Board Briefs

Davis School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Logan Toone shared items from the policy review committee to get board input and discussion on the district's School Library Materials policy, 4I-202.

The first recommendation that the policy review committee is thinking about is related to communication and reporting about the review of a book. A possible change would require the vote counts as well as a brief statement of rationale from each committee member to be provided to the community. The committee members would remain anonymous to maintain privacy for those that serve.

Toone also shared clarity on a possible change under consideration to the language used in the decision criteria.

"The policy language would shift away from violence and vulgarity and age-appropriateness language and more toward a discussion about the value for minors, relative to the literary, artistic, political and scientific value, when the bright-line rule does not apply," he said.

Finally, Toone reviewed the following four discussion items to allow the board to give input for the policy review committee:

• Change the committee structure to add a specialized committee whose purpose is to review the book for materials that would be deemed pornographic or indecent.
• Modify the lottery system for parent identification and participation on committees.
• Increase or change the number of review requests (and appeals) per person with standing in the district.
• Clarify the status of material while it is under review.

The board discussed each of these points and its input will be shared with the policy review committee to continue its work on possible policy changes.

As requested by board members, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Logan Toone presented to the board the district cell phone use in schools overview philosophy.

Within its strategic plan, the Davis School District has as a key goal under the Student Growth and Achievement category that the use technology is to enhance and personalize student learning. According to Toone, cell phones are not spelled out as part of that goal.

Currently, District policy 5S-100 Student Conduct and Discipline outlines the following:

• Establishes conditions of searches relative to student mobile phones
• Addresses student use of mobile phones for cyber bullying
• Requires schools to establish policies governing student use of mobile phones on school premises and at school sponsored activities

Toone also presented three examples of cell phone policies from three different schools in the district. While cell phone policies and bans on cell phones are extremely difficult to enforce, schools are encouraged to work together with their community council, faculty and administration to create a policy that works for the school community.

The board discussed cell phone use in classrooms, and Toone stated that cell phone use in classrooms is wide and varied from school to school and from teacher to teacher.

Davis School District Elementary Director Dr. Gwen Hill and District Boundary Consultant Dr. Helene Van Natter presented progress on a boundary study currently underway in the northwest part of the district.

Van Natter explained to the board that on July 29, the Community Relations department sent out over 16,000 emails to the patrons, teachers and community of the boundary area. The email contained a link respondents could use to share their input.

A total of 82 email responses were received. From those email responses, 19 wanted a change to the proposal. Each of those requested changes were reviewed by the boundary committee and discussed as an option.

As the committee continues to receive proposals, it will look at the overall impact of those proposals and check the viability of each.

During the period of September 6-15, the boundary committee will be discussing the proposal in Community Council meetings according to the following schedule:

• Sept. 7 - Parkside Elementary School
• Sept. 11 - Clinton Elementary School
• Sept. 12 - Doxey Elementary School and Sunset Elementary School
• Sept. 13 - Buffalo Point Elementary School, Legacy Junior High School, West Point Junior High School and West Point Elementary School
• Sept. 14 - Lakeside Elementary School and Fremont Elementary School
• Sept. 20 - Syracuse Junior High School and West Clinton Elementary School
• Sept. 22 - Sunset Junior High School

The public can also share feedback via email at boundarystudy@dsdmail.net or in person at upcoming board meetings and a public hearing on October 16. Proposed maps and boundary study timeline can be viewed here.

Davis School District Teaching and Learning Director Belinda Kuck presented to the board that Summit Learning has notified the district that as of the 2024-25 school year it will discontinue its use of the current learning management system (LMS).

"The changes include focusing on direct instructional supports for teachers, increasing flexibility of aspects such as scheduling, mentoring and grade determination, incorporating more validated curriculum," Kuck said.

Summit is currently working on partnering with another LMS and expecting that the transition will be completed for the 2024-25 school year. The information on the transition to a different platform will be ready by late October-November of this school year.

While the LMS will be discontinued, the hope is that Davis School District teachers will be able to provide input to make the transition seamless.

Board President Liz Mumford stated the board would watch for continued updates on the progress of this news.

"We want this to be smooth for students, and for teachers to be able to best teach students," Mumford said.