The Murray City School District Board of Education convened for its regular meeting, featuring vibrant student presentations from McMillan Elementary, major grant announcements for STEM programming, and strategic updates on student prevention and literacy initiatives.

McMillan Elementary PTA & Student Spotlight

McMillan Elementary PTA President Ashley Dunkelberger addressed the board to celebrate the growth of parental involvement across the district. McMillan alone accounts for 136 of the district’s 217 PTA members. Dunkelberger also shared that McMillan’s recent school fundraiser surpassed its $6,500 goal, raising $8,500 to support student activities.

Several McMillan Elementary students took to the podium to share what they love about their school, including:

• Charlie Brown highlighted her math skills, earning PBIS points for being responsible, respectful, and safe, and playing on the monkey bars.

• Addison & Lydia praised their art teacher and shared their love for creative projects in class.

Upcoming McMillan Community Events:

• Veterans Day Assembly: November 11 at 9:30 AM (Community veterans invited).

• Schoolwide Food Drive: Launching November 4 in support of the local Children’s Pantry.

Education Foundation & STEM Grant Announcements

Murray Education Foundation Executive Director Doug Perry presented several major updates:

• $30,000 Boeing Robotics Grant: Boeing Corporation awarded a $30,000 grant to Murray High School to expand its award-winning robotics program and STEM activities.

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: The district is targeting January 19 (Dolly Parton’s birthday) for the official rollout of the early literacy initiative in Murray.

• Angel Tree Launch: Scheduled for November 13 at 6:00 PM at Fashion Place Mall, featuring live performances from talented Murray district students.

Comprehensive Prevention & Student Wellness Plan

Prevention Specialist Sierra Marsh presented the district’s Comprehensive Prevention Plan (CPP), funded through Utah's state prevention block grant. Key focus areas and goals through the 2027–2028 school year include:

1. Attendance: Aiming for 72% of students attending school regularly by 2028, supported by two district attendance specialists.

2. Mental Health & Sense of Belonging: Expanding the Sources of Strength program in secondary schools and Wayfinder in elementary schools to build peer connections and trusted adult relationships.

3. Vaping & E-Cigarette Prevention: Implementing the You and Me Together Vape-Free curriculum at Hillcrest Junior High, supported by a $10,000 grant from Salt Lake County.

District Capital Facilities Update

Facilities Director Scott Taggart briefed the board on ongoing construction projects across the district:

• Murray High School Addition: Interior finishes on all three levels are nearing completion. Exterior concrete work, curb, and gutter installation are progressing smoothly.

• Riverview Junior High Construction: Major milestones reached, including the completed commons staircase. Crews are aiming to fully "dry-in" the building shell and lay asphalt on the north side prior to winter weather.

• APEX Center Construction: Utility hookups from Hillcrest Drive are complete, and main structural footings were successfully poured ahead of recent autumn rainstorms.

Early Literacy & State Requirements (SB 127 / SB 41)

Elementary Curriculum Director Rebecca Te’o outlined implementation details surrounding state reading legislation:

• State Literacy Target: Utah's statewide benchmark aims for 80% of 3rd-grade students reading at or above benchmark level.

• Individualized Reading Plans (IRP): Students in K–3 scoring below benchmark receive structured intervention plans. Parents receive direct notifications and regular progress tracking under the legislation to ensure collaborative support between home and school.