School board approves new principal

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The July meeting of the Emery County School District Board of Education was held at the School District Office. Superintendent Kirk Sitterud recommended to the Board that the following individuals be approved Jerry (JR) Jones Principal/ Half-Time Teacher Book Cliff Elementary School and Jaime Anderson Student Tracker Canyon View Junior High.
The board approved the individuals subject to the completion and review of a background check.
Justin Thornley and two FFA Students, Nate Gilbert and Koy Jensen, requested approval for a group of students and leaders to attend the National FFA Convention in October. Funding was not requested as students are planning to pay their own way. Thornley provided an overview of how this would be a benefit to the FFA program at Emery High School. Membership has been increasing steadily over the last four years. He feels that attendance at the national convention is the only missing link in continuing development of the program. He also reviewed the proposed agenda for the trip. Sam Singleton discussed his appreciation for the FFA program. The board approved the students attending the national convention.
The board discussed policy actions including: Posting of Political Signs on District Property: The new policy is to meet the requirements of House Bill 70, recently passed by the Utah legislature. This includes direction on how this would affect caucus meetings or other political party meetings held on school property.
Concealed Weapons Permit: A new policy to clarify the liability and legality of weapons in the schools, particularly concealed weapons. Includes direction given by Utah State Risk Management. Breastfeeding in the Workplace: A new policy based on legislation from the 2015 session. Defines appropriate accommodation for nursing mothers in the workplace.
The student Fee Schedule was approved and is the same as in previous years with the one exception being the standardization of Emery High School art fees at $25 per art class.
Jared Black, business administrator reviewed the proposed settlements with the Emery Education Association and the Emery Classified Association. He added that the district appreciates the cordial relationship and productive meetings held with both associations.
Superintendent Sitterud outlined calendar items that would be happening between now and when school starts on August 25. He informed the Board of the retirement of Toni Hurst from her Educational Assistant position at Castle Dale Elementary School. The Superintendent discussed the Utah School Board Association’s Delegate Assembly to be held in August. He indicated that one board member from each board in the state should be present to vote on legislative priorities. Board President Laurel Johansen will make sure a Board member is assigned to attend. The Superintendent indicated that High School Activities Association Athletic Passes were now available to Board members at a cost of $30.