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Author: communications

Published on
  • Effective: 1/14/1992
  • Revision: 12/3/2012
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes the need to provide orderly procedures for termination of Jordan School District education support professionals, 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 a career or provisional education support professional’s contract during the contract term shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Definitions
      For purposes of this policy, the term education support professional refers to an employee whose primary duties relate to the support of the educational function of the District.

      1. Career Employee:  An employee of the District who has obtained a reasonable expectation of continued employment based upon current code and has completed one year as a provisional employee.
      2. Provisional Employee: An employee of the District who has completed less than one full year of continuous employment and has not been designated as a temporary employee.
      3. Probationary Employee:  Any career employee who has been advised in writing by the District that his/her performance is inadequate and in need of improvement and has been placed on probation.
      4. Temporary Employee:  An education support professional who is employed by the District on a temporary basis.  Temporary employees serve “at will” and have no expectation of continued employment beyond their initial contract with the District.  Temporary employees do not have the right to due process as defined by Utah Code §53G-11-512 through 517.
      5. Temporary employees include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
        1. Employees hired under contracts for one (1) year only or for less than (1) year.
        2. Employees whose positions are funded by state or federal grants that are allocated for one (1) year only or for less than one (1) year.
    2. When an employment action is to take place, the employee must be informed that a representative of his/her choice may attend the probation/termination conference at the employee's request.  The supervisor may also request that a representative from Human Resources attend the conference.
    3. CAUSES FOR CONTRACT NONRENEWAL
      1. The District may determine not to renew the contract of an education support professional 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.  (See DP349 NEG)
        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. Repeated violation of District policy.
        10. Unprofessional conduct not characteristic of or befitting a Jordan District employee.
        11. Unsatisfactory compliance with terms of probation (see DP314 - Provisional or Probationary Education Support Professionals).
        12. Any reason that the District in its sole discretion deems reasonable and appropriate (applies to provisional employees only).
        13. Performance, attitude, or other employment attribute which is substantially below the performance reasonably expected from other educators having similar responsibilities and duties as determined by District policy DP312—Evaluation of Education Support Professionals.
        14. Misuse of contract time to perform non-educational interests.
        15. Misuse of computers, based on District Policy DP371 Employee Information Network Acceptable Use Policy.
        16. Misuse of school equipment.
        17. Misuse of school or district funds.
      2. The District may determine not to issue a contract to any education support professional whose status is "Provisional," as defined under policy DP314—Provisional or Probationary Education Support Professionals.
      3. Prior to an employment action (probation/termination), the employee must be notified of the right to representation by the employee agent group or another agent of his/her choice.  A copy of the probation/termination report shall be placed in the employee’s file at the District Office.
    4. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
      The District may elect to proceed with disciplinary action to warn the employee that his/her conduct places the employee in danger of termination during the contract term.  The District may elect to exclude any or all of the following steps and proceed directly with termination for cause.  No disciplinary action shall thereafter prejudice the right of the District to proceed with termination for cause on the same facts which gave rise to the disciplinary action.

      1. Oral Reprimand:  Oral reprimand may be issued by the immediate supervisor.
      2. Written Reprimand:  Written reprimand is issued by the immediate supervisor or District Administration which warns the employee that adverse employment action, which may include contract termination, may be taken.
        1. This warning is active for a two-year period and may remain in either the school file or in the employee's District personnel file.
        2. The warning does not prejudice the right of the District to proceed with termination for cause should the misconduct continue.
      3. Probation:  The District may elect, but is not required to place the employee on probation for misconduct which could be grounds of termination during the contract year.
        1. The District is solely responsible for determining the length and terms of probation except under the provisions of policy DP314 —Provisional and Probationary Classified Personnel.
        2. Probation shall not prejudice the right of the District to proceed with termination for cause on the same facts which gave rise to the probation.
      4. Suspension:  The District may, at its discretion, place the employee on suspension.
        1. The District shall be solely responsible for determining whether the suspension is to be with or without pay and for determining the duration of the suspension.
        2. Suspension may, among other reasons, be invoked by the District when further investigation is deemed necessary or desirable in order to make an informed decision concerning the employment of an employee or for the purpose of awaiting the outcome of criminal charges pending against an employee.
        3. Suspension of an employee shall not in any way prejudice the right of the District to proceed with other action, including termination for cause, at a later date.
        4. Furthermore, the fact that pending criminal charges against an employee may be resolved in favor of the employee shall not preclude the District from initiating termination for cause proceedings or other disciplinary action against an employee based all or in part upon the same facts which gave rise to the criminal charges.
    5. CAUSES FOR CONTRACT TERMINATION
      1. The District may terminate the employment of any education support professional during the term of the employee's contract for any of the reasons listed above under section C., items a. through q.
      2. The District may terminate the employment of any education support professional during the term of the employee's contract for any act, failure to act, or conduct which constitutes a breach of the classified employee's employment contract.
    6. PROCEDURES WHEN RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT OF A CAREER EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL IS IN QUESTION
      1. When continued employment of a career education support professional is in question, the career education support professional 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 career education support professional shall be provided an opportunity to correct the deficiencies which are causing continued employment to be in question.  Assistance may be granted the education support professional to correct the deficiencies including informal conferences and services of school personnel.
    7. PROCEDURES WHEN THE CONTRACT OF A CAREER EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL WILL NOT BE RENEWED
      1. When the contract of a career education support professional will not be renewed, the career education support professional 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) working days.
        2. A recommendation shall be required from the hearing officer within ten (10) working days of the date of the hearing.
      4. The career education support professional shall be notified of the right to have the conference and hearings scheduled.   If the education support professional elects not to attend, the dates will be cancelled.
      5. The career education support professional shall be informed of the right to be represented at the hearing by a representative of his/her choice.
      6. The notice shall be delivered to the career education support professional personally or sent by certified mail to the education support professional'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.
    8. PROCEDURES WHEN PROVISIONAL CONTRACT WILL NOT BE RENEWED
      1. Provisional education support professionals, as defined under policy DP314, are not entitled to employment beyond the end of the term of the present contract, and may not reasonably expect continued employment in succeeding years.
      2. When the District determines not to renew a contract of a provisional education support professional, the education support professional shall be notified in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of his/her first 12 months of employment.
    9. PROCEDURES FOR TERMINATION DURING CONTRACT TERM
      1. Notice
        1. When an education support professional is to be terminated during a contract term, the District shall notify the education support professional in writing of the intent to terminate.  The employee will also be informed in writing that the timeline for the informal conference and/or a hearing procedures as referenced in this policy may be modified or extended.  If there is a compelling reason to modify the timeline for the informal conference and/or hearing procedures as references in this policy, either party may request the modification(s) from the other party in writing and both parties will be required to agree to the modification(s).  The District will issue a letter of understanding to both parties outlining the modified timeline.  In any case, no longer than thirty (30) days of pay may be offered beyond termination notification.
        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 personnel records of the District, at least thirty (30) days prior to the proposed date of termination.  Pay will not continue beyond the thirty (30) days termination notification.
        3. The notice shall state the date of termination and set forth the reasons for termination.
        4. The notice shall advise the employee that he or she has a right to a fair hearing and that the hearing process outlined below is waived if a 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 as shown on the District’s personnel records.
        5. The hearing process includes the right to an informal conference, the right to a hearing before an independent hearing officer.  Only the decision of a hearing officer may be appealed to the Board of Education.
        6. The informal conference will be conducted within ten (10) working days after the receipt of the request for the conference.
        7. The education support professional may be accompanied by a representative of his/her choice.
        8. The education support professional may present verbal or documentary evidence.
        9. The grievance officer shall issue a written report setting forth his/her findings and recommendations within five (5) working days after the conclusion of the conference.
        10. If the informal conference has been held and no written report has been issued within the time limits set forth in item I.1.i. above, or if the education support professional or the District rejects the recommendation of the grievance officer, either party may exercise their right to proceed with a hearing before an independent hearing officer. All hearings shall be scheduled within ten (10) working days after the informal conference report has been received from the grievance officer whenever possible.
        11. The notice shall also inform the individual of the right to be represented at the hearing(s) by a representative of his/her choice.
        12. 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. Hearing Cancelled or Not Requested
        1. If a hearing is cancelled or not requested by the education support professional, 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.
      4. Appointment of Hearing Officer
        Hearing officers may either be District hearing officers or individuals not employed with the District.

        1. Hearing officers shall be persons who will conduct hearings independent of pressure or influence from the District administration, District staff, the education support professional who is the participant in the hearing, or any association or organization acting on behalf of or representing the employee. No hearing officer may be a direct supervisor or subordinate of either the employee or a person recommending the employee’s termination for cause.
        2. District hearing officers include not fewer than five (5) employees of the District selected annually by the Administrator of Human Resources. The employee who is the subject of the appeal may select any one individual from the pool of hearing officers to hear the appeal of the employee.
        3. The employee agent group and the District agree to use the American Arbitration Association (AAA) for independent hearing officers. This includes following the rules and procedures as outlined by the AAA.
        4. When the services of a hearing officer are required, the cost shall be equally shared by the District and the individual.
        5. The individual or his/her designee and the Superintendent or designee shall each choose two names from the pool of hearing officers.  If there is one name chosen in common, that hearing officer 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 the names shall be drawn at random and placed on the list according to the order of the draw.  The hearing officer 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.
      5. Conduct of the Hearing
        1. The education support professional has the right to representation 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.
      6. Hearing Officer
        1. After hearing all of the evidence, the hearing officer may render an oral decision immediately following the conclusion of the proceeding.  The hearing officer shall, within ten (10) working days of the hearing, render a written decision supported by findings of fact.
        2. The decision may recommend to the Board of Education 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 officer, together with the findings of fact, shall be sent by certified mail to the employee's last known address.  A copy shall be mailed to the employee's representative, if any.
      7. Request for Board Review of a Hearing Officer Decision
        1. The education support professional shall have the right to request a Board review of the decision of the hearing officer.
        2. A written request for a Board review must be received by the president of the Board of Education within ten (10) working days of the date the hearing officer’s decision is postmarked.
        3. The Board review shall be upon the record made in the hearing before the hearing officer, except that the Board may, at its discretion, hear additional testimony or argument.
      8. Board Review Not Requested or Decision Favors Education Support Professional
        1. If a request for review is not received, or if the decision of the hearing officer is in favor of the education support professional, the Board shall determine whether or not to adopt the decision of the hearing officer.
        2. If the Board adopts the decision of the hearing officer, the findings of fact prepared by the hearing officer, if any, shall be deemed the findings of fact made by the Board.  The District shall notify the education support professional of the Board's decision by certified mail.
        3. If the Board determines not to adopt the decision of the hearing officer, the Board shall review the matter based upon the record made in the hearing before the hearing officer, except that the Board, at its discretion, may hear additional testimony or argument.  The administration will notify the education support professional if the Board determines to hear additional testimony or argument.
      9. Board Decision
        1. Within ten (10) working days of receiving the hearing officer’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 officer.
        3. The education support professional shall be notified of the decision of the Board and the findings of fact by certified mail addressed to the employee's last known address.  A copy shall be sent to the employee's representative, if any.
      10. Appeal
        1. 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 officer or Board or both.
        2. A rehearing shall not be allowed. The decision of the hearing panel cannot be appealed to the Board of Education.
        3. The decision of the Board in all cases is final.
      11. Restoration of Records and Benefits
        1. If the final decision is made in favor of the employee, the charge(s) shall be expunged from the employee'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 employee, the employee shall be reimbursed for salary and benefits lost during suspension.

         

Published on
  • Effective: 12/17/1991
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  1. Board Policy
    The Board recognizes that it is in the best interest of the school system to minimize outside disruptions which detract from the learning environment, encroach upon contract time, or reduce staff productivity. Further, publicly funded school and district services should not be used for private enterprise pursuits. Therefore, the Board delegates to the District Administration responsibility for developing a policy which limits selling in schools and offices and frees employees from sales pressure in the work place.
  2. Administration Policy
    Board policy shall be administered according to the following guidelines:
    Guidelines:

    1. Sales directly related to education
      1. Sales representatives who wish to communicate with school staff members about education-related items or services shall:
        1. Obtain written authorization from an Administrator of Schools of Schools or designee.
        2. Contact the school principal to arrange an appointment at a time which does not interfere with educational programs or staff responsibilities.
      2. Sales representatives who wish to communicate with District administrators about education-related items or services shall make appointments in advance. Administrators reserve the right to determine when and how sales representatives are received.
    2. Sales indirectly related to education
      1. Sales associated with fund raising projects authorized through the Jordan Education Foundation, PTA, School Community Councils, or other official student or school organizations shall be allowed in accordance with the provisions outlined in policy AA417—Fund Raising.
      2. Sales associated with student instructional programs, student activities, school clubs, or school and student organizations shall be allowed subject to authorization by the principal.
      3. Sales of student pictures, articles designed to boost school spirit, school graduation memorabilia, etc., shall be allowed subject to authorization by the principal.
      4. The District shall cooperate with dissemination of materials related to U.S. Savings Bonds, United Way, and other civic efforts as authorized by the Board of Education.
      5. Vending machines for school supplies, soft drinks and snack foods shall be allowed for the convenience of students and employees.
    3. Sales which are not an integral part of the regular school program or directly or indirectly related to education, as described in items A and B, are prohibited in all school buildings and District offices.

Published on
  • Effective: 11/26/1991
  • Revision: 11/13/18
  1. Board Directive
    The Board subscribes to the philosophy of educational choice and enrollment options for Jordan District students within the limits of classroom space and staff availability.  The Board recognizes that providing options for children and families optimizes student learning.  Therefore, the Board delegates to the Administration responsibility for developing policy for management of a school choice program.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration shall administer the open enrollment program according to the following administrative policy provisions and in accordance with Utah Code § 53G-6-402 and-403 (2018):

    1. Open Enrollment/Permit Process
      1. Students who wish to attend a school other than their resident school may file a request for an open enrollment transfer (permit) at the school they desire to attend. Applications are submitted online through the District website.
      2. Permit requests will be approved subject to the conditions as outlined in the document “School Permit Procedures”. This document shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Education.
    2. Accepting Permit Students
      The school administrator of the requested school shall accept the transferring student subject to the conditions set forth in document “School Permit Procedures” and subject to the following:

      1. Space, staff, and programs are available to accommodate the student.
      2. The District shall not be required to provide any program that it has not previously provided to its own students. If the District does not offer a program that the student requires, that fact shall be considered in reviewing the student's application.
      3. The student has not committed serious infractions of the law or school rules, including rules of the requested school/District.
      4. The student has not been guilty of chronic misbehavior that would, if it were to continue after the student was admitted, endanger persons or property, cause serious disruptions in the school, or place unreasonable burdens on school staff.
      5. The school administrator may allow provisional enrollment of a nonresident student with prior behavior problems when conditions have been set under which the student would be permitted to enroll or continue.
      6. Standards may not include previous academic performance (i.e. test scores, grades), athletic or other extra-curricular ability
    3. Permits for Students with Disabilities

      The student may be considered for enrollment if all of the following criteria are met:

      1. The student can be served on the current staffing pattern in the Special Education Department without the addition of staff or services.
      2. The addition does not exceed the school’s existing caseload capacity.
      3. Space is available at the school and in the student’s grade level.
    4. Duration of Permit
      1. Students who are granted transfer requests shall be permitted to remain enrolled in a school subject to compliance with the same rules and standards as resident students, without renewed applications in subsequent years unless one of the following occurs:
        1. The student graduates
        2. The student is no longer a Utah resident
        3. The student is suspended or expelled from school
        4. The District determines that enrollment within the school will exceed the school’s open enrollment threshold.
      2. Students who are granted transfer requests are obligated to remain at the requested school for at least one school year.
    5. Transportation
      The parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student shall arrange for the student’s transportation to and from school.
    6. Appeals

      The parents(s)/legal guardian(s) shall be notified of the right to appeal the decision of the school administrator to the Board of Education.

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.