Legislature Requires Silence in Schools
Superintendent Matt Jones gave a report on the Post Legislative Tour at the regular meeting of the Midvale School Trustees Monday evening. The legislature passed several bills that effect school staff, students and expenditures.
Starting this fall teachers will be required to provide one minute of silence each day, probably at the beginning of the day. There are no directions from the state as to what is to happen during that minute. The minute will not affect the total reported teaching time.
Also the state has removed the minimum requirements for Career Technical Education teachers, instead relying on years of experience, which will also effect where the teacher starts on the career ladder.
Staff harassment via social media can now be subject to school discipline even though it happens off school grounds. When asked how often this is an issue, Jones said very few of those in attendance at the state meeting raised their hands.
Facilities and operations can now pursue a lease option to acquire needed items.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) training will be available this summer for school staff. A recommended policy regarding AI will also be coming to help districts address all its effects.
Midvale has about 13 alternative school students. The state requires at least 12 for the program to be funded by the state. There are options to provide a hybrid model which includes in-person and online classes for high school. The core classes would be held with regular teachers, and online classes would be held in the alternative building with a para educator present. Students would be required to attend on Fridays. Jones will be shopping for programs that meet the state requirements and will compare prices. One example was priced at $5,500 annually.
Graduation diplomas will be presented by Trustee Sutton. The HVAC system for the elementary was approved. Lunch prices changes were tabled until the next meeting. The lunch program goes in the hole every year due to increasing prices for everything. The changes to the Transportation Policy were approved.
Senior Alexander Robbins presented his senior project to the board. He organized a fund raiser to provide athletic shoes for those students whose families cannot afford them. They cost an average of $100 or more per pair. He has collection bins at Lovelands Store and will also take monetary donations. This is a new project and he has just started the process.
