The Murray City School District Board of Education met on October 2, 2025, covering topics ranging from student activities and construction updates to new academic programs and policy approvals.

Student and Community Group Highlights

Representatives from various school and district affiliations shared updates on their recent and upcoming initiatives:

• Elementary PTA/School Community Council (SCC) Delegation: Reported a successful start to the school year, including a well-attended Back-to-School Bash and a profitable Fun Run fundraiser (a no-fuss donation process ending in an obstacle course). They also mentioned upcoming events like Reflections and Zombie and Scifair, but noted a constant challenge in recruiting enough volunteers.

• Murray Education Foundation (MEF): Detailed a very successful school supply drive, distributing thousands of dollars worth of materials to teachers and social workers. Excitingly, MEF is in talks with Fashion Place Mall for a large partnership on their Angel Tree program, with a tentative kickoff event planned for November 14th. They also announced participation in the LDS Church's "Light the World" Giving Machine program and set the dates for their annual Pickleball Tournament on January 29th and 30th at the Sports Mall, with a family night followed by a corporate competitive morning.

• Attendance Committee Success: Board members highlighted the significant improvement in student attendance across the district, applauding the hard work of the attendance committee, staff, and supportive parents. The committee recently held a successful football ticket drawing giveaway.

• High School Culture and Sports: The positive culture at Murray High was praised, particularly the football and girls' soccer teams. The girls' soccer team was noted for its success despite a small number of seniors and many freshmen.

Construction and Facility Updates

The district provided positive updates on the progress of major construction projects:

• Murray High School: All slab-on-grade work and underground utilities are complete. Steel columns are now going up in preparation for the second floor, and the project is in good shape with material procurement.

• Junior High: Construction saw rapid progress with all tilt-up slabs for the auditorium completed in under a week. The walls for the gymnasium are poured and scheduled for tilt-up around November 10th. Masonry work continues in the office area. The complexity and skill of the engineering built into the tilt-up walls were specifically noted.

Academic Programs and Policy

The Board voted on several key academic and personnel items:

• BYU Online Course Approval (HB 1 Compliance): The Board unanimously approved a list of BYU Independent Study (BYUIS) online courses for high school credit (known as the "packet method" under new state legislation, HB 1). These courses, for original or makeup credit, will ensure the district is compliant with new state oversight requirements and were reviewed by an instructional materials committee. It was clarified that this is a valuable option for students with full schedules or unique health challenges.

• One-Year Leave of Absence Request: The Board approved a one-year, unpaid leave of absence for a teacher at Hillcrest Junior High whose spouse has a career opportunity in a different location. The teacher intends to return to the district.

• Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBS): School PBS plans, which address peer pressure, mental health, and relationship building, were presented for a first reading. Key programs mentioned include the continuation of Sources of Strength at the secondary level (now a class) and the adoption of the "We Thinker" social-emotional learning curriculum in elementary schools. The Board will review the plans and vote on approval in November.

• Local Area Specific (LAS) License: The Board approved an LAS license for a newly hired full-time employee to teach College and Career Awareness.

• Annual School Land Trust Funding: The district reviewed the School Land Trust program. Murray School District will receive over $1 million for the FY26 funding year, equating to $185.65 per student. The funds are designated for academic instruction and are crucial for supporting programs at the school level, as determined by the School Community Councils.

• Catalyst Grant Application: The district announced its intent to apply for a state Catalyst Grant to establish a Healthcare Careers Academy. This initiative would be a partnership with Intermountain Medical Center, Talent Ready Utah, and Salt Lake Community College, aiming to offer students first credentials and career pathways in high-demand fields like Certified Nursing Assistance, radiology technicians, and behavioral health technicians.

Board Member Development

Board members discussed the importance of continued development, with one member setting a personal challenge to colleagues to become Master Board Certified by the end of the year. The Board then moved into a closed session to discuss a property matter.