Board Briefs
Oct. 1, 2024
Business Meeting Items
For more details and information related to each listed business item below, please see the BoardBook Premier board meeting agenda.
Board honors Business Administrator Craig Carter on his retirement
The Davis School District Board of Education celebrated the retirement of longtime Business Administrator Craig Carter at a recent board meeting, recognizing his 26 years of dedicated service to the district. Carter's impact, not only as a financial leader but as a person of integrity, kindness and humility was celebrated.
"Craig is the number one business administrator in the state,” said board member John Robison. "He epitomizes what everybody should be in relationship to being kind, respectful and willing to listen to others."
Several board members echoed sentiments of Carter’s unwavering support, grace under pressure and ability to make complex financial matters understandable. Carter’s influence extended beyond the district’s financial stability. Board Vice President Brigit Gerrard highlighted Carter's 26 years of service, calling him a key figure in the district's growth and leadership.
“We have been the recipients and benefactors of your knowledge, professionalism, financial management and kind heart,” Gerrard said.
As the district welcomed the newly sworn-in Business Administrator, Tim Leffel, who worked alongside Carter for 14 years, he paid tribute to his predecessor, calling Carter a mentor and friend.
“I can’t be Craig, but I certainly want to emulate many of the qualities he’s given us,” Leffel said.
In his closing remarks, Carter humbly thanked the board, staff and community, introducing his family, who had joined him for the occasion.
New Business Administrator Tim Leffel takes Oath of Office
The Davis School District Board of Education officially accepted the Oath of Office for new Business Administrator Tim Leffel. Leffel begins his new role with the district starting October 1.
2025 board calendar and schedule of meetings approved
Board approves 2025 meeting calendar. The calendar will be publicly noticed as listed below.
Northridge High School air conditioning upgrade approved
The board approved the Northridge High School air conditioning upgrade and awarded the bid to KK Mechanical for the guaranteed maximum price of just over $2.97 million.
Davis School Board introduces new policy on tax increment financing
The Davis School Board gave first-reading approval to a new proposed policy regarding tax increment financing (TIF), aimed at increasing transparency and adding more deliberation to the board’s decision-making process.
The policy, 6F-105, brought forward by the board president and reviewed by the policy committee, outlines a structured approach for evaluating TIF proposals and assigns initial review responsibility to the finance committee.
Board members expressed appreciation for the proposed policy, noting it would provide clarity and improve decision-making. The policy will undergo a second reading in November, with public comments invited in the meantime.
Board approves policy outlining allocation of additional paid hours
Davis School District General Counsel Ben Onofrio presented the policy 2HR-113, Legislative Allocation of Additional Paid Hours, which formalizes a professional development program that was established by the state legislature. It provides an additional 32 paid hours for educators as part of an additional compensation.
The policy was presented for second and final reading and was approved unanimously by the board.
Davis School Board supports Constitutional Amendment B to benefit school funding
During the board meeting, the board discussed Constitutional Amendment B, a proposal that would impact school trust lands without adding tax burdens on taxpayers. The amendment seeks to increase the cap on trust land fund distributions from 4% to 5%, which would provide an additional $1.2 million for Davis School District schools.
Board members highlighted the amendment's importance for public education and local control, with funds benefiting students directly through community councils. After discussing the positive impact on current students and promoting intergenerational equity, the board unanimously voted to support the amendment.
More information about the impact of this amendment can be found in the images below:
Farmington High seniors serve as October board members
The Board of Education was joined by two students from Farmington High School who will serve on the board as a student board member for the month of October. The recent modification to the student board member process allows for two student body officers or senior class officers from each high school to participate during a different month as board members.
This provides the opportunity to serve as a student board member to more students and gives a chance for each school to share and present their school during the board reports.
Student Body President
Brigden Sunderland
Senior Class Inclusion Officer
Amira Bell
Farmington High School student officers present efforts to board
The student representatives from Farmington High School reported on their focus this year on fostering a culture of connection among students, ensuring no one feels alone. One key initiative, "Operation Phoenix Rising," was inspired by Senior Class Inclusion Officer Amira Bell's experience as a new student. The effort involves officers introducing themselves to peers during lunch and throughout the day, helping students feel connected and supported.
They also highlighted the renaming of the student section as "The Inferno," fostering school spirit and unity during athletic events. In addition, they shared the success of several student events, including Senior Sunrise, Colorfest, Sparkler Fest, and a drive-in movie during homecoming week. They emphasized their involvement in unified sports, particularly the unified soccer events, providing special education students opportunities to participate.
The officers also discussed their academic achievements, noting Farmington High’s second-highest ACT average in the district (21.8), a 91.1% AP class passing rate and the completion of 227 CTE pathways by 195 students.
The officers concluded by introducing their family members who attended the meeting, receiving praise from the board for their leadership and positive impact on campus culture.
Clearfield High Madrigals perform during student recognitions
The Clearfield High Madrigals is a mixed chamber choir that focuses on tight harmonies and intricate vocal arrangements. They perform at school events, community events and festivals throughout the year.
It is one of the five choirs currently at Clearfield. The choral program offers a range of choirs for students to participate in and provides a supportive and enriching environment for students to develop their musical talents.