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Category: Other Administrators

Published on

DATE:
January 22, 2026

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
Emergency Safety Interventions Documenting and Reporting

In accordance with the rules and guidelines provided in the Least Restrictive Behavior Intervention (LRBI) Technical Assistance Manual (2023) as well as guidance from the Utah State Legislature (R277-608 and 53G-8-301), the following is updated guidance on the use and reporting requirements of Emergency Safety Interventions (ESIs), including reporting requirements in Jordan School District.

What is an Emergency Safety Intervention? Emergency Safety Intervention or ‘ESI’ is the use of seclusion or physical restraint when a student presents an immediate danger to self or others. An ESI is not used for disciplinary purposes. ESIs are emergency measures of last resort to prevent imminent serious harm to an individual in a school setting. Even in these circumstances, ESIs should be avoided if less restrictive means of managing the student’s behavior and ensuring safety are available.

How do I provide notification of the use of an Emergency Safety Intervention?

1. Notify your administration within 15 minutes of the beginning of the use of an ESI.

2. Notify the student's guardian within 15 minutes of the beginning of the use of an ESI. This must be done by email, and includes the required notification that guardians may receive a copy of the student's ESI documentation upon request. Please use the wording in this template email.

3. In addition to the email notification, you may communicate with guardians by phone or in-person.

How do I submit Emergency Safety Intervention documentation?

1. Fill out an Emergency Safety Intervention Report to document the event.

2. Using a district device, submit the information from the ESI Report into the digital database.

3. Scan a copy of the paper ESI report to jbat@jordandistrict.org (or send a copy to JBAT at River’s Edge School via district mail).

4. Forward the parent notification email to jbat@jordandistrict.org (or print it and send the hard copy JBAT at River’s Edge School via district mail).

5. For students with an IEP, all original copies of the Emergency Safety Intervention Report and a copy of the parent notification email should be placed in the student’s special education file. For all other students, upload these documents to the cumulative folder. (See JAM from 1/8/26)

6. Take time to debrief with your team.

Please refer to the Jordan School District Emergency Safety Interventions Manual or contact a member of the JBAT team for more information.

Published on

TO:
All Principals
All Directors
All Administrative Assistants

FROM:
Tonya Hodges, Senior Buyer, Purchasing

With the excitement of AI and the increased demand for data centers worldwide (think OpenAI, Meta, Google, Microsoft, xAI, Anthropic, etc.), the demand for processing chips, RAM memory and storage is exceeding the availability in the production markets.

HP is warning customers to expect pricing on any equipment needing processors, memory or storage to increase significantly in 2026. We may also start seeing longer manufacturing lead times as they wait for parts to become available. For instance, the basic HP Fortis G10 11.6” Chromebooks (part# 9R3A9UT#ABA) will soon be replaced with a newer model and will no longer be available. There are currently about 75,000 of these units still available in the HP distribution channels. Since these have already been built, price should not fluctuate too much, but supplies may dwindle quickly. It is recommended if you have funds available in your budgets to start purchasing devices for the 2026-27 school year as soon as possible to take advantage of the cost savings. January pricing is $206.47/each for this model.

The replacement for this model (part# B69P5UT#ABA) is at $289.75/each for January. As price increases on the parts come into play, this model is expected to see additional price increases during the year.

We encourage you to consider placing orders soon to take advantage of current pricing and availability. Please contact Tonya Hodges in Purchasing if you need assistance with ordering.

Published on

TO:
Principals

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching and Learning

Mark your calendar and save the date to attend the Literacy Promise Conference. There are some fantastic presenters in attendance this year that you will not want to miss.

T & L will pay registration fees for up to three individuals from each school to attend the Literacy Promise Conference held on March 12-13, 2026. This can include administration, coaches, or teachers. Schools are not required to participate or may choose to send fewer than three individuals. Responses will be accepted through March 4th. Please click on the link below and fill out the form to list the individuals who will be paid through T&L. If your school would like to send more than three individuals, registration can also be done at the school or individual level using the QR link on the enclosed flyer. Schools are responsible for substitute costs as needed.

The conference is March 12-13, 2026 at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah.

LINK to register individuals to be paid by T&L.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Brittany Bauer, HR Specialist

We are pleased to announce an important update regarding the license renewal process; the Board has changed administrative rules to reduce the burden for active educators. Educators holding a Professional Educator License with experience in a Utah educational agency, school, school district or charter for the past five (5) years are no longer required to complete the license renewal form or obtain an administrator’s signature.  Educators complete more than 100 hours of professional learning and collaboration within the context of their jobs. Use this quick tool to determine if the form is required for you. For additional information, you may refer to the Step-by-Step Guide to Educator License Renewals.

Steps to Renew

  • Complete renewal form with administrator signature, if required (Do I have to complete the renewal form? tool).
  • Login to USIMS.schools.utah.gov.
  • Complete the USIMS Professional Educator License Renewal Process (Link to detailed steps - Google Doc). 
    • Utah Educator Ethics Review
    • Complete ALL CHECKLIST TASKS
      • USBE Student Data Privacy Course is no longer required. You may check the box indicating, “I have completed the student data privacy course” in USIMS even though you have not done it. This is a temporary work around.
    • Report 100 renewal hours completed, if required.
    • Complete/Finalize “Professional License Renewal”.
    • Go to “License Info/Print License” to verify your license has been renewed; new expiration date will be 6/30/2030.

If you have not worked for all of the previous five (5) years, you must complete the Professional Educator License (PEL) Renewal Form to renew your license. The form may be completed either digitally (PDF) or printed and filled out manually. The educator must document a minimum of 100 hours of renewal activity. 

Complete the online renewal process in Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS). Educators should only finalize the renewal in USIMS once ALL requirements have been completed and the form has been reviewed and signed by a licensed administrator or other approved authority. The signed/approved form is then maintained by the educator and is not submitted to USBE unless the educator is notified of a monitoring review. Failure to maintain documentation and follow licensing procedures may result in a repeal of your license renewal and referral to the USBE Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC).

Published on

TO:
Administrators

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning
Kaye Rizzuto, Social Studies Consultant

The America 250 Student Awards program is an exciting opportunity for students and their families to celebrate the founding of the United States through creative projects, community service, and more. This initiative is open to all K-12 students.

Key Details:

* How to Participate:
• Students select activities from the official list.
• Activities can be completed individually or with family involvement.
• Students collect signatures as they complete each activity.
• Completed forms must be submitted (by photo or scan) by April 10, 2026.

* Recognition:
• Awards will be presented at a special celebration in May (details forthcoming).

* Action Steps for Principals:
• Share this opportunity with students, teachers, and families.
• Encourage school-wide participation.

Let’s help our students make history and show their American pride. More information, including submission links and the official activity list, will be provided as available.

Published on

TO:
Principals and Administrative Assistants

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting
Natalie Grange, Accounting Administrator

Please submit all school allocation budget transfer forms to Natalie.Grange@jordandistrict.org, no later than January 23, 2026.

Budget transfers for this school year cannot be made after January 31, 2026. The budget transfer form is attached.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
JSD Cabinet Members

In an effort to include more staff members, schools and departments may now offer their Health and Wellness breakfast or lunch beginning on Friday, January 30, 2026.

See below for more details.

Principals and Department Directors should arrange for lunch or breakfast for all your employees one day from January 30th–February 5th. Please do not schedule meals on February 6th so all employees feel free to participate in the Health and Wellness Day activities occurring that day.

Traditional schools (i.e. the 42 elementary schools, 13 middle schools and 7 high schools) will receive an additional $13 per employee in the school’s supply budgets. Traditional schools may then charge the cost of this meal to 10 E xxx 0050 1090 639 by submitting the receipt to Accounting through the normal P-Card or NPO process.

All other schools (i.e. Kauri Sue Hamilton (including the Child Development Center), River’s Edge (including the Jordan Family Education Center), South Valley, JATC North, JATC South, Valley High School, and Southpointe Adult High) will also have $13 per employee available. However, these schools will need to charge the cost of this meal to 10 E xxx 9054 1090 639 by submitting the receipt to Accounting through the normal P-Card or NPO process.

District departments will also have $13 per employee available. Departments should charge the cost of this meal to 10 E xxx 9054 yy90 639 by submitting the receipt to Accounting through the normal P-Card or NPO process. The “yy” listed in the account above will differ for each department as follows:

Superintendent – 24
Associate Superintendent – 24
Administrators of Schools – 24
Accounting, Budgets, and Audits – 25
Auxiliary Services – 26
Business Administrator – 25
Career & Technical Education – 22
Central Warehouse – 26
Communications – 28
Custodial and Energy – 26
Equity & Compliance – 21
Evaluation, Research & Accountability – 10
Facilities – 26
Human Resources – 28
Information Systems – 28
Instructional Support Services – 22
Insurance Services – 25
Jordan Education Foundation – 22
Language and Cultural Services – 21
Nurses – 21
Nutrition Services – 26
Payroll – 25
Purchasing – 26
Transportation – 27
Special Education – 22
Student Services – 21
Teaching and Learning – 22
Transportation – 27

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM: 
April Gaydosh, Administrator of Human Resources
Jane Olsen, HR Specialist

We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated Annual Teacher Transfer Fair, scheduled for February 17th, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Join us at Herriman High School for an evening filled with exciting opportunities and professional growth.

Event Highlights:

● Important Details: Parking and additional event specifics will be shared in January. Please ensure that at least one school administrator attends the fair. A flier is attached for your convenience to distribute among your educators.

● Exclusive Invitation: This event is exclusively for current JSD educators, JSD interns, and student teachers for the 2025-2026 contract year. Please note that Education Support Professionals (ESPs) and substitute teachers interested in teaching positions are invited to attend the Jordan Job Fair on March 2nd, 2026. Kindly refrain from inviting ESPs and substitute teachers to the Teacher Transfer Fair, as they will not be admitted.

● Interview Opportunities: Even if your school currently has no available positions, we strongly encourage you to interview all interested candidates. This fair offers a prime opportunity to prepare for anticipated or potential openings. Interviewing internal candidates, including interns and student teachers, helps create a tailored pool of candidates ready to apply for openings at your school as they arise.

Transfer Process Information:

● Comprehensive details regarding the transfer request process will be available in January.
● The transfer application window will open from Sunday, February 1st, to Saturday, February 28th, 2026.
● Any unfilled positions will be publicly posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2026.

Mark your calendars and prepare for a dynamic event that promises to be an invaluable experience for all involved. We look forward to seeing you at the Teacher Transfer Fair, where opportunities and futures align.

Published on

DATE:
January 8, 2026

TO:
All Principals

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
ETT: Principal Nomination for Winter Cohort

Effective Teacher Training (ETT) is available for a Winter 2026 cohort! We are seeking principal nominations for a portion of this session’s enrollment. If there is a licensed teacher in your building who you would like to take ETT, please complete the principal nomination form by Monday, Jan. 12th.

Enrollment will open to all teachers in the district on Thursday, Jan. 15th, so spread the word to additional teachers in your building who would benefit from the class, so they can sign up for the course on Canvas Catalog. See flyer and information below:

This course is designed for: All general education and special education teachers
Also welcome: Specialists, interventionists, and mental health providers
(Not available to ESPs)

Topics include:
Antecedents, behavior basics, class-wide and individual interventions, increasing academic effectiveness, data-based decision making, students with unique needs, and personal wellness.

Format:
This 7-week course will be offered online in an asynchronous format. Learners will engage with content and activities via Canvas. *Although pacing is flexible, participants must successfully complete the first module within the first week or their spot will go to someone on the waitlist.

1 USBE credit and a stipend is available to licensed employees who successfully complete the course and meet proficiency on all modules. The ETT stipend is $500.

Note for instructional coaches: You can request to be an observer in the course instead of registering as a learner. Please email taryn.cox@jordandistrict.org if you are interested.

Published on

TO:
Educators and Administrators

FROM:
Michelle Love-Day, Director of Language & Culture Services

The Jordan Education Access Committee and Language and Culture Services cannot wait to see you at the annual What I Wish You Knew Conference. This year the theme is "Our Stories Matter."

This year the conference will be highlighting and showcasing leadership from our wonderful District departments. Please come to learn from our Keynote, Kyle Reyes, Author of Lenses of Humanity.

  • Where: West Jordan Middle School
  • Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Date: January 20, 2026
  • There is a $175 stipend for teachers that attend.
  • Hourly employees who do not work that day, can submit a timesheet.
  • For hourly employees that are working a contract day, please get prior approval from your supervisor to attend.

Published on

TO: 
All Administrators
All Administrative Assistants

FROM: 
Steffany Ellsworth, Support Services Manager, Information Systems

Great news - Information Systems has turned on pre-transfers! You are now able to view your students for next school year, run enrollment reports, and get a jump on scheduling. Below are a few reminders about pre-transfers:

• A pre-transfer is an active student who is currently attending Jordan School District and will be attending next year at a different Jordan District school. The student's record will pre-transfer to the student's next year boundary school based on their current address, or permitted school as applicable.
• When pre-transfers are turned on, the School Path tab displays current year permits under Previous Reason Code and next year permits under Reason Code.
• Current permits for 6th and 9th grade students have been removed for next year. This allows these students to pre-transfer to their boundary school for the upcoming year.
• In addition to pre-transfers being turned on, the Course Master has been rolled over for next year's scheduling preparation.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the pre-transfer process, please contact the Help Desk at (801) 567-8737 (ext. 88737).

Published on

DATE:
January 5, 2026

TO:
Principals
Special Education Teachers (Resource & Cluster)

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education

SUBJECT:
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Testing Checklist

Attached is the DLM checklist for all special education teachers who will be administering the DLM assessment to any of their students during the 2025-26 school year. You are required to complete and return the checklist to Jen Birrell for all Elementary teachers and Lucia Evans for all Secondary teachers at the District Office by Thursday, March 5, 2026. This form is also available online at specialed.jordandistrict.org/staff/forms on the Special Education website.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Jen Birrell for Elementary Teachers and Lucia Evans for Secondary Teachers.

Jen Birrell: 801-567-8905 or jennifer.birrell@jordandistrict.org
Lucia Evans: 801-567-8295 or lucia.evans@jordandistrict.org

Published on

DATE:
January 15, 2026

TO:
All Principals
All Special Education Staff
School Psychologists
Elementary School Counselors

FROM:
Lisa Robinson, Administrator of Schools
Kim Lloyd, Director of Special Education
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Melanie Dawson, Program Administrator of Behavior

SUBJECT:
Required ASPEN Training For Special Education Personnel, School Psychologists, and Elementary Counselors 2025-2026

This is the final reminder of the remaining ASPEN training sessions for the 2025-2026 school year. ASPEN training is required during the 2025-2026 school year for all licensed special education teachers, SLPs, school psychologists, elementary school counselors, as well as all Education Support Professionals (ESPs) in SEB and Autism self-contained support classrooms who do not have a current Mandt certification. Staff members working in any other special education setting may choose to attend ASPEN at the discretion of their building administrator and at the cost of their school. Please see the attached memo for dates and registration information as well as other pertinent information.

For questions, please contact: megan.ruff@jordandistrict.org or cassidy.hansen@jordandistrict.org

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets, and Audits

The mileage reimbursement rate is based upon the IRS rate. Effective January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rate is $0.725 per mile. Please use the attached form when submitting for mileage reimbursement. All 2025 mileage reimbursement requests should be submitted as soon as possible. Click HERE to access the mileage form online.

Published on

DATE:
January 8, 2026

TO: 
District Employees Who Qualify for Mileage Reimbursement

FROM: 
John Larsen, Business Administrator
Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting

SUBJECT:
Defensive Driving Course Requirement for Mileage Reimbursement

Our insurance carrier, State Risk Management, has asked that every person who receives mileage reimbursement take the Utah Defensive Driving Course. We ask that you complete this free course as soon as possible using the instructions attached to this memo.

A new District Mileage Reimbursement form can be found at this link https://jordandistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/083_MileageReport.xlsx This new form has a box under the title for the individual to enter the completion date of the course. Please note that beginning in January 2026, Accounting will only reimburse mileage that includes the completion date of the Risk Management Defensive Driving Course. The course must be completed every two years. Supervisors approving mileage reimbursement – please remind your employees to complete this course and enter the date at the top of their mileage reimbursement form to avoid delays in reimbursement in January 2026.

The link below provides access to the course in the Utah Learning Portal. Your username is your district email. Click “Sign Up” and fill out the required information. Note that the security key word is Jordan and you may create your own password.

Utah Learning Portal

Once you have passed the course, record the completion date on your mileage reimbursement form and print the certificate. You may use the print option at the top of the final page of the online assessment or print your certificate from the attachment that will be emailed to you. Retain the certificate at your location for audit purposes.

If you have questions regarding the mileage reimbursement form, please contact Dan Ellis, Director of Accounting, Budgets, and Audits at 801.567.8389. If you have questions about the Risk Management Defensive Driving Course, please contact Brandon Conti, Risk Management Coordinator at 801.567.8876.

Published on

TO:
All Licensed Personnel

FROM:
Carolyn Gough, Administrator of Teaching & Learning

Jordan School District Board authorizes up to four (4) full-time employees to be selected for leave.

Sabbatical Leave
Sabbatical leave provides a 1-year leave for professional study. Educators who have completed at least 7 years of continuous service in JSD may apply. Employees on sabbatical leave receive one-half of their salary. Please read Policy DP333 Neg – Sabbatical Leave for complete information. Applications are reviewed by the Local Professional Improvement Committee and approved by the Board.

Educational Leave
Educators who have worked in Jordan School District for at least three (3) consecutive years may apply for an Educational Leave. Educational leaves are for continued study and must include an outline of studies along with the application. Please read Policy DP332 NEG – Educational Leave for complete information. Educational Leave is without pay.

Applications for 2026-2027 Sabbatical and Educational Leaves are due February 1, 2026. Additional questions can be referred to Chris Westra, 801-567-8657.

Published on

TO:
All Administrators

FROM:
Mike Haynes, Director of Jordan Education Foundation

Take Note: JEF has a bunch of food and weekend packs in their warehouse.

Do you have students that could use some food over the winter break?

Send a representative from your school over to JLC (3706 W 9800 S, South Jordan) to pick up what your school needs!