Only one race is taking place in Jordan School District - between incumbent Orr L. Hill and challenger Clint Warby in Precinct 5. Incumbent Jane Callister is running unopposed in Precinct 4.
Orr L. Hill is seeking a second term on the board, serving residents of West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Bluffdale, Herriman and Copperton.He was an employee of the district for 33 years as teacher and administrator and has served on many local, state and national committees investigating education issues.
Hill said he opposes all three tax-limitation initiatives. He sees crowded classrooms, low teacher pay and limited finances to promote quality and keep up with building maintenance as the most serious problems the district faces. He opposes consolidation of Salt Lake County's four school districts as counterproductive and less efficient than the present configuration.
Low teacher morale is a problem, Hill said. "Morale is always a serious issue. When morale is high, teachers or any other employees will perform on a higher level. Appreciation for their work with students is always a lift for teachers, if it is sincere. Running a close second is a salary increase."
Clint Warby is a resident of West Jordan and administrator of the Utah Dairy Commission Dairy Council of Utah. He was a broadcaster for KSL-TV and Radio from 1971 to 1979, specializing in agriculture and state and county government. He chose to run because he believes in citizen involvement in government and, as the father of six, is interested in district operation.
Warby also opposes the tax initiatives. Cost-effective schools can best be achieved at the local level, with input from parents, education support groups, administrators and teachers, he said.
He opposes consolidation as not economically feasible but would favor consolidation of some programs. "Constant attention should be focused on being able to save money in any and all means of consolidation," he said.
The most demanding problems facing the district are finding ways to deal with enrollment over the next 10 years, accountability, setting of standards and assessing to see that those standards are met. Minimizing problems related to class size should be a priority. Teacher morale could be alleviated both by raises, as possible, and by creating stronger communication in the system.
Jane Callister, a former teacher, has been a member of the Jordan Board for eight years and was president for four. She is active in many school-related groups and is involved in civic work.
While raising taxes should not be an option, she said, "I know of the negative impact on education that passage of the initiatives would cause. They are not the solution Utah needs."
A recent study shows that consolidation would not be effective for Salt Lake County, Callister said.
Inadequate funding for teacher salaries and local and district programs are the most serious problems the district faces, she said. Funding for textbooks and supplies also has been short and needs to be addressed.
"Teacher morale is a serious issue," she said. "We as school board members need to receive adequate funding to continue existing programs and pay adequate salaries. Teachers spend their own money for classroom items and should be compensated for the many hours given to education. Appreciation by students and parents is important, as well as greater respect."