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Category: Administrators of Schools (AA400 – AA499)

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: 7/8/1986
  • Revision: 8/28/2012
  • Reviewed: 11/28/2015
    1. Board Directive
      The Board recognizes that is appropriate for families with students in public school to bear a portion of the direct cost of their child’s education and participation in extra-curricular activities. Pursuant to action taken by the 1986 State Legislature and subsequent rulings on that action by the State Board of Education, Jordan School District created (1) an official fee policy, and (2) a fee waiver guideline.  The Board delegates to the District Administration the responsibility of administering this policy.
    2. Administrative Policy
      The following definitions and standards shall serve as guidelines for local principals as they assess and collect fees at the local school level.

      1. Definitions
        1. Fee: Any charge, deposit, rental, or other mandatory payment, however designated, whether in the form of money or goods. For purposes of this policy, charges related to the National School Lunch Program are not fees.
        2. Provisions in Lieu of Fee Waiver: An alternative to fee payment and waiver of fee payment.Definitions
        3. Student Supplies: Items which are the personal property of a student which, although used in the instructional process, are also commonly purchased and used by persons not enrolled in the class or activity in question and have a high probability of regular use in other than school-sponsored activities. The term includes pencils, papers, notebooks, crayons, scissors, basic clothing for healthy lifestyle classes, undergarments for athletics, and similar personal or consumable items over which a student retains ownership.
        4. Optional Project: A project chosen and retained by a student in a vocational class or other class where projects are part of the curriculum, in lieu of a meaningful and productive project otherwise available to the student which would require only school-supplied materials.
        5. Elementary Schools: Schools which contain grades K through 6.
        6. Secondary Schools: Schools which contain grades 7 through 12.
        7. Textbook: Book, workbook, and materials similar in function which are required for participation in any instructional course.
        8. Waiver: Release from the requirement of payment of a fee and from any provision in lieu of fee payment. Students who have been granted waivers or provisions in lieu of fee waivers shall not be treated differently from other students or identified to persons who do not need such information.
      2. Standards
        1. Classes and Activities During the Regular School Day
          1. No fee may be charged for any class or activity in kindergarten through sixth grade, including assemblies and field trips. (Elementary Schools)
          2. Textbook, lab, and other course-related fees may only be charged in grades seven through twelve. (Secondary Schools)
          3. Students must be able to enroll and participate in any class, and have the opportunity to acquire all skills and knowledge required for full credit and highest grades. They may do this without paying a fee or participating in a fund raising activity with the following exceptions:
            1. Students of all grade levels may be required to provide materials for their optional projects.
            2. Student supplies must be provided for elementary students. A student may, however, be required to replace supplies provided by the school which are lost, wasted, or damaged by the student due to careless or irresponsible behavior. An elementary school or elementary school teacher may provide a suggested list of supplies for use during the regular school day that may be furnished on a voluntary basis by the parent or legal guardian.  The following language must be included at the beginning of the note:  “Notice: the items on this list will be used during the regular school day.  They may be brought from home on a voluntary basis; otherwise, they will be furnished by the school.”
            3. Secondary students may be required to provide their own student supplies.
        2. School Activities Outside of the Regular School Day
          1. Fees may be charged in connection with any school-sponsored activity, regardless of the age or grade level of the student, if participation is voluntary and does not affect a student's grade or ability to participate fully in any course taught during the day.
          2. Fees related to extracurricular activities sponsored by the Utah High School Activities Association may not exceed limits established by the Association.  Activity fees for secondary schools are required and established annually.  Student fees at the home school are discounted with activity pass.  Family discount passes are available at the home school in accordance with rules set by Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Region Policies.
        3. General Provisions
          1. No fee may be charged or assessed in connection with any class or school sponsored or supported activity, including extracurricular activities, unless the fee has been set and approved by the local board of education in accordance with this policy.
          2. Fee schedules and policies for the entire district shall be adopted at least once each year by the local board of education in a regularly scheduled public meeting of the board. Provision shall be made for broad public notice and participation in the development of fee schedules and waiver policies.
          3. The District shall adopt procedures to reasonably ensure that the parent or guardian of each student receives written notice of fee schedules and fee waiver policies before the fees are due. Procedures for fee waivers shall be written in language that is easily understood and included with student registration materials.
          4. No present or former student may be denied receipt of transcripts or a diploma for failure to pay school fees other than a reasonable charge made to cover the cost of duplicating or mailing. No charge may be made for duplicating or mailing copies of school records to an elementary or secondary school in which the student is enrolled or intends to enroll.
          5. A Board of Education shall provide, as part of any fee policy or schedule, for adequate waivers or other provisions to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to participate in a class or school sponsored or supported activity because of an inability to pay a fee. The waiver policy shall include procedures to ensure that:
            1. A person is designated in each school to administer the policy and grant waivers (school principal);
            2. The process for obtaining waivers or pursuing alternatives is administered fairly, objectively, and without students and parents;
            3. Fee waivers or other provisions in lieu of fee waivers are available to all students who are in state custody or receiving public assistance in the form of aid to dependent children, general relief,
              supplemental security income, or foster care, and others whose parents or guardians are financially unable to pay;
            4. Textbook fees are waived for all eligible students in accordance with §53G-7-603 of the Utah Code;
            5. Parents are given the opportunity to review proposed alternatives to fee waivers;
            6. An appeal process is available, including the opportunity to appeal to the board or its designee; and
            7. The Board provides for balancing of financial inequities among district schools, if the granting of waivers and alternatives to waivers produces significant inequities through unequal impact on individual schools.
          6. To preserve equal opportunity for all students and to limit diversion of money and school and staff resources from the basic school program, each district's fee policies shall be designed to limit student expenditures for school sponsored activities, including expenditures for activities, uniforms, clubs, clinics, travel, and subject area and vocational leadership organizations whether local, state or national.
          7. Expenditures for uniforms, costumes, clothing, and accessories, if other than typical student dress, which are required for participants in choirs, pep clubs, drill teams, athletic teams, bands, orchestras, and other student groups, are fees requiring approval of the local Board of Education.
          8. The requirements of fee waiver and availability of other provisions in lieu of fee waiver do not apply to charges assessed pursuant to a student's damaging or losing school property. Schools may pursue reasonable methods for obtaining payment for such charges, but may not exclude students from school or withhold transcripts or diplomas to obtain payment of those charges.
          9. Charges for class rings, letter jackets, and similar articles not required for participation in a class or activity are not fees and are not subject to the waiver requirements of this policy.

Published on
  • Effective: 1/14/1986
  • Revision: 8/28/2012
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board supports the concept that the students in the District are entitled to experience good dramatic productions.  The Board recognizes that class and school drama productions are an extension of the state core curriculum as well as national standards, and enhance students’ understanding and interpretation of the world around them.  To assure that age-appropriate material that reflects community standards is performed and/or produced in District schools, the Board authorizes the Administration to the establish a Drama Production Selection Committee for the District and for each local school.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Local school principals and the District Administration have the responsibility to ensure that the local and District Drama Production Selection Committees approve appropriate material to be produced by District schools.  Parents share responsibility in the approval process of dramatic material to be produced in the schools.  Parent and teacher recommendations and concerns are to be carefully considered by the appointed committee before approval is given.

    1. District Drama Production Selection Committee:  This committee will screen productions that will be presented within the school programs in Jordan District.
      1. Membership shall include the following:
        1. One parent from each high school feeder area.  Each Administrator of Schools shall have the responsibility of appointing a parent to the District committee.  Parent names will be selected from a pool provided by secondary principals per local School Community Council recommendations.  There should be one more parent than school employees on the committee.
        2. Administrator of Schools
        3. Administrator of Teaching and Learning
        4. Fine Arts Consultant (Chair)
        5.  Drama teacher
      2. Functions of the District Drama Production Selection Committee
        1. To review and approve recommendations and address concerns from the Local School Drama Production Selection Committee.  The principal and teacher will be invited by the committee to address local production concerns.
        2. To review and revise District drama approved production lists.
        3. To make parents, teacher, and students aware of the committee and its purpose (District website).
    2. Local Drama Production Selection Committee:  Established at the local school level, this committee will screen productions to be presented within the school program and recommend productions which are not on the District approved list to the District Drama Production Selection Committee.
      1. Membership on the Local Drama Production Selection Committee shall include the following:
        1. Local school drama teacher
        2. Principal or other administrator as assigned by the principal
        3. One additional teacher depending on presentation format (i.e., music teacher for musicals, English teacher for plays, etc.)
        4. Four (4) parent representatives, one to be selected by the School Community Council.  There should be one more parent than school employees on the committee.
      2. Functions of the Local School Drama Production Selection Committee
        1. Review and approve local recommended material for submission to District Drama Production Selection Committee for final approval.
        2. Complete a District Drama Production Recommendation Form and submit it to the District Drama Production Committee.
        3. Submit a copy of the script to the District Drama Production Selection Committee.
        4. Drama teacher submitting script may be asked to make a five-minute presentation to the District committee.
    3. General Procedures
      1. Materials used in class by students for individual assignments shall be approved by the classroom teacher and reviewed by the local school principal or administrator assigned by the principal.
      2. Materials involving school productions shall be approved by the Local School Drama Production Selection Committee for final approval.
      3. If a production already appears on the District Approved List of Drama Productions, it does not need to be resubmitted; however, it still must be approved by the Local School Drama Production Selection Committee.
      4. If a production appears on the District Approved List of Drama Productions, it is the responsibility of the local school to make certain the interpretation of the material is reasonable and within acceptable community standards.  In addition, any cuts or script modifications must be in compliance with federal copyright law.
      5. If a production does not appear on the District approved list of drama productions, it will need to be submitted to the District Drama Selection Committee for review and approved prior to production.
    4. School Responsibilities
      1. Complete the Drama Production form and send it to the Teaching and Learning Department at the District office two (2) months prior to the production.
      2. If any simulated firearm is to be used in the play, the Simulated Firearm Form must be filled out and a copy submitted to the Teaching and Learning Department at the District Office two (2) months prior to the production.
      3. Consent forms for students who wish to participate in drama productions should be signed by a parent prior to the production.  This consent form should include information about play content and time requirements for the students and should be retained at the school.
      4. It is the responsibility of the principal or designee to ensure that drama productions have both local and District committee approval prior to beginning rehearsals and performances.

Published on
  • Effective: 9/27/1977
  • Revision: 9/22/2020
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education recognizes that regular student attendance at school facilitates academic achievement by maximizing the interaction between students and teachers. The Board also recognizes that regular student attendance at school is mandated by Utah Compulsory Attendance Law 53G-6-202, which requires students between the ages of six and 18 to attend school and is critical if schools are to meet the accountability standards set by federal and state legislation.  The Board, therefore, delegates to the District and local school administration the responsibility to develop school policies and procedures that promote regular student attendance. The school’s responsibility is to encourage and help students develop positive attendance habits that will enhance opportunities for future success.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Frequent absences of students from the day-to-day classroom experiences disrupt the instructional process.  The benefits of instruction, once lost, cannot be entirely regained.  The process of education requires a continuity of instruction, class participation, learning experience, and study.  Therefore, the local school will make every effort within the following administrative policy provisions, to encourage regular attendance for all students and to assist parents in their responsibility to have their children attend school regularly.

    1. Parents/guardians have primary responsibility for regular student attendance at school. School staff and students also share in that responsibility.
      1. Students are expected to be in attendance every school day in order to receive maximum benefit from their education experiences. If a student is legitimately absent from class, it is his/her responsibility to contact the teacher regarding make-up work.  If a student is tardy for class, it is his/her responsibility to contact the school office, teacher, or utilize any other established school procedure so that an unexcused absence is not assessed.  It is also a student’s responsibility to obtain a checkout slip from the office when he/she must leave during the school day.
      2. Parents/guardians are expected to ensure that their children attend school regularly and arrive on time.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify school officials of legitimate absences. The parent/guardian must telephone the office to confirm a checkout prior to the student’s leaving during the school day.
      3. Classroom teachers are required to record and verify daily student attendance as outlined in the Student Services Planning and Enrollment Manual. The individual school/teacher will, where appropriate, develop grading and credit policy that promotes attendance, class participation, and academic achievement.
        1. Learner validated attendance, in accordance with Utah Board Rule R277-419 Pupil Accounting, should be entered into the district’s student information system (SIS) daily and reviewed weekly as follows:
          1. In-person or live (streaming) online instruction
            1. Attendance will be recorded in the SIS at least once per day (elementary) or each class period (secondary).
          2. Virtual at home (online only) instruction (including competency-based instruction)
            1. Students will be considered “virtually present” if they have met the minimum criteria for participation. A variety of measures may be used to determine if a student participated in the learner validated program in an online, virtual at-home, blended or competency-based learning environment (digital or analog) including but not limited to:
              1. Evidence that validates student learning (e.g., online or offline assignment submission; rubric-scored written work; presentations; artistic performances and products; research projects; formative assessment results; progress toward academic goals; student portfolios; demonstrated competency assessments; explicit self-reflections on what students have learned related to institutional programs such as service learning; student ratings of their knowledge, skills, and reflections on what they have learned over a course of a specified period of time)
              2. Evidence that validates student participation (e.g., login data; discussion boards; completion of math and literacy supplemental software; virtual conferencing participation; classroom response systems (surveys/polls/quick checks); observations of field work; internship performance; service learning; clinical experiences; feedback from computer-simulated tasks; Social/Emotional Learning tools; number of student hours spent on activities related to a course)
              3. Evidence that validates student communication (e.g., emails from students or other electronic messages; student surveys; conversations by phone; feedback exchanges via learning management system; assignment pick-up/drop-off)
              4. Duration/Frequency minimums for student participation (e.g., minimum student login or teacher contact requirement; minimum hourly requirement, per day or week, when students are engaged in course work; required periodic contact with a licensed educator)
            2. Virtual students who have not met the minimum criteria to be considered present by the last day of the school week will be marked “unexcused absent” for the entire week.
      4. Any student that has had no contact, participation, or has not met the minimum criteria to be marked present, whether in-person or live (streaming) online or virtual at-home, for 10 consecutive school days shall be removed from district membership in the SIS, unless the student has a valid excuse under UCA 53G-6-201(9).
    2. Each school, in cooperation with the community, shall develop a schoolwide attendance plan that complies with state and District policies. Development of a schoolwide attendance plan shall include use of research findings, faculty and staff consensus, community input, and involve the respective Administrator of Schools.
      1. The schoolwide attendance plan must
        1. Identify common attendance issues, including but not limited to:
          1. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, suspension, and time missed due to changing schools.
          2. Truancy, defined by UCA 53G-6-201(7)(a) as a condition in which a school-age child, without valid excuse is absent for at least half the school day.
        2. Include possible interventions for attendance issues, including but not limited to:
          1. Attendance contracts and positive behavior interventions.
          2. Counseling of the student by school personnel.
          3. Adjusting the curriculum and schedule (if necessary) to meet the needs of the student.
          4. Voluntary participation in truancy mediation (if available).
          5. Consideration of alternatives proposed by the parent or legal guardian.
          6. Providing the parent or legal guardian, when appropriate, a list of resources available to assist in resolving attendance problems.
          7. Enlisting the assistance and resources of community-based agencies and programs.
          8. Court referrals, issued as a "last resort” and only in accordance to UCA 63G-8-211-4(a).
        3. Include the following, as appropriate for the grade and developmental level of the student body:
          1. A rationale for the importance of attendance.
          2. Responsibilities for students, parents, classroom teachers, and school administrators.
          3. Procedures for managing attendance issues, i.e., illness, check in/out, school activity absences, etc.
          4. An acceptable range of school and teacher consequences for unexcused absences and tardies.
          5. Guidelines for making up work.
          6. Other pertinent information that addresses local school attendance needs.
      2. School principals shall submit the schoolwide attendance plan annually to their respective Administrators of Schools for review and approval.
    3. The schoolwide attendance plan shall guide the development of disclosure statements for each course in secondary schools:
        1. Disclosure statements must:
          1. Comply with District and school administrative policy provisions
          2. Outline grading expectations for three basic components:
            1. Assessments
            2. Assignments
            3. Classroom attendance and participation
          3. Outline procedures and timelines for making up work and earning points/credit missed due to a legitimate absence. Legitimate absences are defined as:  verified illness, medical appointments, bereavement, court appearances, emergencies, pre-approved educational leave, and special family or religious events.
          4. The process to make up work and earn points/credit missed due to administratively approved school activity absences. Students shall also be allowed to make up work and earn points/credit missed for legitimate absences as listed in section C.3.
        2. All students shall receive disclosure statements for all classes on or before the fifth day of enrollment in the course. Parents and students shall be encouraged to return signed disclosure statements in a timely manner, typically two to four days.
        3. Teachers are encouraged to award points/credit for the return of signed disclosure statements within the established time frame.
        4. All disclosure statements must receive approval from the local school administrator or designee prior to distribution to students and parents.

Published on
  • Effective: 6/28/1977
  • Revision: 8/23/2022
  1. Board Directive
    The policy of the Jordan School District Board of Education is to see that all students have extensive experience with quality literature.  The Board is committed to involving parents in the process of selecting appropriate literature for school use, and respects the right of parents to protect their children from literature which they personally consider damaging.  Therefore, the Board delegates to the District Administration responsibility for developing and administering this policy.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Literature Selection and Review policy shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Standards for Required Reading
      1. Literature selections which are assigned as required reading, read aloud to students in the classroom, or appear on a list from which students choose shall meet the requirements of Utah Code 53G-10-103 Sensitive Materials in Schools as well as the following criteria:
        1. The subject matter, interest and reading level, and maturity level of the selection are appropriate for the students being taught.
        2. The selection is appropriate for the age, emotional development, ability level, and social development of the students being taught.
        3. The selection meets an appropriate instructional purpose.
        4. The selection will help students better understand themselves and others.
        5. The selection has identifiable literary or curricular merit.
        6. The literary selection appropriately models element (character, setting, plot, conflict, etc.), style, or genre that the student is expected to learn.
        7. The informational selection has identifiable curricular merit, text structures, and text features that support main idea, argument, or author’s point of view.
      2. Literature that students select themselves from school library media centers, public libraries, home libraries, or other sources shall not come under the provisions of this policy.
      3. Literature titles that meet the above criteria may be accessed on the District Approved Elementary and Secondary lists.
    2. Standards for Independent Reading
      It is the responsibility of classroom teachers and their administrators to assure that reading materials available in classrooms are appropriate.  Reading materials, which are stored in classrooms and available for self-selection by students and shall meet the following criteria:

      1. The materials shall be appropriate regarding subject matter, reading level, and maturity level as well as appropriate for the ages and interests of the students.
      2. The literary materials appropriately model a literary element (character, setting, plot, conflict, etc.), style, or genre.
      3. The informational materials appropriately model text structures and text features.
    3. Organization of Literature Selection and Review Committees
      1. Elementary Literature Selection and Review Committees
        1. District Elementary Literature Selection and Review Committee
          1. The District shall organize an Elementary Literature Selection and Review Committee.  Membership shall include five teachers (one from each area) from grades 4, 5 and 6, a District elementary library media specialist, and five parents (one from each area) who are selected by the corresponding Administrator of Schools.  This committee shall be chaired by the District language arts consultant.
          2. The committee shall meet at least four times each year for the purpose of evaluating new literature selections which are being considered as suggested reading.  The committee shall periodically compile recommended reading lists for grades 4, 5, and 6.
        2. Each elementary school may organize a Literature Selection and Review Committee, if needed, for the purpose of selecting and reviewing literature for the classroom as requested by the principal, teachers, or parents within the school.   When created, this committee membership shall include the principal, who will chair the committee, two teachers appointed by the principal, the library media specialist, and three parents appointed by the School Community Council.
      2. Secondary Literature Selection and Review Committees
        1. District Middle School and High School Literature Selection and Review Committees
          1. These committees shall be organized for the purpose of screening and approving the literature that is assigned as required reading in the District's secondary schools.
          2. The Middle School Committee membership shall include one teacher and one parent from each middle school, and one secondary library media specialist.  The committees shall be chaired by the District language arts consultant and meet at least twice each year to review and approve new selections.
          3. The High School Committee membership shall include one teacher and one parent from each high school, and one secondary media specialist.  The committee shall be chaired by the District language arts consultant and shall meet at least twice during each year to review and approve new selections.
          4. Teachers shall not assign any literature selection that has not had prior approval for use in the classroom.   Secondary teachers who wish to teach a selection that does not appear on the current District-approved list should complete a Recommendation Form and submit it and three copies of the book, to the appropriate middle or high school District committee for review and approval.  Recommendation forms are available from the District Teaching and Learning Department and on the District website at secondarylanguagearts.jordandistrict.org/.
          5. Each secondary school may organize a Literature Selection and Review Committee for the purpose of recommending literature selections to the corresponding District committee.  Parents/guardians should assist their students in selecting literature from lists. At the request of the principal, teachers, or parents within the school, the committee shall also review literature selections whose appropriateness is challenged and/or ask for assistance from the District Literature Selection and Review Committee.  When created committee membership shall include the principal, who will chair the committee, one teacher appointed by the principal, the library media specialist, and two parents appointed by the School Community Council.
      3. Working in concert, the District Elementary, Middle School, and High School Committees shall articulate required literature assignments to assure that selections are offered at the appropriate age/maturity level and to see that required reading assignments are not duplicated as students move forward through the grades. The process for requesting use of a text that appears on a higher grade level list will be as follows:
        1. Teacher shall complete the request form that can be found on the elementary and middle school level websites.
        2. Teacher shall provide the book title, author and text level (guided reading level, lexile level, grade-level equivalent), reason/purpose for the request, and an explanation of how and with whom the book will be used.
        3. Requests will be reviewed and determinations made by the District language arts consultant, Administrators of Schools, and the Administrator of Teaching and Learning, with input from the literature selection committees.
    4. Literature Selection and Review Process
      1. Elementary Committees
        Literature selection for classroom material shall be conducted at the local level.  The District Recommended Book List may be used to assist schools when making text selections.
      2. Middle School and High School Committees
        1. Middle School and High School Committees shall recommend literature to the corresponding District committees for approval at least six weeks prior to a scheduled meeting.
        2. Members of the District committees shall read the selections under consideration.
        3. The District committees shall determine by majority vote, using the criteria established under II. A. of this policy as a guide, whether or not a given selection shall be approved.
    5. Challenges to Approved Literature
      1. Challenges to district-approved literature may be made by a parent/legal guardian of an active student within the District.
      2. Challenges to approved literature used in the classroom shall be submitted in writing to the District committee. Forms are available at the District Office and on the District website.
      3. The District language arts consultant, as chair of the committee, shall call a committee meeting. At least three committee members shall receive a copy of the challenge and read the selection prior to the meeting.
      4. The committee as a whole shall discuss the challenged selection, based on the administrative policy provisions outlined under Item II. A. of this policy and the written challenge.
      5. The committee shall determine by majority vote whether or not the challenged material selection shall be retained for classroom instruction.
      6. A material may not be reviewed again for three school years following the district committee's determination.
      7. To review previously challenged literature, email the Secondary Language Arts Consultant. Patrons will be informed if a material is currently under review or when it may be challenged again.
    6. Parents/Guardians Rights
      1. Parents/guardians may exempt their students from a required reading assignment if they personally find the literature objectionable.
      2. The student shall be provided with an alternate literature selection without penalty.

Published on
  • Effective: 9/1/1976
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  • Reviewed: 4/26/13
  1. Board Directive
    It is the feeling of the Board that all teachers should be provided a duty-free lunch period and directs the District Administration to administer the following policy.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration shall operate the following duty-free lunch policy:

    1. A thirty (30)-minute duty-free lunch period should be provided for each elementary teacher, and any schedule developed for adequate inside supervision should be designed with this point in mind.
    2. Teachers shall be scheduled for student supervision as little as possible when meeting local needs. However, schedules to provide adequate supervision of students when inclement weather necessitates keeping them inside during lunch, shall be designed and implemented by each school administration and staff.
    3. Rotational duties shall be equitable among all licensed personnel.
    4. Teachers shall not be assigned outside duty during the noon hour. Such duties will continue to be handled by the aides.

Published on
  • Effective: 10/28/1975
  • Revision: 12/14/2021
  • Reviewed: 7/25/2017
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes the value of a competent, professionally trained teaching staff and authorizes establishment of a Local Professional Improvement Committee (LPIC) to encourage, guide, and reward the professional development of licensed staff members.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration shall administer this policy in accordance with the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Membership
      1. The Jordan School District LPIC shall consist of the following members:
        1. Administrator of Teaching and Learning
        2. Three principals (one elementary, one middle school, and one high school)
        3. Three teachers (one elementary, one middle school, and one high school)
      2. The Administrator of Teaching and Learning shall act as chairperson.  The chairperson shall vote only in the case of a tie.
      3. The three principals shall be nominated by the Administrators of Schools and will serve two-year terms.  The elementary and high school terms expire on the odd year, and middle school term expires on the even year.
      4. The three teachers shall be nominated by the licensed employee agent group and approved by the Superintendent.  Teachers will serve two-year terms.  The middle school term expires on the odd year, and the elementary and high school terms expire on the even year.
    2. Schedule of Meetings
      LPIC meetings shall be held monthly as needed.
    3. Functional Responsibilities
      1. The LPIC shall review all school and individual in-service requests for credit and make recommendations regarding approval.  Upon LPIC approval, the Administrator of Teaching and Learning shall sign the in-service requests.  The Administrator of Teaching and Learning and Teaching and Learning consultants will review and approve District in-service requests.
        1. Any District educator may submit to the Staff Development Office a request to teach a specific in-service course.  The Staff Development Office will then arrange for the class according to District policy.
        2. Any District educator or principal may submit to the Staff Development Office a request for in-service training.  The Staff Development Office will then arrange for the class according to District policy.
        3. Before a District, school or individual course is approved, the instructor(s) must have a resume on file with the Staff Development Office as well as a course syllabus, a student evaluation plan, and a statement of the desired academic outcome.  Any in-service class for salary change credit must be approved before the class begins.
        4. Any in-service for credit must carry an approval signature of a Teaching and Learning administrator.
        5. Salary lane change credit for current employees will be granted from an accredited institution, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) approved credit on CACTUS, District approved credit and LPIC approved in-service credit.  Credit will be granted for courses taught by other agencies as long as the courses are submitted to and approved by the LPIC before the course begins and the course meets all other policy requirements.
        6. Only requests received by the 25th of each month will be assured consideration at the next LPIC meeting.
        7. The following criteria will be used for in-service evaluation:
          1. The request meets an established District need.
          2. Fourteen (14) clock hours of instruction are required for each one (1) semester hour of credit.
          3. With the exception of LPIC approved School and Individual Professional Development used to take approved classes, all in-service credit awarded must be earned after contract hours.
        8. Clarification of salary change credit:
          1. Credit for salary changes for current employees will be granted from an accredited institution, USBE approved credit on CACTUS, District approved credit, and LPIC approved in-service credit.
          2.  Credit for salary changes for teachers receiving licensure through an alternative pathway will be granted only following completion of their  Professional Licensure Program.  Salary lane changes will be awarded as noted in h.i.
          3. In-service training where teachers receive payment may be counted for salary change and may count toward state recertification.  Payment will be considered as an hourly payment or honorarium for attendance.  Payment will be based on the current hourly in-service rate.  An honorarium will be considered a payment fee, not a reimbursement for expenses.
          4. Payments given to in-service instructors will be based on the current hourly in-service rate, plus the same rate for an agreed upon number of preparation hours not to exceed the total number of hours of instruction.
          5. In-service classes held on contract time may carry salary change credit.
          6. University credit will be accepted on a semester-hour basis.
          7. Jordan District contract employees must submit application forms and pay a registration fee based on the number of credit hours for which they register.
          8. Salary change credit will be processed in the Human Resources Department in accordance with policy DP309—Salary Guidelines, which details educator responsibilities.
      2. The LPIC shall screen all applications for sabbatical leave according to policy DP333 NEG—Sabbatical Leave, and make recommendations to the Superintendent for approval.
        1. The number of applicants approved for sabbatical leave is determined by the Board.  All applications must be approved by the Board before being granted.
        2. When a sabbatical leave is successfully completed, a copy of the educational program and a transcript of credit and a report will be submitted to the LPIC for review.  The LPIC will notify the Superintendent of successful completion or failure to comply.
        3. Personnel on sabbatical leave must submit a progress report to the LPIC by February 15 of the year the leave is granted.  The report is to include the date the employee intends to return to full-time status.  Following review by the LPIC, the report will be forwarded to Human Resources.
        4. An employee returning from a one (1) year sabbatical leave will be placed in the same school and position as was held at the time the leave was granted, unless he or she requests otherwise.  His/her replacement will be hired on a temporary basis and will be so advised upon hiring.
      1. The LPIC shall screen all applications for educational leave according to policy DP332 NEG—Educational Leave, and make recommendations to the Superintendent for approval.
        1. The number of applicants approved for educational leave is determined by the Board.
        2. Personnel on educational leave must submit a progress report to the LPIC by February 15 of the year the leave is granted.  The report is to include the date the employee intends to return to full-time status and/or a request for a one-year extension if needed.  Following review by the LPIC, the report will be forwarded to Human Resources.
        3. When an educational leave is successfully completed, a copy of the outline of studies and a transcript of credit and a report will be submitted to the LPIC and the Superintendent for review.
      2. The LPIC shall screen all applicants for short-term, less than four-week paid educational leaves associated with Fulbright scholarships and exchanges.
      3. The LPIC will function to assist District educators with certification and endorsement needs in accordance with the standards and guidelines of the Utah State Board of Education.

Published on
    • Effective: 10/28/1975
    • Revision: 6/11/2019
  1. Board Philosophy
    Issues relating to the effective and efficient functioning of schools are best resolved at the lowest local level.  The Board authorizes the establishment of School Advisory Councils for the purpose of communicating areas of concern in the individual schools.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Board authorizes the Administration to operate the School Advisory Councils according to the following:

    1. A School Advisory Council shall be established in each school from the faculty of that school to provide for orderly and professional means of improving program coordination and communications within the school.
      1. Division Organization
        1. High Schools
          One representative from the elective subject areas, one representative from the required subject areas, one certificated employee agent faculty representative, one representative from the counseling staff, the principal, and one assistant principal designated by the principal.
        2. Middle Schools
          One representative from the elective subject areas, one representative from the required subject areas, one licensed employee agent faculty representative, one representative from the counseling staff, the principal, and one assistant principal designated by the principal.
        3. Elementary Schools
          One representative from the primary grades, one representative from the intermediate grades, one licensed employee agent faculty representative, and the principal.
      2. Additional participation or representation on the Council will be determined by the Council as needs arise.
      3. Teacher representatives and the counselor will be elected by the teaching staff.
      4. It shall be possible for individual members of the Council to introduce any items of business or points of view to be considered by the Council.
      5. Minutes shall be recorded on the School Advisory Council Committee minutes form and approved by the Council before distribution throughout the school and to the appropriate Administrator of Schools.
      6. The Council should meet monthly or more frequently if business dictates.  The chairman will be elected by the Council.  The operating procedures of the Council will be determined by the Council.
      7. The Council work shall not carry over into the administration of policies and programs.
      8. All items of business or recommendations coming from this Council are advisory only.
    2. Request for Review
      Informal Steps

      1. Issues of concern or discussion shall first be communicated to the person(s) involved in the matter with the objective of resolving the issues informally and making it clear that a review by the School Advisory Council may be considered.
      2. If the issue cannot be resolved within fifteen (15) working days, those initiating the review may contact the School Advisory Council to review the matter.  All issues must first be reviewed by the School Advisory Council.  This step may be waived only if the principal is the subject of the issue.
      3. If resolution is not achieved through steps 1. and 2., the chairman and/or co-chairs of the School Advisory Council may request in writing a review of the matter by the Administrator of Schools.   A summary of the findings and conclusions of the School Advisory Council shall be included with the request for review.  A copy of the request shall be given to the school principal.
      4. The Administrator of Schools will convene a review committee made up of Administrator of Schools, the Planning and Student Services administrator and two representatives from the licensed employee agent.
      5. A summary of the Review Committee findings and conclusions will be prepared by the Administrator of Schools and sent to the requesting party within twenty (20) working days of the receipt of the request for review.  The conclusions of the Review Committee are final.

Revision history:  9/8/2009

Published on
  • Effective: 3/12/1975
  • Revision:
  1. Board Policy
    The Board supports the policy that each high school publish a yearbook. The Board recognizes that maximum student involvement in the processes provides many rewarding experiences and offers enrichment to the school curriculum. The Board commissions the District Administration to develop practices and procedures to ensure that each high school will be able to publish a yearbook that reflects District philosophy through maximum student involvement.
    Guidelines

    1.  The processes of publishing a yearbook are not to compete with, advertise for, or promote private business.
      1. Pictures taken by the school for the yearbook are not to be sold.
      2. Advertisements for commercial firms are not to be placed in yearbooks.
    2. The District will provide technical assistance to each yearbook staff and adviser.
      1. The regular assistance of a District photographer is to be provided.
      2. The photo lab in the Jordan Technical Center will provide support facilities for film processing.
    3. Individual pictures for the yearbooks will be taken by the District photographer at no charge. Yearbook staffs will assist.
      1. An individual student may request to submit a substitute individual picture; however, it must meet the specifications set by each high school yearbook staff.
      2. Notification to students and parents that substitute pictures will be accepted is not necessary.
    4. The purchase price of yearbooks is to be approved by the Board.
      1. Quality, value received, and cost are to be constantly evaluated and equated.
  2. Administration Policy
    High school principals have the responsibility of coordinating and planning the necessary processes to publish a yearbook.
    Guidelines

    1. High school principals will coordinate, through the Administrator of Schools, matters on a District level that pertain to yearbooks.
    2. Each principal will provide a faculty advisor and develop a method to choose students for the yearbook staff.
    3. Budgeting is the responsibility of the local principal.
    4. Time schedule for the District photographer will be coordinated through the area Administrator of Schools.
      1. Regular class schedule
      2. Taking of individual student pictures
    5. Local schools are to notify students of time schedules for the taking of individual pictures.
      1. Each yearbook staff shall have a written description of specifications for individual yearbook pictures available only to students who request a substitute photograph. Such description shall be made and available in adequate time to meet yearbook schedules.
      2. The District will not be responsible for providing picture specifications to commercial photographers.

Published on
  • Effective: 11/12/1974
  • Revision: 8/27/2024
    1. Board Directive
      While study of the basic curriculum shall provide the basis of the educational program, the Board recognizes that extra curricular activities involving travel may provide worthwhile learning experiences for more mature students.  Therefore, the Board delegates to the District Administration responsibility for developing policy for student travel which minimize disruptions in the basic education program, limit most overnight travel to high school students (or ninth grade students approved for high school activity/academic involvement), involve parents in planning, and safeguard students from undue pressure to participate.
    2. Administrative Policy
      The Student Overnight Travel policy shall be administered according to the following  administrative policy provisions:

      1. Principals shall be responsible for coordinating the development of student activity and travel plans according to the following criteria:
        1. Whenever possible, student activities shall be scheduled in proximity to the local school and the need for long distance or overnight travel avoided.  Using the travel proposal and request application process, the school must show why the requested activity experience cannot be obtained in proximity to the school.  As a general rule, the Board of Education will not accept requests for travel outside the continental United States.  There may develop, on rare occasions, the need for essential travel of this nature.  If this becomes the case, the school principal may appeal to the Board by demonstrating in writing the absolute necessity of the travel and that all appropriate safety considerations have been addressed.   The principal should be prepared, upon Board request, to appear before the Board for explanation and/or clarification of an appeal of this nature if necessary.
        2. Overnight travel shall not be included as part of the elementary and middle school educational programs.
          1. An exception may be granted to an individual student or group of students that wins a competition supported by the District and who qualifies for state or national level competition, e.g. history fair, science fair, geography bee, spelling bee, etc.
          2. Elementary and middle school students participating in approved competitions requiring overnight travel must be accompanied by a parent.
          3. The District is not responsible for any costs, including travel, associated with local, state, or national competitions.
          4. All travel for elementary and middle school students must comply with the provisions outlined in this policy (AA414).
          5. Non-overnight learning experiences away from the local school shall be provided as outlined in policy AA416—Field Trips.
        3. Overnight travel may be part of the educational program for high school students when the travel is for an activity sponsored by the Utah High School Activities Association, a state or nationally affiliated educational organization, or an approved high school program.
        4. Overnight travel may be part of the educational program for high school students when the anticipated educational benefits warrant the required expenditures, comparable experiences are not available at the local school, and the travel costs will not burden families unduly.  All requestors of trips must demonstrate educational significance as to why the students are participating in the activity.  The student overnight preliminary travel proposal form submitted by the principal shall require thorough responses to the following questions:
          1. What is the purpose of the trip?
          2. What will be the educational outcome of the experience?
          3. Can the educational experience be obtained closer to the home school? If not, explain why.
        5. Sanctioned activities shall abide by the regulations governing competitions outlined in the Utah High School Activities Association handbook.
        6. Each school group or team shall be limited to one extended overnight travel experience during the academic year whether or not such travel necessitates missing days of school.
          1. No such experience shall cause a student to miss more than two (2) days of school.
          2. Special circumstances requiring additional days from school for valid education purposes may be appealed to the appropriate Administrator of Schools.
        7. Each school group or team may also be eligible for one local trip that does not exceed 375 miles in distance from the District office located at 7387 S. Campus View Drive in West Jordan. This local trip will allow for a school group or team to stay no more than two nights and miss no more than two school days per trip.
        8. Student organizations shall be limited to one extended overnight travel experience and one local travel trip during the school year.
          1. An exception may be granted for up to eight (8) elected student leaders in each Career and Technical Education (CTE) organization if in the principal's judgment it is deemed essential to the successful completion of their program.  (Note: Exemptions granted for leaders in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs need not be counted as the one overnight travel experience.)
          2. An exception may also be granted to an individual student or group of students if winning or qualifying at the local, state, or national level results in an invitation to compete or participate in an event that is considered postseason or the next level of competition.
            1. Such competition at the next level shall not count as the one (1) activity per organization nor the two (2) allowable days missed from school.
            2. If an invitation to participate in or compete does not allow a school time to comply with the stipulation to request leave 45 calendar days prior to a trip, the preliminary travel proposal must be submitted as soon as is feasible.
        9. If a school group or team desires an additional trip beyond the allowed trips, the coach/advisor must submit an overnight travel request following the designated process. All additional requests must be approved by the Board of Education.
        10. Supervision for student travel must be provided at a ratio of one (1) responsible adult age 21 years or older per ten (10) students.  However, there must always be at least two (2) chaperones regardless of the total number of students traveling.  Each chaperone must have a completed background check through Jordan School District.  Clearance will be verified with the Human Resources department prior to departure. Chaperones shall be primarily advisors and parents. Chaperones who are not current District employees will complete the Responsible Adult Information Form. Under no circumstance can a chaperone’s responsibility be delegated to an unapproved chaperone.  Students can only be released to their parent/guardian.
        11. All expenses (including travel expenses for required chaperones) associated with the trip must be paid by the participants themselves, covered by fund raising, or financed by Career and Technical Education (CTE) or other state or federal monies provided expressly for the activity.  School student body funds may not be used.
          1. The cost of substitutes for required advisors who are accompanying traveling students must be included as part of the travel expense and must be paid by either the travel participants or the individual advisor.
          2. Every traveling member will be required to purchase post-departure travel insurance through the District travel buyer.
          3. Student body general funds may not be used to pay costs related to student travel.
          4. All student expenditures associated with the trip must be itemized in detail by listing exact costs per student:
            1. transportation
            2. housing
            3. meals
            4. registration fees (when applicable)
            5. commercial insurance coverage (if not included in the package)
            6. individual post-departure travel insurance purchased through District travel buyer.
            7. other, i.e. event admissions
            8. chaperone/adult travel costs
          5. The total anticipated expenditure per student must be shown on the application form.  The percentage of the total student cost that may be earned through fund raising efforts must also be listed.
          6. When, in the sole judgment of the Administration or the Board of Education, in consultation with the school and the participating students and patrons, travel is suspended due to safety or other consideration beyond the control of any or all involved, Jordan School District, the Board of Education, school employees and agents shall have no obligation and shall be held harmless with respect to refund of any expenditures.  Participants should not expect refunds for cancellations either individually or as a group.  It is the local school’s responsibility to make this explicit to participants during the required parent meetings and prior to the commitment of funds.  The school administration must be certain that parents are aware of this condition and also require the parents to sign a statement of their understanding.
        12. Transportation shall be by commercial carrier, by Jordan District Suburbans, or by Jordan District Transportation Services for all overnight travel.  No private vehicle or private aircraft may be used for student travel. Ground transportation guidelines are as follows:
          1. Only those commercial carriers licensed to operate in Utah and in other states (when utilized) shall be used.
          2. Jordan District Suburbans may be used when following Suburban Use Guidelines. Suburban use for student overnight travel cannot exceed 150 miles one way.
          3. Jordan District buses may be used in the following circumstances:
            1. The trip is to take place when school is not in session.
            2. The travel is to be within the state.
            3. The request for services is submitted at least one month in advance.
            4. The request is approved by the Director of Transportation.
          4. Overnight travel
            1. Drivers will be compensated for a minimum of eight (8) hours for each day traveling to and from the field trip destination.
            2. Drivers will be compensated for at least eight (8) hours for each day at the destination.
            3. In accordance with Federal Department of Transportation Regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 395, a Jordan School District bus driver may only be on duty for 15 hours, followed by a full eight (8) hours of off-duty rest time.
              a) A driver may only drive for ten (10) of those 15 on-duty hours.
              b) Care should be taken to make sure District drivers are well rested so they can operate the bus safely.
              c) The schools will be responsible to provide for the expenses incurred to be in compliance with this regulation, to include a separate hotel room for each driver, and any mileage or travel expenses for additional relief drivers.
          5. Jordan School District vehicles are not authorized to operate between 1:00 A.M. and 4:00 A.M.
          6. When students are engaged in an activity where a change of clothing is required, schools should make arrangements for a changing room for students.  School buses shall not be used as a dressing room.
          7. No private vehicles may be used in overnight travel or school sponsored excursions.  Parents or legal guardians wishing to transport their own children, with the approval of the administration and/or the team coach/advisor, will not be under the jurisdiction of Jordan School District.
          8. Commercially rented buses or other modes of ground transportation may be used upon arrival at the destination.  Appropriate ground transportation insurance must be in place.  If the destination is over 150 miles one way, a commercial carrier, with a professional, licensed operator, must be utilized.
          9. Upon arrival at a destination, local ground transportation may be operated by an adult advisor/chaperone who is at least 21 years of age or older if the distance traveled is less than 150 miles one way, and the operator does not have any prior drug/alcohol related driving citations.  The vehicles used for this transportation should never exceed eight passenger capacity.  Fifteen passenger vans are strictly prohibited for any student travel.  Appropriate ground transportation insurance must be in place.
          10. Students are not allowed to drive when participating in overnight travel.
      2. A preliminary travel proposal outlining a desired overnight travel experience will be submitted to the Administrator of Schools prior to any discussion or meetings with parents and at least 45 days prior to the proposed trip.  The preliminary travel proposal for Administrator of Schools and Associate Superintendent,
        Business Administrator, or Superintendent approval shall include:

        1. The name of the group requesting permission to travel.
        2. The objectives of the trip, including valid and complete documentation of the educational outcomes.
        3. The proposed destination, mode of travel, and number of students involved.
        4. The number of school days missed.  (May not exceed two).
        5. The estimated total student cost of the trip including percentage of fund raising used to fund the trip per student. (Section II.A.9.)
        6. Specific and clearly defined reasons why the educational objectives cannot be met at another location closer to home.
        7. The principal's signature of approval.  (Cannot be a designee.)
      3. The final overnight travel request form shall be submitted to the appropriate Administrator of Schools and Associate Superintendent, Business Administrator, or Superintendent seven (7) days prior to departure. In addition to the information named in B. above, the request form shall also include complete documentation and summary of results of a required parent meeting as outlined in D below.
      4. A parent/guardian meeting must be held in conjunction with student travel requests.
        1. This meeting with parents will be held to discuss all costs and the itinerary associated with the proposed trip for the parents of potential student participants.  A parent survey may be utilized if a parent(s) is unable to attend the meeting.
        2. In this meeting parents will be informed, by a school administrator or the advisor in writing, of the proposed travel itinerary, anticipated expenditure per student, fund raising efforts, and the potential for non-refunds or expenditures when trips are cancelled.
          1. If 85 percent of the parents support the plan, a parent approval list will be submitted along with the application request.
          2. If the plan is not supported by 85 percent of the parents, all proposals for the trip will be abandoned.
            All necessary forms will be provided and completed at this meeting.
        3. A notarized statement granting the advisor permission to seek medical treatment for a student, in the event of an emergency, must be provided at the parent meeting or prior to the commencement of the trip.
      5. All overnight student travel participation is strictly optional.  Students who, for any reason, do not participate in activity travel shall not be penalized.  Nonparticipation shall not impact grades or the student's status in the class or organization.
      6. Advisors may not use an excessive amount of class/instructional time to plan and promote the trip.  The trip may only be advertised and promoted to Jordan School District students.
      7. Jordan District schools shall not sponsor activity travel for post-graduate students such as graduation trips, music tours, etc.
      8. Evidence of insurance coverage in addition to that provided by Utah State Risk Management shall be provided by the student organization from one of the following:
        1. The tour provider (vendor)
        2. A commercial group insurance carrier
        3. CHIPS insurance, sold to individual students through the school at reasonable cost
        4. Additional coverage from Utah State Risk Management
        5. In addition to the above insurance coverage, every traveling member will be required to purchase individual post-departure travel insurance through the District travel buyer. These costs shall be shared by the trip participants on an equal basis.
        6. A student shall show proof of family health insurance coverage.  This proof must be on file with the school advisor and provided to the school administration.