Murray City School District’s February 12 board meeting included several high-impact initiatives, including a wide range of activities being conducted by Viewmont PTA, an announcement of the 2026 MEF Pinnacle Award winners, construction updates at Riverview Junior High and Murray High School, retirement announcement of business manager Richard Reese, Career and Technical Education Month program highlights, updates from our Mental Health and nutrition coordinators, along with numerous policy updates and approvals.

Community and PTA Highlights

Viewmont Elementary

• PTA President Taryn McDonough highlighted successful community events, including "Family Movie Nights" (featuring The Emperor's New Groove), a Color Run to build school unity, and a "VIP Breakfast" which saw over 450 attendees.
• Positive Behavior Support: The "Eagle Store" and "Eagle Experiences" (like Christmas Karaoke and sports activities with high schoolers) continue to reinforce positive student behavior.
• Traditional Events: The board discussed the evolution of holiday traditions, moving from traditional turkey giveaways to "turkey stuffing and candy" kits based on family feedback.

Association Reports

• MEA (Murray Education Association): Mr. Allred reported on the ongoing legislative session, specifically monitoring House Bill 150 regarding school counselor funding. He noted that teachers are closely watching the district's reconfiguration studies.
• Murray Education Foundation: Announced the successful funding of the Unified Sports program through a pickleball tournament. Pinnacle Awards: Several educators and volunteers were recognized for excellence, including Lisa Pearson (Parkside), Angie Thompson (McMillan), and Earl Kaufman (Administrator of the Year, Riverview Junior).

Retirement Announcement: Business Administrator Rich Reese announced his intention to retire later this year (August/October). The Board expressed deep gratitude for his years of financial leadership.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month

The Board received a comprehensive update on the CTE programs, themed "The Future of Work Powered by CTE."

• New Courses: The district successfully introduced Fire Science (in partnership with Murray City) and Robotics I & II.
• Durable Skills: Emphasis is being placed on teaching "durable skills" (leadership, communication, and adaptability) which local industries have identified as high-priority.
• Success Metrics: Statistics show that students taking multiple CTE courses are more likely to graduate. The district continues to offer high-value certifications in Adobe, Nail Technology (state licensure), and Fire Safety.

Mental Health and Nutrition

• Mental Health Screenings: Sierra Marsh presented data from the third year of screenings. The Board approved expanding these screenings to include Kindergarten through 2nd Grade and adding new indicators for older students, such as bullying, ostracism, and self-criticism. Participation remains strictly parent-initiated and requires active consent.
• Nutritional Transparency: A new menu program called "Pinch of Spice" was showcased. It allows parents and school nurses to track allergens and carbohydrate counts for diabetic students across 30 different languages.

Facilities and Business Operations

• Bond Projects: Murray High School: Construction is ahead of schedule; the building is "dried in," and interior tiling/sheetrocking has begun on the first floor.
• Junior High: The masonry is progressing quickly, and the auditorium roof structure is now in place.

Action Items & Approvals

• LEA Specific Licenses: Approved licenses for three Special Education teachers (Math endorsement) and a new Environmental Science teacher at the High School.
• Policy PS 448 (Online Education): Approved updates to the State Online Education Program to better manage enrollment windows and credit loads.
• TSSA Amendment: Approved $1,700 for Belview Elementary to purchase IXL Math software for 1st and 2nd grades.
• Overnight Travel: Suspended the rules to grant immediate approval for the Murray High Track & Field team to attend an elite meet in Cedar City, thanks to a private donor covering hotel costs.