Capital improvements and Mental Health – School Board Update
Jan 18, 2024 10:23AM ● By Gwen Romero | Public Information Officer
Winter is here. But, winter storm warnings didn’t keep members away from this month’s meeting of the Morgan School District Board of Education. Here are your highlights.
Out with the old, and in with the new . . . gym at Morgan Middle School. The Small School District Capital Project Panel has awarded MCSD funds to replace the east gym. Member Preece reminisced about using that gym when he was in school (it was built in 1924). The district has been looking for ways to update the gym, and replacing it is more cost-effective than the needed repairs.
Next, board members discussed the recent Utah School Boards Association Conference. Key takeaways from their sessions included the impacts of AI in public education, school safety legislation including increased use of resource officers and “guardians” in school, and student mental health needs and services.
These and other topics will be ongoing parts of discussions and professional development in our schools. As Member Toone noted, “It’s not just getting kids to school and getting them education. There’s a lot more to it.”
On those same lines, MMS is piloting a zero cell phones in class policy that has already shown promise as students are more engaged overall and math and other scores have improved. This is a valuable case study for us as the governor and legislature look to limit students’ cell phone use and social media access due to their negative impacts on student learning and mental health.
At MHS, HOPE Squad is promoting positive mental health through the SELFIE method (see https://mhs-counseling-center-home.my.canva.site/the-selfie-method ). This month, they are focused on encouraging students to get more sleep.
“It’s really important to focus on mental health, especially during these dreary months,” Student school board member Chloe Clark said.
To learn more about the legislation being discussed, see our local news outlets or visit https://le.utah.gov/~2024/2024.htm.
Catch Superintendent Jensen’s Know Now this month: https://www.morgansd.org/57889_1
The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. λ
