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Category: Administrators of Schools (AA400 – AA499)

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

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

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

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

Published on
  • Effective: 5/24/1988
  • Revision: 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.
        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-7-505 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.