[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5980321,"mediaKeyId","5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339","parentId",5765928,"title","District proposes stakeholder survey on diplomas and higher-credit ‘distinction’ option; board split on raising minimum credits","audioSeconds",501,"startMs",4368000,"endMs",4869000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339&start=4368&end=4869","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339/thumbnail_4368000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5980321/Utah/District-proposes-stakeholder-survey-on-diplomas-and-higher-credit-distinction-option-board-split-on-raising-minimum-credits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980321-ca3f86fd8fedca8e6e40a30a16ac3387/orig.mp4?Expires=1770485539&Signature=JmvL8WHOhowWNL1oH0AO6XWuIqlZj6ZLD2KorBycYKegXB7L6S-rtV16f5MVki7g2t-DwbW-UHAwiGeSS0vsJ8P-im9iKyoc5QwAIHrOVUP0kY0rq24GsvGggDGbbTzZpY48KmPstmJA5WElPSIpqYkmtYpfWnAE8zkFJyTv~oFlsrvq4gvImVs-1veYAtN3QpSDt4DdEGSe4PHbL99w51QJ8VADmkY7sLpT5UeYkJe3UVaF5AkZFk539eSAobzTJZFc0be4a~iPKRXrCmWGaWh5jiYVSXaWqBn4JLsIhjzgur4OrXm2mniRap8NyVeAQcPXXWX2sKDKFDE5-tIndg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","slcschools","date","2025-09-17T15:17:16Z","article","The Salt Lake City School District presented options Sept. 16 for how the district might recognize higher student achievement at graduation and whether to change the minimum credit requirement for a district diploma. Staff proposed three options: keep the current state minimum (24 credits); raise minimum requirements district-wide to 27 or 28 credits; or create an optional district \"diploma of distinction\" that would require more elective credits plus a GPA threshold.

Doctor Hall, a district administrator leading the item, walked the board through data showing many students already earn more than the state minimum: the district reported last-year figures in which at least 56% of seniors across the three comprehensive high schools earned 27 or more credits and that 43% of seniors graduated with more than 28 credits. \"At Highland High School, more than half of students earn more than 28 credits before they graduate,\" Hall said.

Staff recommended the board collect stakeholder input before deciding and proposed a Qualtrics parent survey (parents of students in grades 7–12), a student survey via Canvas for high-school students, and focus groups (including student government organizations). The draft survey asks about respondents' familiarity with graduation requirements, preferences among the three options, potential benefits and concerns, and what would make a diploma-of-distinction meaningful (e.g., GPA threshold, seals or recognition).

Board reaction and next steps
- Mixed board views on raising credits: Several members said they would not support increasing the district minimum credit requirement. Board member Ashley Anderson said she supported an honors/distinction diploma but opposed raising the baseline from 24 to 27–28 because it could harm students who face barriers. \"I am not in support of increasing the credit requirements. I think it can do a lot of harm to our families and our students,\" she said. Board member Bryce Williams and others voiced similar concerns.
- Interest in a diploma-of-distinction: Some board members supported creating an optional diploma or recognition for students who pursue additional coursework and maintain a higher GPA. Staff proposed possible GPA thresholds (3.0, 3.5) for the distinction and noted the district could pair distinctions with existing recognition (seals for biliteracy or civic readiness) rather than duplicate honors.
- Survey design and equity: Board members asked staff to make the parent and student survey wording consistent, to provide translations (the district committed to Spanish and said it would attempt to provide additional target-language translations on a slightly delayed timeline), and to deliver the survey results to the board by Sept. 30 so staff could present summarized findings on Oct. 7.

Why it matters: Changes to diploma requirements or the addition of district-specific recognition affect students' course schedules, potential equity for students in IB programs or with heavy extracurricular or work commitments, and counseling/registration practices. They also could affect college admissions messaging and GPA perceptions.

Ending: Staff will revise the survey language (including making the parent/student question wording consistent), ensure Spanish translation at launch (with additional languages as feasible), and run the Qualtrics and Canvas surveys in late September with a target to return summarized findings to the board at the Oct. 7 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SLCSD Board Meeting, September 16, 2025 5:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Salt Lake City School District presented options Sept. 16 for whether to change graduation credits and whether to create an optional district diploma of distinction, and proposed a parent and student survey plus focus groups to gather input.","taxTitle","Salt Lake School District , Utah School Boards, Utah","taxId",65987,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5980324,"Board debates CTE language and a district 'portrait of a graduate' as strategic plan is revised",551,2094000,2645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339&start=2094&end=2645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339/thumbnail_2094000.jpg","/articles/5980324/Utah/Board-debates-CTE-language-and-a-district-portrait-of-a-graduate-as-strategic-plan-is-revised","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980324-a6ba9cb5542b8e668fbe608b30e55fda/orig.mp4?Expires=1770485539&Signature=GgyBW~oXQHO53pW7jXlZ7yh5aPs8wr6FcKTFmU4wxPW4j8FNNcy2acX1KKnHF4MTPTb0RIIRdzokG-POHPbd~DwCD8Oih58huD3tlbvxMPUdMk4CfxzaBS3ms4BGp20Gb3rqrGwZVfh6r3VqcYRqy5CLCmSRCSMJSO0wExBfL-fpvCcLaCtBBHB3qNCDvObQBlcGobffstf-gzRP2AZJ8JPrHr2977EqfUXCR-JGGmx2pWlItqD8rrzdKnYnzc1e2BXDDl-zsuNg4CeQ5~cZCfwk6tiFiD6AL7Y95DOR9jgRI~u439tw3qjxUAuIH9X4VYh7T7cDlIsJp4YwZDrv9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members questioned proposed language in the Salt Lake City School District's updated Strategic Plan for Student Achievement on Sept. 16, saying the way a career-and-technical-education metric is written could inadvertently exclude International Baccalaureate students and create unintended pressure on some student groups. District staff said the plan is a \"living document\" and that changes will be brought back after further review.

Board member Amanda Longwell flagged a passage saying \"students will complete at least 2 credits of advanced or career CTE coursework\" and asked whether the language would exclude IB students who cannot schedule both CTE credits while pursuing an IB diploma. \"I don't support an aspect of the strategic plan that would exclude some students when it's meant for all students,\" she said.

District staff responded that the plan's targets (for example, a 75% concentrator goal) are meant as stretch goals across the district and that the IB pathway itself is considered a college or career pathway. Doctor Hall (district administrator) said the district set goals by reviewing current participation and choosing achievable stretch targets for a five-year horizon. \"We looked at where things are now and what seems achievable in five years,\" Doctor Hall said.

Separately, board members raised the \"portrait of a graduate\" concept. Doctor Grant said the district is at the ideation stage and noted the State Board of Education ran an institute to help districts develop local portraits; the district sent a team and will approach the work over multiple years. Board member Ashley Anderson and others asked that the board receive an update on the State Board of Education's portrait of a graduate work before the district pursues a local version.

Why it matters: strategic-plan language sets district priorities and measurable targets that guide staffing, budgets and program expansion. Ambiguous or exclusive language can create unintended consequences for specialized programs such as IB and for students with differing needs.

Discussion and staff commitments
- CTE language and IB students: Board members asked staff to analyze whether the proposed language (\"all students\" completing two CTE credits) conflicts with IB scheduling and to reword the plan so it does not exclude IB students. Staff agreed to review the language and bring a clean revised copy for board consideration.
- Data and targets: Several board members requested underlying data showing current CTE concentrator and completer rates (staff said concentrators currently are in the 20–30% range districtwide) so the board can judge whether targets are appropriately ambitious but achievable across student subgroups.
- Portrait of a graduate: Staff described the work as multi-year, beginning with ideation and culminating in a community-informed product by a later strategic-plan iteration; staff said they will not implement a district portrait without bringing it to the board and that it would not change the current iteration of the strategic plan immediately.

Ending
Staff agreed to return with specific edits to the CTE language, the data used to set targets and a plan to brief the board on the State Board of Education’s portrait of a graduate before significant district-level commitments are made. The board signaled it wants clearer implementation plans and resource summaries tied to the strategic-plan goals before approving final language.","Board members raised concerns Sept. 16 that revised Strategic Plan language on career and technical education (CTE) could exclude International Baccalaureate (IB) students; staff said the portrait of a graduate is at an ideation stage and that the district will bring iterative updates.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5980329,"District reports progress on West High rebuild, Glendale fields and Wasatch tunnel; community questions remain on lights and fundraising",447,776000,1223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339&start=776&end=1223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339/thumbnail_776000.jpg","/articles/5980329/Utah/District-reports-progress-on-West-High-rebuild-Glendale-fields-and-Wasatch-tunnel-community-questions-remain-on-lights-and-fundraising","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980329-b3f02f40b81cf0072d088f92b8ceedee/orig.mp4?Expires=1770485539&Signature=GrjCnQlpk2f8o-fL6Ptyosa3kXkJpEKB1viIWwIpItsuRwicXiaMVD1BSRANCqNbqidTF6qsRzaRYuSemYZyJY~4qG7KpFJZVrLmNmKvl3aCt7dMy-UW6BeM8nRjPal9cAAYaAjIVc8zd8TaPbZF3sFFkisKsv6Pq7~8SzS8VYa7VYAt8is3AMVxH6ERaC65-4D1S6V1XpKJUf1u0Yr8VZCpdvrDFOrHf~w2SsrfKqhJF5yHU~uBd0NUxXzy6TK5-KLYx6yYbTiE9ybQ~iuwIotG7W67~YkE-Js3rrFrPyBH3vxc-XhSCC56Cjo05x4KipTl98717B5pqJYfVl2qTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Salt Lake City School District staff told the school board Sept. 16 that construction is underway for temporary athletic fields tied to the West High rebuild and that the Wasatch tunnel project is roughly 90% complete, while board members pushed for clearer timelines, fundraising totals and community notification about field lighting.

District staff member Isaac said the district and partners have started work on temporary fields for West High and have advanced the Glendale track-and-field and partnership work for baseball and softball fields. \"We actually worked with SLAF to reach out to the community. We had a community meeting a couple of weeks ago to show them the plans and get their input,\" Isaac said.

Board members said they appreciated the details but sought more specifics about lighting, costs and how the district will notify neighbors. Board member Charlotte Fife Jefferson asked whether the field lights proposed for Glendale would be dimmable; Isaac replied: \"It it's not as simple as that, but they're they are directional LEDs, and there is a way to, dim them a little bit. But there are certain ratings that it's required to the candle measurement on the field is required for the play.\" He added the district plans to run tests after dark and to communicate those test times to nearby residents.

Why it matters: temporary and permanent athletic facilities are a frequent public focus during school rebuilds because of neighborhood impacts (traffic, light and hours of use) and because fund-raising and capital choices affect budgets for other projects.

What the board heard and requested
- Timeline and progress: Isaac said work to prepare the infields will allow spring baseball next year and that the Wasatch tunnel work is about \"90% complete,\" with only exterior cleanup and community-requested adjustments remaining. He told the board meetings with the city and other officials were scheduled for the 23rd and 30th of the month to review community concerns.
- Fundraising and partners: Isaac said the Salt Lake Education Foundation (SLAF) and an ad hoc committee had begun fundraising conversations. He said some discussion had suggested a target in the \"$600,000 range\" for part of the Glendale track work, but that no firm dollar amount had been set and that the foundation and ad hoc committee were still awaiting final drawings and cost estimates.
- Lights and mitigation: Staff described the planned lights as directional LED fixtures with limited dimming capability and noted required lighting levels for safe play. Staff said they would set standard field lighting times and enforce them, and would perform directional tests after dark so neighbors see the actual effect.
- Community participation and communication: Board members asked how the district will gather and publish community feedback. Isaac said the district posts bond and project updates on its website, holds public open houses and can add meetings if needed. Jason, a district staff member who manages construction inquiries, told the board the district maintains an email address for construction questions: questions@slcschools.org.

Background and context
- Partner groups referenced at the meeting included the Salt Lake Education Foundation (SLAF) and the Ron McBride Foundation; staff said SLAF had formed an ad hoc committee to approach potential sponsors.
- Board members noted prior disagreements about Roslyn/Rosslyn Heights lighting and urged lessons learned from earlier projects be applied.

Board direction and next steps
- Staff said they will provide final drawings and cost estimates to the SLAF and ad hoc committee for fundraising. They also said they would conduct directional lighting tests after dark and notify neighbors.
- The district scheduled meetings with the city and elected officials on Sept. 23 and 30 to review tunnel concerns and community input and will report back to the board after those meetings.

Ending
District staff framed the current work as part of a multi-year rebuild effort and said they will continue to provide updated drawings, more precise cost estimates and follow-up outreach. Board members asked staff to return with clearer fundraising totals, a schedule of community meetings and lighting test results so the board and public can evaluate next steps.

","Salt Lake City School District staff updated the board on temporary athletic fields and rebuild work at West High and other sites, saying fields and stadium work are underway, Wasatch Tunnel work is nearly complete and fundraising conversations continue; board members pressed for more clarity on lighting, timelines and fundraising targets.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5980313,"Board directs staff to pursue feasibility study for unused school sites after extended discussion of G5 process",2087,7904000,9991000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339&start=7904&end=9991","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339/thumbnail_7904000.jpg","/articles/5980313/Utah/Board-directs-staff-to-pursue-feasibility-study-for-unused-school-sites-after-extended-discussion-of-G5-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980313-667b92fc573ce30fdde0a1c6a64b046c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770485539&Signature=Vzi7lqTF-rOjOyRxy1EACOCo~mm92QQGV8jpFclpvGC9QqA6H57zoI5u1Cfx1hIBvaDkNBiXmuJFdTYiC30ZRr-NluWxoItHJGxGVCl3kX-dKQxu7HERy0whM99Y~CbMsKbcIo0sxBHB8OX8NRZzaSHr1IYUbUK1ZGo07EteazXweMDLDj2-V4Qv~hvCO3O-vvaPI3jp5L-D1CpA3njiuen5pLfKt6rdMe4-ve7E7qldM0L7jkvhu~fHWs6h3eynl7GdAfiXxmUxj53aZScLQ4qOI9vHXdmRYs2tlrmDhfUx3SlS99fljtLF4k4Dwh5FN7Ud8bdeEC2DlsU2WD0uqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The school board directed district staff on Sept. 16 to begin the next step under district policy G5 — a feasibility assessment of unused school sites — after several board members pressed for clarity on scope, sequencing and community input.

The discussion focused on which buildings qualify as \"unused\" and what the G5 process requires. Staff said the district has already identified immediate district needs during earlier closed and public work (the CTE center recommendation for Riley was previously discussed); the three currently unused elementary-school properties that would be reviewed under the feasibility study are Bennion, Mary W. Jackson and Hawthorne. The board asked whether any immediate district need had been officially designated for those sites; staff said no formal board recommendation identifying one of those three as the site for a permanent district function had been made.

Board members and staff debated the sequence and scope: several board members (including Amanda Longwell and Ashley Anderson) said a comprehensive needs assessment should accompany or precede site feasibility so the board understands district-wide facilities conditions, aging issues and long-term needs before selling or repurposing sites. Staff said a feasibility study would typically include a real-estate assessment (market/reuse value), an educational-facilities assessment (suitability for repurposing) and community engagement steps.

The motion the board later approved (by roll call) directed staff to move the item to the action agenda and start the procurement process to select a partner to perform feasibility analyses for the unused parcels. The vote passed with more yes votes than no votes after discussion (recorded roll call: several members in favor, two opposed). District staff also committed to send the board a clear written list of what they expect from a comprehensive assessment so the board can edit or approve it.

Why it matters: unused school sites are public assets; decisions about repurposing, selling or retaining property have long-term implications for community access, district finances and future capacity. The G5 process (policy governing site eligibility and repurposing) prescribes community input and feasibility work before final disposition.

Key points and next steps
- Sites in scope: Bennion, Mary W. Jackson and Hawthorne were identified as the unused sites to be reviewed (staff confirmed these are currently not assigned for long-term district purposes).","After extended debate about process and community notification under board policy G5, the board on Sept. 16 directed staff to begin procurement for a feasibility study to evaluate unused district sites (Bennion, Mary W. Jackson and Hawthorne) and to return with a clearer report of what the district will seek in a comprehensive needs assessment.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5980318,"Board approves small boundary adjustment with county to resolve fence and access at Beardsley property",292,7655000,7947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339&start=7655&end=7947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765928-82f152c98fdc1ec86ee3a94f01c62339/thumbnail_7655000.jpg","/articles/5980318/Utah/Board-approves-small-boundary-adjustment-with-county-to-resolve-fence-and-access-at-Beardsley-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5980318-407c67a1361512de0571a941362ab74d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770485539&Signature=LOABu84x-4OjRy6xejf975dajk0AJA0qv2HmhOJcOVCFawBO6V1itXYPKrFnhblf7~JU0glHg2PSCibiWX0OueksFiCvPFh7bt2CAZlt0nclsoV4b2MOyFmfTP-p9sKZsBfXLTVoxbcErwMom0zlTQi21ZghYahb0gWUVlFBQTbb-TKy6-VVWDU~4ExwY-8qp9~lRORuCZKwcf2lVbrynnSYo7GLA9DmF~D1KtLcu6HKHdFnMrbopYAShjSfT0iNtT2lAypfGASeImRFgb45iCiqHhBbWlTbuK~rWKauwEw~M1WpBbgHIyrqcsw9cRZlqrFAqx5u1-p2Z0NjX9~kXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salt Lake City School District board voted Sept. 16 to approve a boundary adjustment and interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County affecting a parcel at Beardsley along the Jordan River. District staff said the change resolves a long-standing fence-line discrepancy and provides the county an access point needed for FEMA-related river work, while the district gains a small amount of land.

Alan (district executive director) told the board the county had proposed leaving the fence line in place and conveying the riverfront access zone to the district. ‘‘The fence line was on the county property. And in they proposed to us to to, leave the fence line where it's at and turn that property over to us,\" he said. The district would in turn provide the county a northern access point to the Jordan River trail so county crews can meet FEMA's requirements for river maintenance.

Board members asked whether staff had concerns about the request; staff said no and that the exchange leaves the district with a slightly larger parcel and resolves preexisting conditions from before the district purchased the property. The motion to approve the boundary adjustment passed by roll call with unanimous affirmative votes from members present.

Why it matters: property transactions and boundary adjustments require board approval and can affect maintenance responsibilities, public access points and future project planning. This small adjustment resolves an existing fence-line inconsistency and clarifies access and responsibility for riverfront maintenance.

Actions and vote
- Motion: \"That the board approve the boundary adjustment and local agreement between the board and Salt Lake County as attached to the agenda.\" (motion moved and seconded)
- Vote: Unanimous approval by roll call (recorded ayes from board members present).

Ending
District staff said they negotiated the exchange to address a preexisting condition and to provide the county the access it needs for FEMA work along the Jordan River. Staff will finalize the agreement and complete the recorded boundary change with county offices.
","The board approved an interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County to adjust a property boundary along Beardsley adjacent to the Jordan River trail; the swap leaves the district with a slightly larger parcel and grants county access for FEMA-related river work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District proposes stakeholder survey on diplomas and higher-credit ‘distinction’ option; board split on raising minimum credits

Board debates CTE language and a district 'portrait of a graduate' as strategic plan is revised

District reports progress on West High rebuild, Glendale fields and Wasatch tunnel; community questions remain on lights and fundraising

Board directs staff to pursue feasibility study for unused school sites after extended discussion of G5 process

Board approves small boundary adjustment with county to resolve fence and access at Beardsley property