Jordan board reviews governance policies and open‑meetings training, debates social‑media guidance

The board used part of its Jan. 13 study session to review governance policies (GP100–GP200), compliance deadlines and training requirements. Mister Larson reminded trustees that conflict‑of‑interest disclosures and an ethical‑behavior statement are due by Jan. 31 and that USBE has added required online trainings; the board agreed to circulate and sign the items to remain in compliance.

Legal/training presenter Paul Van Komen delivered a concise Open‑Meetings Act refresher, explaining notice requirements, the difference between open meetings and formal public hearings, the permitted purposes for closed sessions and the recordkeeping obligations for meetings. "An open meeting is not the same as a public hearing," Van Komen said, and he emphasized that taking action requires proper agenda notice.

Trustees also discussed policy wording. Some members questioned a sentence in GP100 that says the district should operate "at a cost comparable to other school districts," asking whether the phrase should be softened or clarified; others said cost comparisons help avoid being an outlier. The board spent substantial time on GP104's social‑media guidance, where policy language currently asks board members to remain "open‑minded" on social media and avoid declaring final votes in advance. Several trustees said they routinely form preliminary opinions in order to prepare for meetings and proposed wording changes so the policy protects deliberation while preserving respectful public engagement. The policy committee was asked to draft clarified language and return recommended edits.