the School Community Council at their children’s school as long as they are not employed at their children’s school (53G-7-1202.1.e.).
        7. The number of parent or guardian members of a school community council who are not educators employed by the school district shall exceed the number of parent or guardian members who are educators employed by the school district.
        8. The principal of the school, or the principal’s designee, shall provide notice of the available Community Council positions to school employees, parents, and guardians at least 10 days before the date that voting commences.  The notice shall include the date and time of the election, a list of council positions that are up for election, and instructions for becoming a candidate for a Community Council position.  Ballots cast in the election shall be deposited in a secure ballot box (a closed container).  Results of the election are to be made available to the public if requested, and should be maintained at the school for three (3) years.
        9. Under certain circumstances, the School Community Council may establish policies for voting via mailed ballots and/or secure electronic systems, consistent with Utah State Board of Education Rule on School Community Councils.
        10. An election for the parent or guardian members of a School Community Council shall be held near the beginning of the school year or held in the spring and completed before the last week of school. At year-round schools, the first day of school will be interpreted as the start of D- track.
        11. Should a parent or guardian position on a School Community Council remain unfilled after an election, the other parent or guardian members of the council shall appoint a parent or guardian who meets the qualifications of the position.  Should an employee position remain unfilled following an election, the other employee members on the council shall appoint an employee to fill the position.  Such appointees shall serve a two-year term.  The chair of the Community Council is to notify the Administration of each appointment made.
        12. Council members may serve up to three successive terms.
        13. The School Community Council shall elect: (1) two co-chairs from its parent or guardian members or one co-chair from its parent or guardian members and one co-chair from its elected employees members; or (2) a chair and a vice chair from its parent or guardian members.  The principal shall serve as facilitator to the Council.
        14. Principals and all School Community Council members are encouraged to participate in annual training provided under the Board’s direction to build schools’ capacity for developing and implementing effective parental involvement plans.
        15. School Community Councils may form subcommittees or task forces to advise or make recommendation to the Council, e.g., to help with the school improvement plan.  The subcommittee or task force members may be appointed and do not necessarily need to be members of the Council.
      2. Meetings
        1. Meetings shall be scheduled according to the needs of the school with a minimum of four meetings per school year.
        2. School Community Council meetings are open to the public.
        3. School Community Councils are not accountable to Open Meetings Law, but they must post their agendas and minutes one week prior to each meeting.
        4. Meetings shall be held at times which are convenient for a majority of the members.
        5. School Community Councils must adopt their own rules of order and procedure.  These rules should be followed in conducting meetings, be posted on the school website, and be available at each meeting.
        6. Meeting agendas shall be prepared by the chairperson and the principal and posted on the school website at least one week in advance.
        7. All School Community Council minutes shall include:
          1. the date, time, location, names of members present and absent
          2. substance of all matters proposed and/or  discussed and the decisions made
          3. a record of votes
          4. name of each person who is not a member of the School Community Council and who is recognized by the chair to speak in the meeting, and substance of what was said
          5. Minutes are marked as a draft until approved.
        8. Issues not listed on the agenda may arise in the meeting, be discussed and assignments made to help the School Community Council make a decision at a future date, but no final action should be taken on substantive issues not listed on the agenda.
        9. A school or school district administrator shall not prohibit or discourage a School Community Council from discussing any issue or concern raised by any School Community Council member unless prohibited by law.
      3. Responsibilities
        1. The School Community Council shall participate in the development of a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) designed to improve student achievement.
          1. The comprehensive school improvement plan is to include the following:
            a) A review of testing data and other reliable data to determine the needs of students.  (Note:  Access to data that reveal the identity of students is not allowed.)
            b) An identification of the school’s most critical academic needs.
            c) A recommended course of action to meet the identified academic needs.
            d) A specific listing of programs, practices, materials or equipment the school will need in order to implement an action plan that directly impacts the instruction of students and results in measurable, increased student performance.
            e) A statement regarding how academic excellence at the school will be enhanced or improved, including how financial resources available to the school will be used to improve student achievement.  Budget information and other data are to be provided to the School Community Council by the principal.
            f) A reading achievement plan at each elementary school for grades K-3.
            g) The School LAND Trust Plan, an academic subset of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
            h) An identification of expenditures related to the Technology Initiative and provide for education and awareness on safe technology utilization and digital citizenship. (53G-7-1202)
            i) Partner with the school's principal and other administrators to ensure that adequate on and off campus Internet filtering is installed and consistently configured to prevent viewing of harmful content by students and school personnel, in accordance with Subsection 53B-1-115(3).
            j) A parent involvement plan designed to increase parental involvement for the purpose of improving academic achievement and school performance, with particular attention directed toward identifying and eliminating barriers to greater participation of parents of at-risk students.
        2. The School Community Council shall present its comprehensive school improvement plan to the Board of Education annually for approval.  Multiyear plans may be developed, but annual approval by the Board is required.
        3. The administrators, teachers, staff, and councils of each local school are to:
          1. Implement the comprehensive school improvement plan as developed by the School Community Council and approved by the Board of Education.
          2. Provide ongoing support for the Council’s plan.
          3. Meet Board reporting requirements regarding performance and accountability.
          4. Publicize the plan and how it is designed to enhance or improve academic excellence, as well as the results of these efforts.
          5. Submit an annual report to the Board of Education at the end of the year.
        4. The School Community Council shall advise and assist in the development and implementation of the professional staff development plan at each school.
        5. The School Community Council of each elementary and middle school shall develop and submit a child access routing plan annually to the local school Traffic Safety Committee.
        6. The School Community Council shall provide a forum for community discussion of school related concerns, encouraging citizens to express their views about educational issues and problems.
        7. Issues which are outside the purview of the School Community Council shall include District policies, budgets (except as noted above), laws, and ethics, as well as issues which are the specific responsibility of another educational organization.
        8. The School Community Council shall coordinate the fundraising activities of the local school.  However, local school PTA organizations may conduct fund-raisers to support their activities and projects.  (See Policy AA417—Fund Raising.)
        9. Each School Community Council shall provide a meeting schedule and a list of School Community Council members with either email or phone contact information, or both, within the first six weeks of school.  In addition, a report to parents on the implementation of last year’s School LAND Trust program must be distributed by November 15th of each year.    The School Community Council shall provide this information by posting it on the school’s website and providing individual delivery to each household that has a student attending the school by one or more of the following methods:  mailing the information, delivering a voice message describing the information and explaining where to obtain the full information, sending an e-mail message containing the information, providing the information in a packet that is to be delivered to the student’s parent or guardian, distributing the information during the school’s annual registration period, or with the student’s report card.
        10. At least one week prior to a meeting, the School Community Council shall post the following information on the school’s website:  notice of the meeting date, time, and place, an agenda for the meeting, and a summary of the previous meeting.
        11. School websites shall fully communicate the opportunities provided to parents about serving on the School Community Council and how parents can directly influence the expenditure of the School LAND Trust funds.  The website should include the dollar amount received each year through the program.
    5. Parent Information and Training
      1. Parents shall be informed of the workings of the school system through the District website and other school or District publications.
      2. A variety of classes and programs shall be offered through the Jordan Family Education Center and Community School to help parents become effective partners in their child's education.
      3. Parents may enroll in District-sponsored in-service classes to learn techniques for improving their children's academic success.

Published on

Effective: 4/23/1991
Revision: 9/8/2009
Reviewed: 5/28/2013

  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes the need to provide orderly procedures for termination of Jordan School District administrators, and delegates to the District Administration responsibility for establishing such procedures in accordance with the Public Education Human Resource Management Act outlined in Utah Code §53G-11-512 through 517.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Procedures for nonrenewal and termination of an administrator's contract during the contract term shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Definitions
      1. Administrator: An administrator is a licensed employee, other than the Superintendent of Schools, who holds an administrative position requiring a valid certificate issued by the State Board of Education.  Administrators have expectations of continued employment and can only be terminated for cause, declining enrollment, or reduction in funding.
      2. Probationary Administrator: Any administrator employed by the District who has been advised by the District that his/her performance is inadequate and has been placed on probation.
    2. Causes for Contract Nonrenewal
      The District may determine not to renew the contract of an administrator for any of the following reasons:

      1. Immorality
      2. Insubordination which includes an act of serious insubordination, repeated acts of insubordination, or a pattern of insubordinate behavior
      3. Incompetence
      4. Mental or physical incapacity
      5. The need to reduce staff size due to a drop in student enrollment, program or service discontinuance, a shortage of anticipated revenue after the budget has been adopted, or school consolidation
      6. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
      7. Conduct which may be harmful to students or the District
      8. Improper or unlawful physical contact with students
      9. Violation of District policy
      10. Unprofessional conduct not characteristic of or befitting a Jordan District administrator
      11. Unsatisfactory compliance with terms of probation. (See Policy DP313 - Provisional or Probationary Personnel)
      12. Performance or attitude which is substantially below what is reasonably expected of other administrators having similar responsibilities and duties as determined by District Policy DP311A –Evaluation of Administrators
    3. Causes for Contract Termination
      1. The District may terminate the employment of any administrator during the term of the administrator's contract for any of the reasons listed above.
      2. The District may terminate the employment of any administrator during the term of the administrator's contract for any act, failure to act, or conduct which constitutes a breach of the administrator's employment contract.
    4. Procedures When Renewal of the Contract of an Administrator Is In Question
      When continued employment of an administrator is in question, the administrator shall be informed in writing at least three (3) months before the end of the contract term.

      1. The reasons why continued employment is in question shall be specified.
      2. The administrator shall be provided an opportunity to correct the deficiencies which are causing continued employment to be in question.  Assistance may be granted the administrator to correct the deficiencies including informal conferences and services of school and/or district personnel.
      3. The administrator is responsible for improving performance by demonstrating acceptable levels of improvement in the designated areas of deficiencies.
      4. Where acceptable levels of improvement in designated areas of deficiencies cannot be documented through an informal as well as formal evaluation process, the Superintendent of Schools may reassign the administrator to a position commensurate with his/her certification and endorsement(s).
    5. Procedures When the Contract of an Administrator Will Not Be Renewed
      1. When the contract of an administrator will not be renewed, the administrator shall be notified in writing at least two (2) months before the end of the contract term.
      2. The notice shall state the date of termination and set forth the reasons for contract nonrenewal.
      3. The notice shall include a date for an informal conference with the administration, a date for a hearing before an independent hearing officer, and a date for a hearing before the Board of Education.
        1. The hearings shall be scheduled at intervals of ten (10) days.
        2. A recommendation shall be required from the hearing examiner within ten (10) days of the date of the hearing.
      4. The administrator shall be notified of the right to have the conference and hearings scheduled.  If the administrator elects not to attend, the dates will be cancelled.
      5. The administrator shall be informed of the right to be represented at the hearing(s) by a representative of his/her choice.
      6. The notice shall be delivered to the administrator personally or sent by certified mail to the administrator's last-known address.
      7. The employee must give notice of appeal in writing to the Administrator of Human Resources within ten (10) working days after receiving the recommendation of the Grievance Officer.  Failure to request such an appeal in writing shall constitute a waiver of the right to appeal the recommendation of the Grievance Officer.
    6. Procedures for Termination During Contract Term
      1. Notice
        1. When an administrator is to be terminated during a contract term, the District shall notify the administrator in writing of the intent to terminate.
        2. The notice shall be delivered to the individual personally or sent by certified mail to the individual's last-known address, as shown on the records of the District, at least thirty days (30) prior to the proposed date of termination.
        3. The notice shall state the date of termination and set forth the reasons for termination.
        4. The notice shall advise the administrator that he or she has the right to a fair hearing and that the hearing process outlined below is waived if the hearing is not requested within fifteen (15) calendar days after the notice of termination was either personally delivered, or mailed to the individual’s most recent address shown on the District’s personnel records.
        5. The notice shall include a tentative date for an informal conference with the Administration, a tentative date for a hearing before an independent hearing officer and a tentative date for a hearing before the Board of Education.
          1. The hearings shall be scheduled at intervals of ten (10) working days.
          2. A recommendation shall be required from the hearing examiner within ten (10) working days of the date of the hearing.
        6. The administrator shall be notified of the right to have the conference and hearings scheduled.  If the administrator elects not to request an informal conference and/or hearing, the tentative dates will be cancelled.
        7. The administrator shall be informed of the right to be represented at the hearing(s) by a representative of his/her choice.
        8. The employee must give notice of appeal in writing to the Administrator of Human Resources within ten (10) working days after receiving the recommendation of the Grievance Officer.  Failure to request such an appeal in writing shall constitute a waiver of the right to appeal the recommendation of the Grievance Officer.
      2. Suspension Pending a Hearing
        1. Suspension pending a hearing may be without pay if an authorized representative of the District determines, after providing the employee with an opportunity for an informal conference to discuss the allegations, that it is more likely than not that the allegations against the employee are true and will result in termination.
        2. If termination is not subsequently ordered, the employee shall receive back pay from the period of suspension without pay.
      3. Continued Administrator Service
        1. After notice of termination, the administrator, at the option of the Superintendent, may remain on the job, be reassigned to another licensed position, or be subject to other reasonable personnel actions.
        2. If the Superintendent finds that continued employment may be harmful to students or the District, the administrator shall be suspended with pay pending termination.  No more than thirty (30) days of salary shall be provided to administrators who are on suspension.
          1. The District shall notify the administrator of the suspension in writing.
          2. The District notice shall include findings of fact as to why harm may result to students or the District if active service is allowed to continue.
      4. Hearing Cancelled or Not Requested
        1. If a hearing is cancelled or not requested by the administrator, the written notice of intention to terminate employment will serve as written notice of final termination by the Board.
        2. The cause(s) of termination are those contained in the notice of intention to terminate employment.
      5. Appointment of Hearing Examiner
        1. On or before July 1, the Superintendent and designated administrators shall mutually agree upon a pool of eight (8) impartial hearing examiners, four (4) shall be submitted by the Superintendent and four (4) by the administrators.
        2. The procedure for selecting a hearing examiner for a specific hearing shall be as follows:  The administrators and the Superintendent shall each choose two (2) names from the pool of hearing examiners.  If there is one (1) name chosen in common, that hearing examiner shall be first on the list.  The remaining names shall be drawn at random and placed on the list in the order drawn.  If there are no names chosen in common, all of names shall be drawn at random and placed on the list according to the order of the draw.  The hearing examiners shall then be called in the order they appear on the list until one is found that is available for the day of the hearing.
        3. The cost of services of the hearing examiner shall be equally shared by the District and the administrator or the organization representing the administrator.
      6. Conduct of the Hearing
        1. The administrator may be represented by counsel and may call witnesses, hear accusing testimony, cross examine witnesses, and examine documentary evidence.
        2. The District shall make available District employees if needed as witnesses for either party.
        3. Parties shall exchange a list of witnesses and documentary evidence at least two (2) days before the scheduled hearing.
        4. The hearing shall be conducted informally, and the rules of evidence used in courts of law need not be strictly observed.
        5. The hearing proceedings shall be recorded and preserved in a manner to assure completeness and accuracy, i.e. electronic tape recording. Stenographic recording shall not be required.
      7. Hearing Examiner's Decision
        1. After hearing all of the evidence, the hearing examiner may render an oral decision immediately following the conclusion of the proceeding.  The hearing examiner, shall within ten (10) days of the hearing, render a written decision supported by findings of fact.
        2. The decision may recommend to the Board that the proposed action be taken or that the proposed action not be taken or that other action less severe than the proposed action be taken.
        3. The decision of the hearing examiner, together with the findings of fact, shall be sent by certified mail to the administrator's last known address.  A copy shall be mailed to the administrator's representative, if any.
      8. Request for Board Review
        1. The administrator shall have the right to request a Board review of the decision of the hearing examiner.
        2. A written request for a Board review must be received by the President of the Board of Education within ten (10) days of the date the hearing examiner's decision is postmarked.
        3. The Board review shall be upon the record made in the hearing before the hearing examiner, except that the Board may, at its discretion, hear additional testimony or argument.
      9. Board Review Not Requested or Decision Favors Administrator
        1. If a request for review is not received or if the decision of the hearing examiner is in favor of the administrator, the Board shall determine whether or not to adopt the decision of the hearing examiner.
        2. If the Board adopts the decision of the hearing examiner, the findings of fact prepared by the hearing examiner, if any, shall be deemed the findings of fact made by the Board.  The District shall notify the administrator of the Board's decision by certified mail.
        3. If the Board determines not to adopt the decision of the hearing examiner, the Board shall review the matter based upon the record made in the hearing before the hearing examiner, except that the Board, at its discretion, may hear additional testimony or argument.  The Administration will notify the administrator if the Board determines to hear additional testimony or argument.
      10. Board Decision
        1. Within ten (10) working days of receiving the hearing examiner's decision, the Board shall render a decision that the originally proposed action be taken, that the originally proposed action not be taken, or that other action less severe than the originally proposed action be taken.
        2. The Board shall issue findings of fact that support the decision or may adopt the findings of fact prepared by the hearing examiner.
        3. The administrator shall be notified of the decision of the Board and the findings of fact by certified mail addressed to the administrator's last known address.  A copy shall be sent to the administrator's representative, if any.
      11. Finality
        1. The decision of the Board in all cases is final.
        2. A rehearing shall not be allowed.
      12. Appeal
        Upon the timely filing of an appeal of the decision of the Board in an appropriate court of law, the Board shall cause to be prepared, certified, and transmitted to the court, the decision of the Board, the findings of fact of the Board, and the record of the hearing before the hearing examiner or Board or both.
      13. Restoration of Records and Benefits
        1. If the final decision is made in favor of the administrator, the charge(s) shall be expunged from the administrator's record except when substantive problems exist but the recommendation to terminate was dismissed or modified because of procedural errors.
        2. If the final decision is made in favor of the administrator, the administrator shall be reimbursed for salary and benefits lost during suspension, if any.

Published on
  • Effective: 1/23/1990
  • Revision:
  1. Board Policy
    The Board recognizes that in the normal contract negotiation process it may be in the best interest of the District to provide lump sum incentive payments to all employees or to specified categories of employees.
  2. Administration Policy
    The Board delegates authority to the District Administration to negotiate lump sum payments with the various employee groups within the parameters established by the Board.
    Guidelines

    1. When an incentive lump sum payment is to be provided separate and apart from other negotiated salary agreements, the lump sum payment will be included, along with other salaries, as eligible retirement wages.

Published on
  • Effective: 5/23/1989
  • Revision: 12/8/2015
  • Reviewed: 8/25/2015
  1. Board Directive
    Jordan School District has a responsibility to maintain public trust and confidence by providing a safe environment for students, employees, volunteers and patrons.  The District also has a responsibility to assure, so far as reasonably possible, that all employees are able to assume their duties and carry out the tasks for which they were hired.  Consequently, since abuse of drugs and alcohol in the work place decreases employee safety and productivity, adherence to this Substance Abuse-Free Work Environment Policy is a condition of employment for all Jordan District employees.  Adherence is vital for all employees.  This policy is written to comply with all requirements found in state and federal law, including: 41 USC 81 et seq., the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988;Utah Code §34-41-101 et seq.; Utah Code §26-38 et seq.; Utah Code §53G-8-602 et seq.; Utah Code §58-37-8 et seq.; Utah Code §58-37a-5 et seq.; Utah Code §53-10-211 et seq.; Utah Administrative Code R477-14; Utah Administrative Code R392-510; and Utah State Office of Education, Pupil Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.
    The Board delegates to the Administration the responsibility for establishing policy that promotes a substance abuse-free work environment and developing procedures for dealing with policy violations.  Compliance with this policy is mandatory consistent with federal and state law.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration is committed to establishing and maintaining a substance abuse-free work environment.  Therefore, District employees and volunteers are prohibited from the following while on District property, while operating a District vehicle or while attending any school-sponsored activity or event:

    • Manufacturing, dispensing, possessing, distributing, consuming, using or being under the influence of or using any unlawful controlled substance, drug paraphernalia or alcohol.
    • Manufacturing, dispensing, distributing, consuming or using an electronic cigarette or tobacco in any form.

    Any employee or volunteer found in violation may be subject to possible legal actions and/or disciplinary actions including but not limited to probation, suspension, and/or termination of employment or removal as a volunteer.  Administrative policy provisions and due process procedures for employees who violate the substance Abuse-Free Work Environment are outlined in District policies, including DP374 – Employment Background Checks; DP316 NEG—Orderly Termination Procedure; Licensed; DP316A—Orderly Termination Procedures – Administrators; and DP316B—Orderly Termination Procedures - Education Support Professionals.

    1. Definitions
      1. Safety Sensitive Positions:  Positions which directly affect the safety of District employees and/or the general public during the course of performing job duties (i.e. District vehicle driving, etc.).
      2. Random Testing:  Testing of employees in safety sensitive positions as part of a District random drug testing program.
      3. Reasonable suspicion:  An articulated belief based on the recorded specific facts and reasonable inferences drawn from those facts that an employee is in violation of the drug-free workplace policy.
      4. Rehabilitative Testing:  Unannounced testing of preselected employees done as part of a program of counseling, education, and treatment of an employee in conjunction with the District’s Drug and Alcohol policy.
      5. Medical Review Officer (MRO):  A trained practitioner at the testing facility authorized to administer and interpret controlled substance and alcohol tests.
      6. Drug testing:  The scientific analysis for the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the human body in accordance with the definitions and terms of Utah Code §34-41-101 et seq.
      7. Sample:  Means urine or breath sample.
      8. Electronic Cigarette: Any electronic oral device that provides a vapor of nicotine or other substance and which simulates smoking through its use or through inhalation of the vapor through the device; and includes an oral device that is composed of a heating element, battery, or electronic circuit and marketed, manufactured, distributed, or sold as an e-cigarette, vapor sticks, e-pipe, or any other product name or descriptor, if the function of the product meets the definition of an electronic oral device.
    2. Procedures for Implementation
      1. Training:  All employees are expected to receive training regarding this policy during the Onboarding process and through the critical policy review process at the start of each school year.
      2. Types of Testing:  Testing may be administered under the following conditions:
        1. Pre-employment testing for controlled substances for school bus drivers and employees in other safety sensitive positions.
        2. Random testing for controlled substances and alcohol for employees in safety sensitive positions.
        3. Reasonable suspicion testing for controlled substances and alcohol for all District employees.  This may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following:
          1. Observable symptoms of use or of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
          2. Presence of drug or alcohol paraphernalia.
          3. Any involvement (even indirectly) in an accident or near-miss that resulted or may have resulted in an employee injury or property damage or loss.
          4. Reports of drug or alcohol possession, use and/or distribution.
          5. Unexplained or suspicious absenteeism or tardiness.
          6. Unexplained significant deterioration in employee performance or behavior.
          7. Criminal citations, arrests or convictions as outlined in District Policy DP374 – Employment Background Checks.
          8. Any behavior or statements that would suggest that drugs or alcohol are present in the body.
        4. Post-accident or critical incident investigation testing for controlled substances and alcohol for all employees.
        5. Rehabilitative testing for controlled substances and alcohol for all District employees.
        6. Prior to return to duty or as a condition of continued employment if alcohol or controlled substances is the reason for a District employee’s absence from duty.
        7.  As a follow up in combination with a mutually agreed upon rehabilitation program.
      3. Testing:  Drug and alcohol testing shall be conducted in accordance with Utah Code §34-41-104 by an independent laboratory certified for employment drug and alcohol testing.
        1. Drug and alcohol testing results shall be confirmed using reliable testing methods and communicated to both the Human Resources department and the current or prospective employee by the MRO.
        2. Current or prospective employees shall be informed of their option for a split urine sample test at the employee’s shared expense in accordance with Utah Code §34-41-103 and Utah Code §34-41-104.
      4. Testing Required:  Employees required to participate in testing will make themselves available for testing as soon as notified by their supervisor.  Employees who refuse to submit for a test under this policy will be subject to employment discipline including termination.
      5. Sample Collection:
        1. The collection of samples shall be performed under reasonable and sanitary conditions and in a manner reasonably calculated to prevent substitutions or interference with the collection or testing of the sample.
        2. Reasonable measures will be taken to ensure the privacy of the individual being tested during sample collection.
        3. Samples collected shall be labeled and sealed to reasonably preclude the probability of erroneous identification of test results.
        4. The individual being tested shall have the opportunity to provide notification of any information relevant to the test, such as prescription and non-prescription medications used.  The individual may also provide information in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
        5. Sample collection, storage and transportation to the testing facility shall be performed in a manner that reasonably precludes the probability of sample misidentification, contamination, or adulteration.
        6. Sample testing conforms to scientifically accepted analytical methods and procedures.
      6. Results:  The drug testing facility shall communicate all drug test results to Human Resources.
        1. Positive results:  The MRO will determine whether there is a legitimate medical explanation for the result.  If no legitimate medical explanation exists, the MRO will inform Human Resources and the sample donor of the positive results.  Human Resources will remove the employee from duty and inform the employee of the option to have a split urine sample tested at a shared expense as provided for by Utah Code §34-41-103 and Utah Code §34-41-104.  Human Resources will then initiate disciplinary action.  At any disciplinary hearing, in addition to considering the initial test results, the test results of the any split urine sample shall be considered.
    3.  Violations
      1. Convictions or Arrests
        1. Employees arrested or convicted for a substance abuse-related activity are required to report the arrest or conviction to the Administrator of Human Resources within forty-eight (48) hours or the next business day, whichever is greater, as outlined in District Policy DP374 – Employment Background Checks.
        2. The District will follow established reporting guidelines when notifying the Utah State Office of Education.
        3. Any arrest or conviction for substance abuse-related activity or failure to report an arrest or conviction will result in disciplinary action as outlined in District Policy DP374 – Employment Background Checks.
        4. The District will provide adequate due process for the employee as outlined in District policies DP316 NEG—Orderly Termination Procedures – Licensed; DP316A—Orderly Termination Procedures – Administrators; and DP316B—Orderly Termination Procedures - Education Support Professionals.
    4. Discipline
      In the event an employee tests positive for unlawful controlled substances; tests positive for alcohol; refuses to submit to a drug or alcohol test; attempts to taint, avoid, delay or circumvent the testing process; is arrested (charged or convicted) on a alcohol or drug-related offense; or violates this policy in some other way, the District will initiate appropriate administrative and criminal investigations, and a confirmed violation of this policy may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.
    5. Employee Assistance
      1. An employee who feels he/she may have alcohol and/or drug dependency problem is encouraged to contact the District Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  Employees are responsible to seek assistance for substance abuse problems before policy infractions occur and disciplinary action is necessary.
      2. The District will provide an EAP at no cost designed to provide professional and confidential assistance to employees.
      3. Employees are encouraged to seek short-term help from the Jordan Family Education Center at no cost.
      4. The District will provide a reasonable accommodation to seek treatment for employees who voluntarily report dependency problems.  Employees needing extensive help from a licensed treatment facility (in-patient or out-patient) will incur all associated treatment costs.
      5. Once the substance abuse policy is violated, subsequent enrollment in a treatment program will not necessarily lessen disciplinary action and may have no bearing on the determination of appropriate disciplinary action.

Published on
  • Effective: 12/13/1988
  • Revision: 9/22/2015
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education allows secondary students to be released from school during the regular school day for the purpose of attending classes in religious instruction.  The Board holds that this policy does not violate the Constitutional requirement for separation of church and state so long as the school system and the particular church providing the religious instruction during the released time remain separate and neither institution invades the domain of the other.  Released time for religious instruction is not to be confined to any one religion.  The Board delegates to the District Administration responsibility for implementing this policy in compliance with Utah law and in accordance with State and District policy.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration directs the Administrators of Schools to work with secondary school principals to implement a program which honors parental requests for student released time for religious instruction during the school day according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Students will be granted released time for religious instruction only upon the written request of their parents or legal guardian.
    2. Released time is limited to one (1) class period per day.
    3. Released time is not to be granted during times when it interferes with completion of the student's regular course of study or with classes required for graduation.
    4. School credit will not be awarded for released time classes.
    5. School personnel shall not monitor attendance, maintain records, or perform any other work related to released time classes.
    6. Records of released time class attendance, released time grades, marks or other released time information are not to be included on the student's school report card or other school records.
    7. Released time class instructors are not members of the school faculty nor are they to be included as faculty members or considered faculty members in any school functions.
    8. Public school teachers, administrators, or other officials may not request released time instructors to exercise functions or assume responsibilities for public school programs which commingle activities of the two institutions.
    9. School publications shall not publish articles, pictures, reports, or records related to released time class functions or activities.

Published on
  • Effective: 6/14/1988
  • Revision: 5/26/2015
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education holds the expectation that all interactions between employees and students are professional and appropriate.  Therefore, the Board directs the District Administration to develop a scope of employment policy regarding interactions between students and staff members which stem from school relationships.  In addition, the Board directs the Administration to designate that certain activities pertaining to dangerous weapons are outside the scope of an employee’s employment.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The scope of employment policy shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions and applies to all employees, contract employees, and volunteers.

    1. Instruction, counseling, and administrative tasks and all other planned school contact with students shall be accomplished at the school during regular school hours.
      1. If special circumstances make it necessary for a District employee to meet with one or more students outside the regular school day or at a location other than the school, prior written approval from the principal is required.
      2. When a student requires staff assistance outside the regular school day because of an emergency or unanticipated occurrence, the employee shall notify the principal of the occurrence as soon as possible.
      3. All transportation of students in personal vehicles by District employees shall be avoided, unless the students are members of the employee’s immediate family or a student must be transported by an employee due to an emergency situation where the health, safety or welfare of the student is at immediate risk.  If such travel cannot be avoided and the transportation of a student is not life threatening, written permission must be obtained in advance from the parent and principal.
    2. All extracurricular activities outside regular school hours or off school property must be authorized in advance and in writing by the school principal in accordance with District Policy AA444—Employee Involvement in Private, But Public Education-Related Activities.
    3. After-hour activities involving students are to be held at the school whenever possible.  If another location is necessary, prior written approval from the school principal is required.
    4. Employees shall not charge a fee for any tutoring services provided to students at the school within school hours.  Employees may charge a fee for tutoring services outside of contract hours, only in accordance with District Policy AA444.
    5. District employees have the responsibility to communicate with students and their parents or guardians in a professional manner.  Text messages to students must be of a professional, not personal nature.  All communication using social media must be in compliance with District policies, including Jordan School District Policy DP371 Employee Information Network Acceptable Use and the Social Media Guidelines.  The message content, context and frequency will be used to determine if disciplinary action is taken by the District.
    6. Unless otherwise provided for by law, possession, or use of a firearm, weapon, or other dangerous materials (as defined in section G, below) by any employee in a District building, in or on District property, in conjunction with any District activity, or while traveling in District funded or dispatched vehicles, is in violation of Jordan School District Policy, and will be subject to disciplinary sanctions which may include termination. Possessing, using, selling, or attempting to possess, use or sell any such dangerous materials on District property or in District vehicles is prohibited regardless of intent.  Exceptions to this prohibition are for employees that use tools or materials that are required as part of their job function (as defined in section H, below) and for current holders of a lawfully issued concealed firearm permit (as set forth in section I, below) applying only to firearms, not to any other prohibited weapon or other dangerous materials.
    7. Dangerous materials include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:  firearms (including antique firearms), weapons, knives, swords, explosive/incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, noxious or flammable materials, martial arts weapons or other instruments including those which eject a projectile or substance of any kind, or any replica or facsimile of any of the above, whether functional or nonfunctional, whether designed for use as a weapon or when any object or substance is used as a weapon.
    8. Authorized use or possession of dangerous materials and tools when used in connection with a District approved activity or job function must be in the possession or under the control or supervision of the person authorized and responsible for the activity (e.g.: cooking, consumer science, CTE, chemistry classes, custodial, maintenance and repair).
    9. The law provides that a qualified person may receive a permit “to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self defense” UCA §§53-5-704(1),-705.  A concealed dangerous weapon means “a dangerous weapon that is covered, hidden or secreted in a manner that the public would not be aware of its presence and is readily accessible for immediate use.” UCA §76-10-501(3)(a)(i).  Therefore, any lawfully concealed firearm on District property or in District vehicles must remain concealed such that the public is not aware of its presence.
    10. District property may not be used to hide, cover or secret a firearm.  A lawfully concealed firearm must be within the employee’s immediate control at all times.  Employees must recognize that students could gain access to a firearm that is not properly concealed, or controlled.  Therefore, employees must use good judgment and strictly follow the law and this policy.
    11. An employee of Jordan School District who obtains a concealed weapons permit does so in his or her own individual capacity.  Any use of such weapons is outside the scope of employment, is contrary to the purposes of employment by the District and is done solely in the employee’s personal capacity, not as an employee of the District.  Any and all liabilities, damages, demands, claims, actions or proceedings in law or equity, including attorney’s fees and costs to suit, relating to or arising out of an employee decision to carry, threaten use, or use a weapon will be the sole responsibility of that employee without recourse to, or liability protection from or through the District.

Published on
  • Effective: 5/24/1988
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education recognizes that in the best interest of students, it may be necessary to detain student(s) after regular school hours under some circumstances.  The Board delegates to the District Administration the responsibility for establishing policy for detaining elementary students after school in compliance with Utah Code §53G-8-203.
  2. Administrative Policy
    In order to maintain open communication and cooperation between the home and school, each elementary principal will work with faculty members, parents and students to ensure that the parent (guardian) is contacted before a student is detained after regular school hours.

    1. This policy shall apply to all elementary students (grades kindergarten through six.)
    2. The parent or guardian of a student will be notified prior
      to the time       when the student is detained after school. (Contact
      with neighbors or siblings is not sufficient to meet this requirement.)
    3. Notification will be made by a licensed employee from the school, preferably the student's teacher.
    4. Notification will be documented in the school office with the
      following       information:

      1. Name of student to be detained
      2. Name of licensed employee making the notification
      3. Name of parent (guardian) receiving the notification
      4. Date and time of contact
      5. Reason for detaining the student
      6. Duration of detainment time
      7. Verification of safe transportation home
    5. An exception to the notification of parent (guardian) requirement will be made if detention is necessary for the student's health or safety.

Published on
  • Effective: 5/24/1988
  • Revision: 2/25/2014
  1. Board Directive
    Utah Annotated Code §53G-9-803 requires school districts to offer remedial classes for students in grades 7-12.  The Board delegates to the District Administration responsibility for devising and implementing an adequate system of remediation so that students can meet competency levels in all required core subject areas.
  2. Administrative Policy
    It will be the responsibility of the Administrators of Schools to work with principals to ensure that all students are given adequate instruction to meet competency levels in all subject areas.

    1. Meeting competency in all required core class will be defined as receiving a "D-" grade or better in the class.  Any student who receives an "F" in an English, mathematics, science, or social studies required core class has failed to meet the competency level.
    2. Parents will be notified by letter if their student has not met competency in any class.
    3. Students who do not meet competency levels in required core classes--English, mathematics, science and social studies--will be required to remediate the credit through an approved program.
    4. Remediation classes may be offered in summer school, or through approved programs.
    5. The remediation classes will be structured to enable students to receive .25 credit per quarter by successfully completing the remediation class.
    6. Fees will be charged for remediation classes according to the current fee schedule adopted by the Board of Education.
    7. Remediation may not constitute reason to retain a student in a grade level.
    8. Students in grades 9 to 12 will be evaluated as often as necessary to determine their progress toward graduation.
    9. Special education students will be exempted from remediation requirements if they are meeting IEP requirements.
    10. Transportation to and from remediation classes is the responsibility of students and parents.
    11. If a student does not pass a remediation class, the principal may waive the remediation requirement.

Published on
  • Effective: 2/23/1988
  • Revision: 6/22/2004
  • Reviewed: 4/26/2013
  1. Board Policy
    The Board recognizes that employees should not be subject to abuse in the workplace, and delegates to the District Administration responsibility for developing guidelines for handling incidents of verbal and physical abuse.
  2. Administration Policy
    Abuse will be considered any verbal or physical conduct which places an employee at risk or in fear of personal safety including verbal or physical threats, gross profanity, intimidating gestures, or physical contact such as kicking, striking, pushing, or physically assaulting with or without a weapon. Abusive conduct, physical or verbal, will not be tolerated.
    Guidelines

    1. Procedures for handling abuse/assault incidents.
      1. Employees will take appropriate precautionary measures to avoid abuse/assault incidents.
      2. If an abuse/assault incident occurs, abused employees will immediately notify their immediate supervisor.
      3. The immediate supervisor will conduct an initial evaluation of the incident, requesting assistance from his/her division administrator, Jordan District police officers or other police officers as appropriate.
        1. In cases of abuse/assault or threatened abuse/assault, an employee may be removed from the building until the immediate supervisor determines it is safe for the employee to return.
        2. Employees who are removed from a building for safety reasons shall be placed on leave with pay.
        3. Paid leave taken for safety reasons does not impact the individual's other leave benefits.
      4. Statements will be taken from all parties involved and from witnesses to the incident.
      5. Related evidence will be gathered or recorded photographically.
      6. Victims of physical abuse will undergo a physical examination by a qualified physician at district expense even if injury is minimal.
      7. The district will make restitution to an employee for verifiable damage or loss of personal property to the extent the district's liability insurance provides such coverage.
      8. Employees whose clothing, glasses, or other items worn upon the body are damaged or destroyed as the result of an assault shall be reimbursed for verifiable damages.
    2. Disposition of abuse/assault incidents
      1. All incidents of employee abuse will be reported to the District compliance officer.
      2. The District compliance officer will be responsible to follow through with the case and take the necessary steps to assure that the issue is resolved and appropriate disciplinary policies and procedures are implemented.