Board Report for May 20, 2025
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The Board of Education reviewed attendance and truancy issues during a study session held prior to the board meeting. The discussion included data on chronic absenteeism and the legal requirements for filing truancy reports with the courts. District leadership will strengthen training for school leaders and teachers on tracking attendance and using positive interventions to reduce absenteeism. The board has set a goal to reduce chronic absenteeism in the district from 28 percent to 10 percent by 2029. (watch on YouTube)
The board meeting began with:
- Thanking outgoing student board member Hilina Teklemedhin for her service and contributions to the board. (watch on YouTube)
- Welcoming the 2025–26 student board member Foss Goodwin (West High School) and alternate student board member Maya Kurth (Highland High School).
- Honoring the winners of the district’s Dreams Writing Contest. (watch on YouTube)
- Hearing a report from district financial adviser Alex Buxton on the district’s AAA bond rating. (watch on YouTube)
- Introducing Dr. Analis Ruiz as the new Associate Superintendent. She will begin her new job on July 1, 2025. (watch on YouTube)
The board received the following reports:
- A final review of the budget ahead of next month’s public hearing. The board is expected to vote on both the proposed 2025–26 budget and the revised 2024–25 budget at its meeting on June 3, 2025. (watch on YouTube)
- Updates from board members who attended the recent National School Boards Association conference. (watch on YouTube)
- An annual review of the board’s Inclusion Resolution, highlighting programs and services that foster inclusive, welcoming learning environments for all students. (watch on YouTube)
The board discussed the following items:
- A recommendation to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings by repurposing Riley Elementary School as the new Career and Technical Center (CTC). The transition would happen in phases and be funded through CTE funds, state grants, and private donations raised by the Salt Lake Education Foundation. This item was moved to the action agenda. (watch on YouTube)
- A revised proposal to upgrade athletic fields at selected schools to meet the needs of high school teams during the rebuilds of Highland and West High Schools. The updated proposal includes only Dilworth Elementary and Clayton and Glendale Middle Schools. The board moved the Glendale Middle School upgrades to the action agenda. (watch on YouTube)
- The proposed 2025–26 Board calendar, which was also moved to the action agenda. (watch on YouTube)
The board approved the following:
- The 2025–26 School LAND Trust/School Improvement Plans, which had been pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. (watch on YouTube)
- The repurposing of Riley Elementary School as the district’s new CTC, funded through CTE funds, state grants, and private donations via the Salt Lake Education Foundation. (watch on YouTube)
- Track and field improvements at Glendale Middle School to support West High athletic teams during the school’s rebuild. The district will continue meeting with the city to explore additional field upgrade solutions before making decisions on other sites. (watch on YouTube)
- The 2025–26 Board Calendar, including an annual board planning session scheduled for August 2, 2025. (watch on YouTube)