Jer Bates

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of the traditional land of the Great Salt Lake Fremont, Northern Shosonyi, and Go tribes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to student and staff celebrations, including recognizing the November and December Students of the Month from Benlment High School, George Washington High School, Ogden Technical High School, and the Post Hype program. The board also celebrated the winners of the winter greeting card contest themed 'family winter traditions' from the visual arts department. Towards the end of the documented proceedings, the board reviewed and approved the consent calendar and excused a board member from attendance. The auditors from ID Bailey presented the annual independent financial report and accompanying auditor's letter.

The regular meeting included the recognition of Students of the Month and the presentation of the 2025 Winter Greeting Card winners. The Consent Calendar was approved, which included items such as personnel actions, financial reports, and the renaming of the James Madison Building to the Opportunity Center of Ogden School District. Key action items involved the unanimous approval of the Audited Financial Report for the 2024/25 fiscal year and the first reading and adoption of revisions to Board Policy 6.102 Facilities Construction. The Superintendent reported on the progress of the Opportunity Center and addressed public interest regarding the Taylor Canyon property, emphasizing the fiduciary responsibility for surplus assets. The Business Administrator announced the district received an award for the Hillcrest Elementary project. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss the strategy for the sale of real property.

The meeting commenced with a pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items focused on student recognition, including the celebration of Brooklyn Richley from Ben Lman High School as an academic all-star, noted for her high achievement in academics and athletics, particularly in tennis. The meeting also recognized Luke from Ogden Heights as an academic all-state recipient in two sports (golf and cross country) with a 4.0 GPA, and acknowledged four other academic all-state recipients who were absent due to competition. Students of the month were also presented: Mark from Ben Lman High School, recognized for his dedication to the yearbook, interest in law enforcement, and participation in student government; Amy from Ogden High School, praised for her positive energy, leadership in Latinos in action, and success in cross country; Michael Riel (Titi) from OTCH High School, honored for his resilience, completion of vocational courses like cosmetology and CNA, and leadership; and Victor Loisa from Post High, recognized for his hard work, willingness to take on tasks at job sites, and pursuit of a career in landscaping. Finally, Amy Graham from Ogden High School was recognized for participating in the All State Choir Competition, an experience reserved for highly advanced choir students.

The meeting agenda included board committee reports, focusing heavily on the Budget, Finance, and Facilities Committee report. Discussions included touring the mechanics building and addressing significant surplus and storage issues in Borgstrom Hall, noting that Borgstrom Hall will eventually need to be demolished as part of a cohesive plan for a new maintenance and mechanics facility. The committee will work on downsizing stored items, including drama club paraphernalia. The Student Achievement Committee reported on their meeting, highlighting a detailed overview of special education in the district, noting a 15% enrollment of students with disabilities, the highest rate in the state. They plan to present this information to the whole board in March. The committee also discussed Post High programming, noting enrollment numbers for preschool (93 students, expected to double), K-12, and Post High (82 students), focusing on life skills, social skills, hygiene, and business operation training like running a cafe. The Policy and Law Committee reported on numerous policy updates discussed over two October meetings. Key policy updates involved student privacy (Policy 9.300), district and school management incorporating Utah code references, staff/administrative evaluations, access records (Policy 2.112), Title One and PTA Comparabilities (Policy 13.108, a new policy), educator evaluation (Policy 7.100), electronic devices (Policy 9309, restricting personal devices and usage of district Wi-Fi), communicable diseases (Policy 9.4.406, updating listed diseases), integrated pest management (Policy 6.109 for awareness), occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (Policy 7.201, removing HIV/HPV from the title), enrollment and attendance records (Policy 9104), and student fees/charges (Policy 9.200, updating qualifications related to homeless students under McKinney-Vento). The committee also discussed rescheduling an ROC experience presentation due to time constraints.

The Board of Education meeting included recognition of students and staff for achievements in academics, sports, and the arts. Updates were provided on the Cognia Accreditation Process and a visit from the Lt. Governor focusing on Early Literacy. The Business Administrator reported on the Capital Finance Plan and the nearing finalization of the audit. The Student Board Representative gave updates on school events. The board also reviewed and adopted policies related to occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, student fees and charges, and electronic devices.