December 2020 | Vol. 6 Iss. 12
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SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS: ‘NOTHING SHORT OF HEROES’ By Darrell Kirby | dkirby@mycityjournals.com
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hey crisscross West Valley City every school day—the yellow buses that transport thousands of students to Granite School District schools and other private and charter learning institutions. Except for rare instances, the drivers of those buses get kids to and from school safely and without accident. And this year, they have also been tasked with ensuring their young passengers are kept safe from COVID-19 while in their vehicles. The work of school bus drivers was highlighted during an event at Granger High School recently as part of School Bus Safety Week. “They have difficult jobs and the pandemic has made it even more challenging, but they have conscientiously adapted and regularly update procedures to keep students safe,” said state Rep. Elizabeth Weight (D-West Valley City), who sponsored a resolution during the 2020 legislative session to call attention to the professionalism of school bus drivers throughout Utah. Specifically, the resolution “recognizes school bus driv- Granite School District transportation director Dave Gatti praises the work of school bus drivers. (Courtesy Granite School District) ers for their exemplary work” that includes: • Driving a school bus while navigating road and weather • Helping students with medical needs and disabilities; ported throughout the year to various sporting and extracurhazards; and ricular activities both in and out of the district. Transportation • Inspecting school buses to ensure the safety of the stu• Performing all of their duties and responsibilities while director Dave Gatti says it takes a Herculean effort carried dents who ride the bus; avoiding distractions. out by a staff of 180 full-time and substitute drivers, plus dis• Identifying signs of sexual harassment, bullying, and In the Granite School District, about 130 buses take some patchers, mechanics, and other support staff. other abuse; Added to the job this year has been the constant clean• Communicating with the parents of students who ride 8,200 students to and from 86 elementary, junior high, and high schools each day. Hundreds of students are also trans- ing and sanitizing of each bus Continued page 15 the bus;
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December 2020 | Page 3
Council denies townhomes along 5600 West By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
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he West Valley City Council denied a zone change in October that would have seen a 98-unit two-story townhome development built at 5600 West and about 4600 South. If passed, the approximately 11-acre property would have seen the agriculturally zoned land include townhomes on 8.2 acres, four homes on 1.7 acres and a 1.1-acre commercial pad in the southwest corner. While the planning commission recommended approval, the council denied the zone change unanimously. Councilman Steve Buhler said he feels for the council to change the zone of an area, the project needs to be “something special.” “If we’re going to change the zoning, this has got to be something special that we couldn’t refuse because we’d be so happy to have it in the city,” he said during the Oct. 20 council meeting. “For this development, I just don’t see that wow factor or anything special enough to change the zoning.” The Defa property in question, a triangular piece of land running along the railroad tracks, is at the southern end of single family home neighborhoods that run north up to Hunter High School. For Councilwoman Karen Lang, she felt continuing that trend of homes up to the train tracks was a better fit. “I don’t think this development makes sense for this property myself,” Lang said. She also said the council had created a new zone—RE for Residential Estate—for this exact purpose, “to take larger agricultural properties and leave them for homes.” Nearby residents on the adjacent Cape Vista Way (just north of the property) also expressed their concerns with the proposed development. Pamela Bryson, whose backyard would border the property, told councilmembers before they voted she was worried about
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the decreased green space, the density of the project that would see 12 units an acre, parking, lower water pressure, and there being too many rentals leading to transitional housing. “I must expressly and boldly state that I would expect the City Council to continue or maintain the same or larger size housing to what is currently in the neighborhood,” she said. Several other residents spoke in opposition to the development as well. Ken Johnson, a resident of Cape Vista Way for 23 years, said he understood the land will be developed, but also preferred continuing the residential rather than the potential of higher density. Going from a single family neighborhood “to commercial and such high density housing is such a swing to the opposite direction and contrary to the expectations of most of us neighbors is quite a difference,” he said. Another resident, Kirsi Driscoll, had issues with the potential parking overflow from the development noting that problem already exists with USANA Amphitheatre events nearby. She said a compromise is possible for the land. “I feel like there should be a way to meet the unique needs of this neighborhood and also still allow for the development that would make that area of our city better and more usable,” Driscoll said. David Lewis, the applicant for the proposed development with DR Horton, said the four single family homes was designed to flow from the neighborhood to the townhomes. “We tried very hard to create a very livable and nice community,” Lewis told the council. He added the amount of parking spaces—four stalls per unit (two-car garage and
The proposed development along 5600 West near 4700 South was unanimously denied by the council. (Map courtesy West Valley City documents)
two spaces in the driveway) plus 16 visitor spaces—was more than double what the city asked for. He also said the professional HOA management on site would ensure cars don’t overflow into the neighborhood. While the council voted to deny the property, Mayor Ron Bigelow pointed out the council’s responsibility “isn’t to the
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Granite rewards ‘tremendous efforts’ by staff with a bonus on top of pay raise By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com
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ranite School Board sent out a message Oct. 6 that they had approved a bonus for all employees, which would arrive in their Oct. 30 paycheck. “As a board, we understand that you are working so hard under difficult circumstances. You are doing a tremendous job navigating through the restrictions and extra requirements that come with COVID, as well as learning new things along the way. We know and understand that this is not easy,” said Karyn Winder in a video sent out to educators. Winder is board president of the Granite School District. Hourly employees received a one-time $100 bonus in their Oct. 30 paycheck. Contract employees received a 1% bonus. In addition, contract employees will receive a 3% bonus in their November paychecks. This was negotiated in the spring as part of their benefits package. Contract employees’ salaries had been adjusted for a 5% cost of living raise in the annual 2020-2021 contract negotiations, which brought an incoming teacher’s salary to over $50,000. “We wanted to back up our words with action. We have relatively low COVID numbers, and are proud to be one of the most
Board president of the Granite School District Karyn Winder announces a bonus for all GSD employees in a video presentation. (Screenshot)
transparent districts in the state. We spent nearly $4 million on equipment and building upgrades this year to keep schools safer. A surplus from the spring will help us make sure there are no teacher layoffs this year,” Winder said.
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Many principals report that their teachers are working harder than ever this year, coming in earlier and leaving later. They’re trying to balance several learning modalities and develop online resources for kids who are distance learning. Custodial staff is cleaning
much more often, and all school employees are getting creative about limiting interaction among students. “The bonus was a nice and unexpected token of appreciation. It’s a nice compliment for everyone and how hard they’re working right now. Teachers are overwhelmed. They’re tired. Things are difficult and frustrating, but they care about these kids,” said Benjamin Peters, principal at Howard R. Driggs Elementary. Principal Afton Lambson at Spring Lane Elementary thought the bonuses were good not just for bank accounts, but for morale. “We’re incredibly grateful that the board is recognizing that this unique circumstance is more than the teachers and staff planned on. It’s a small gesture of appreciation that’s noticed by our staff. They’re all being asked to do things differently. “One of our hourly employees said they were so happy to see that increase in their paycheck because they’ve never gotten anything like that before. I hope people understand that budgets are thin—we’ve added PPE and had to be creative in our staffing this year. So, it makes a big difference to know that they care and we’re appreciated,” Lambson said. l
Roundtable Talk with Representative Weight Together, Respect and Responsibility The teacher in me brings vocabulary notes to this column. With COVID, reelection, and looking to 2021, I reflect on words that deserve clarification among us. Together. In past columns, you have seen expressions of my interest in and commitment to healthy neighborhoods and civic involvement that sustains them. Voters have given me the honor of representing a district of strong, independent thinkers who also generally understand the benefits of working together to recognize and resolve problems. We share observations and experiences, and we create dynamic support for each other to move forward in even the most challenging circumstances. Respect. I come from a family with diverse points of view about politics and policy, including some hot-button topics like the role of government, gun regulation, reproductive and civil rights. This year has given us extraordinary opportunities to practice values held through generations. It
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ElizabethWeight@le.utah.gov
has increased my admiration and respect for others who have held safe space to express without judgement and with openness to ideas that bother us. Being “safely bothered” encourages me in my interactions with others, including legislators, whose respect makes their ideas easier to understand. We can still disagree, but with expanded regard. Responsibility. It is satisfying to contribute to my community. It makes a difference, and I see roles and opportunities for anyone to demonstrate their leader qualities. The last months have brought many of us into discussions about individual Constitutional rights. However, good leaders also emphasize the civic responsibilities that unite us and build our communities. Among other things, COVID in 2020 has shown us that working together with respect and responsible behavior is fundamental to getting through the pandemic. Thank you for being part of the positive power.
Elizabeth Weight, Utah Representative
@RepEWeight
December 2020 | Page 5
Parks director reports on yearlong assessment By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
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fter months of data collection and analyzation, Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Day presented a report assessing the needs of the city’s parks to the City Council in November. “This is one thing where we can make a difference, making West Valley City a nice place to live,” Councilman Steve Buhler said about the city’s parks. The report, authored by Professor Nate Trauntvein and Jesse Johns of Utah State University’s recreation administration program, involved research and public feedback over the course of a year. The process included research, facility tours, focus groups, community forums and a city-wide online survey. Over 1,000 surveys were completed, a number Day was pleased with considering the survey generally lasts 10-15 minutes. “We really wanted to know what people thought and we got good info from that,” she said. A majority, 54%, said they used neighborhood parks regularly or frequently. Some of the report’s primary takeaways, Day said, found that residents have an “overall level of satisfaction with the breadth of park and recreation facilities,” are interested in public recreation issues and value open space, natural areas and trails. Residents’ primary concerns, the report notes, are the maintenance and upkeep and general safety due to “nefarious park use.” Nearly 25% said they would visit parks more often if not for the safety concern. Day noted there was an interest in adding park patrols, redesign existing parks or improve park standards such as lighting or cameras. Respondents desired a plan to replace playgrounds and other amenities, such as the Peachwood Park playground equipment being replaced with an inclusive all-abilities design. An inclusive playground is designed to enable children and adults with physical or mobility limitations to enjoy the use of swings, slides, climbing structures, and other features that they might not otherwise be able to at standard park playgrounds. Over 37% desired more outdoor adventure-based programming such as biking and hiking. Many respondents wished for expanded natural areas whether through trail maps, wetland park programming, or the way parks are designed or redesigned.
Dog parks were frequently mentioned as a high priority by residents in a survey administered by the city. (Don Debold/Flickr)
More than 40% used the Family Fitness Center regularly or frequently with 1,500 average visitors daily. Day said dog parks was a suggestion mentioned often in various parts of the survey with over 42% reporting dog parks as the “most unavailable or inadequate recreation resources in West Valley City.” One interesting question saw respondents asked how they would spend $100 in the department. The average came out to be: parks and open space - $26, trails and greenways - $22, indoor recreation facilities - $16, recreation programs - $15, other (pool, splash pads, dog park etc.) - $11 and out-
door athletic fields - $8. Day said they found 72% believe a portion of property tax should be used toward building or maintaining parks and rec facilities, while 57% said a portion should be used to run recreation programs and activities. Focus groups wanted to be more actively involved in parks and recreation in the city, Day said. So she plans to develop an advisory committee. As a result of the report, Day said the department also plans to increase its overall communication to the public of its programs and recreational resources. l
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Four years later: West Valley City honors its fallen officer with new memorial By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
I
n front of West Valley City’s new public safety building, is now a brand new memorial honoring fallen officer Cody Brotherson. Brotherson died in the line of duty four years ago on Nov. 6 while attempting to put down tire spikes to stop a stolen car. He was WVC’s first officer to die in the line of duty. “We are very fortunate to be in this new police facility and proud of being able to dedicate this memorial,” Police Chief Colleen Jacobs said during the memorial presentation. “We now have a place to gather and remember as we all should on a regular basis.” “Today, this memorial bears the name of our fallen brother, officer Cody Brotherson, end of watch Nov. 6, 2016,” she continued. “God willing, his will be the only name that is ever etched on this sacred stone.” Police, city officials, the Brotherson family and members of the community gathered for the unveiling of the memorial and to honor Brotherson. “His tragic loss has affected his family and his police family in ways that cannot be described or explained,” Jacobs said. “Our hearts have been broken, our lives will never, ever be the same.” Brotherson was the older brother to Brayden and Alex, of Cody Brotherson died in the line of whom he was fiercely protective, and the son to Jeff and Jenny. duty on Nov. 6, 2016 attempting to stop a stolen car. (West Valley City) At the time of his death, he was engaged to Jessica Le. Alex told those in attendance that while they remember the police officer, he remembers the older brother. “Not one day goes by that I don’t wish I couldn’t call him and hug him,” Alex said, fighting back tears. “I miss my brother so much and always remember him and all he did for me and my family and the community. I love you Cody.” Jacobs ended the memorial thanking those who currently serve as police officers. “We dedicate this memorial as a sign of love and respect, in remembrance and in honor,” Jacobs said. “To Cody, may you always live in our hearts, may we honor your sacrifice, your Police Chief Colleen Jacobs speaks during a the unveiling of a fallen officer memorial on Nov. 6 honoring Cody Brotherson. (West Valley City) memory is a blessing to us all.” l
Wvc Journal .com
December 2020 | Page 7
Lancer volleyball players learned life lessons this season By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com
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arl Lewis has nine Olympic gold medals, he credits his high school job at McDonald’s with honing his skills and attention to detail. “Timing was very important,” Lewis said of his job at the Golden Arches when he spoke at an entrepreneurs conference in 2000. “You couldn’t let the fries get cold. If I was 10 seconds off (during a race) I’d have no gold medals.” Players on the Granger High School volleyball team had more than a sports experience this fall. They learned life lessons by balancing school, sports, work and family commitments. “We have girls that are involved in a lot of different things,” Granger High School girls volleyball coach Howard Gravelle said. “Very few of them do just one thing. They work and are in Polynesian dance clubs. They are athletes that are cognizant of the entire life experience.” Junior outside hitter Mele Wolfgramm has learned to balance a babysitting job, family and school work. “If I am not babysitting then I am home with my family,” Wolfgramm said. “It is hard to find time to balance. I have a club season and a job and then there is all my school work.”
In sports as in life, success is going to require the athlete to do some things that are not enjoyable. Granger’s 2020 season was difficult. “Our team definitely got stronger under challenging conditions,” Gravelle said. “I thought we did well. One of our biggest challenges was we never knew who was going to be available. We were constantly in flux and changing. I do not think I had the same lineup in two straight games. It was less than ideal.” The global pandemic forced the postponement of several games and the Lancers were forced to play short-handed while players spent time in quarantine. They defeated Cyprus, Kearns and Taylorsville twice each this season. Their thirdplace finish in the Utah High School Activities Association’s Region 2 helped them qualify 14th for the state tournament. The UHSAA uses a rating performance index to seed teams into its state tournament. Granger hosted a first-round playoff game and lost to Westlake (25-13, 25-17, 2517) “Our team did very well,” Wolfgramm said. “We had some ups and downs but together we lifted our spirits and hopes. We brought each other up when times were hard. We did not have the outcome we expected but
I enjoyed being able to play with our girls.” Junior Lisi Fuimaono led the team in kills during the regular season with 100. Sophomore Jaylina Taula was a leader in service aces and junior Christina Malaeulu in assists. “She (Malaeulu) was definitely a leader and one of our more consistent players, but we did have a committee of girls that spoke up,” Gravelle said. Finishing in third place in the region was a disappointment to a team that placed second last season and was back-to-back champions in 2017 and 2018. Gravelle took over as head
coach this season after being an assistant for the last four years. “We have a younger team and only lose one varsity starter. It has set us up to be hungrier and more competitive next year,” Gravelle said. “We were not the tallest or the fastest but as a whole, we ended being a really good team. Once we identified our mistakes we moved forward and did not make them again. We have quite a few players that are new to the game. We have a good group of girls. They are involved and are getting experience that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.” l
Grangers volleyball teams finished third in Region 2 this season. (Photo courtesy of Granger volleyball)
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West Valley City Journal
Lions Club honors West Valley police officers By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
The Hunter Lions Club thanked the 235 West Valley City police officers recently. With the help of Frito-Lay and several community businesses, club members RaNae Bryant, Karen Stein, Ronnie Lee Holmes and Karen Barton presented the officers with drinks, snacks and a thank-you note. The note read, “The Hunter Lions would like to express our most sincere thanks to each of the West Valley police officers for their hard work, commitment and dedication in protecting our community and its citizens. We realize that being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs in the community, especially at this time. We truly appreciate all you do.� (Photos courtesy Bill Barton/Holladay Lions Club)
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December 2020 | Page 9
Simulate your own baseball season with a tabletop game By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com
D
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You must provide a valid photo ID, proof of your current address and your Social based on dice rolls. Face to face and computoff the virus. off the virus. Security or Immigration card to donate. Must be 18 years of age or older to donate. er-based leagues have formed all around the EXPIRES 12/31/2020 country. Adam Richman, the current company STEP 2 STEP 2 STEP 2 STEPSTEP 2 president calls the pandemic a “horrendous 2 Separate convalescent plasma STEP 2 Separate STEPconvalescent 2 Separate convalescent plasma plasma time for our country,” but the resurgence of Separate convalescent plasma Separate convalescent plasma into its components Separate Separate convalescent convalescent plasma plasma the game has caused a 75% increase in sales into its into components its components into its components itsits components in 2020 (according to Baseball America). intointo its into components components Plasma donation is similar to giving blood, except the blood is cycled through a Plasma donation Plasma is similar donation to giving is similar blood, toofgiving except blood, the blood except is cycled the blood through isthe cycled a through a “I produce content every day for my special machine that some the plasma before returning blood Plasma Plasma donation is similar topulls giving blood, except theout blood is cycled through a donation is similar to giving blood, except the blood is cycled through a special machine that machine pulls some that of pulls the plasma some ofout the before plasma returning out before thereturning blood blood a cellsspecial back the body. there, we can use special technology to separate Plasma Plasma isto similar donation to giving isFrom similar blood, to giving except blood, the blood except is the cycled blood through isthe cycled athethrough special donation machine that pulls some of the plasma out before returning the blood YouTube channel (Sports Time Machine). I special machine that pulls some of the plasma out before returning blood
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cells backmachine to cells the body. back From todifferent the there, body. we From can there, useofone special we can technology usereturning special to technology separate separate the plasma into components, of which is the antibodies thattocan special special pulls some that of pulls the some plasma out the before plasma out before the returning blood the blood cells back tomachine the body. From there, can use special technology to separate cells back to thethat body. From there, we canwe use special technology to separate the plasma into the different plasma into components, different components, one ofuse which one is the of antibodies which is the that antibodies can that can defeat the virus. Plasma donation is a well-established process with many years cells back to cells the body. back to From the body. there, From we can there, special we can technology use special to technology separate to the plasma into different components, one of which is the antibodies that can the plasma into different components, one of which is the antibodies that can separate defeat theofvirus. defeat Plasma the regarding virus. donation Plasma is a donation well-established is a well-established with many years with many knowledge safety for donors. the plasma into thethe plasma different into components, different one ofwell-established which one isprocess the of which antibodies is process the that antibodies can that years can defeat virus. Plasma donation isthe a process with many defeat the virus. Plasma donation is acomponents, well-established process with many yearsyears ofdefeat knowledge of regarding knowledge safety regarding for the safety donors. for is the donors. the virus. defeat Plasma theregarding virus. donation Plasma a donation well-established a well-established process withprocess many years with many years of knowledge safety for the donors. of knowledge regarding safety foristhe donors. of knowledge of regarding knowledge safety regarding for the safety donors. for the donors.
like to play the game solo, but playing against someone is always fun,” Bowes said. The game’s playing cards are based on statistical information gathered from each season. The Major League teams then produce for game players. Using dice rolls and statistics the game results should become accurate to actual games played. Game players can adjust lineups and matchups. “I am a math teacher in high school,” Massachusett resident Steve Mitchell said. “We ran a league after school and kept the stats on the chalkboard for all of the games.” Bowes currently plays in three leagues. “I like to play the game all by myself,” Bowes said. “It flows really well, and I can play in under an hour.” The new season cards are generally released around the beginning of spring training. Many game players trek to New York to commemorate the beginning of a strat season. Player ratings are analyzed and discussed. Some real-life major leaguers have lobbied the company to improve their card ratings. Former Phillies player Doug Glanville sent pages of documentation to the company one year to try to influence his card, but to no avail. Bob Costas, Keith Hernandez, and Curt Schilling have proclaimed their love for the games. After homering in a playoff game, Lenny Dykstra said the last time he had done such a thing was in his Strat-o-Matic game. The game allows you to manage the teams you love in the way you want to. Set the lineups, pitching rotations, and bench the players you despise. The best part is your managerial moves will not be scrutinized by the entire world like Cash’s were in the World Series. l
You can receive up to $600 in your first STEPas 3 a new donor. month STEP 3 STEP 3 Convert STEP 3 STEP 3into a medicine to STEPConvert 3 Convert STEP 3 into into a medicine a medicine to
treat patients Convert Convert into a medicine into a medicine to toto Convert Convert into a into medicine a medicine to to treat patients treat patients treat patients treat patients We can purify and concentrate the antibodies collected from donated plasma treat patients treat patients Your local Grifols Donor Center is NOW accepting plasma to develop a special medicine for those still sick with COVID-19 or possibly
We can and concentrate the antibodies collected from donated plasma plasma Wepurify can purify and concentrate the antibodies collected from donated We can purifythose We andcan concentrate purify the concentrate antibodies the collected antibodies collected donated from plasma donated plasma protect who haveand not been infected. With thisfrom medicine, doctors will
to develop a special medicine for those still sickstill with COVID-19 or possibly to develop a special medicine for those sick with COVID-19 or possibly We canhave purify We and concentrate purify concentrate the antibodies the collected antibodies from collected donated from plasma donated plasma from people who recovered from to develop a consistent special tocan develop medicine aand special for those medicine still for those with COVID-19 still sick or possibly COVID-19 or possibly ahave precise dosing ofsick theCOVID-19. antibodies thatwith can fight COVID-19 protect those those whoand have been With this medicine, doctors will protect whonot have notinfected. been infected. With this medicine, doctors will
to develop atospecial develop medicine a not special for medicine those still for sick those with still COVID-19 sick with or COVID-19 possibly ordoctors possiblywill protect protect who have those who been have infected. been With infected. thisserve medicine, With this doctors medicine, will tothose possibly help them get back tonot life faster or as a temporary defense have a consistent and precise dosing of the antibodies that canthat fight COVID-19 have a consistent and precise dosing of the antibodies can fight COVID-19
protect those who have those not who been have infected. not infected. thisof medicine, With this doctors medicine, willcan doctors haveCOVID-19, auntil consistent haveand a consistent precise dosing and precise of been theWith antibodies dosing the that antibodies can fight that COVID-19 fight will COVID-19 aprotect vaccine developed. If you don't have your plasma donations are still to possibly helpisthem get back to life faster serveorasserve a temporary defense defense to possibly help them get back to life or faster as that a temporary have a consistent have a and consistent precise and dosing precise of the dosing antibodies of the that antibodies can fight COVID-19 can fight COVID-19 to possibly help to them possibly get help back them to life get faster back or to serve life faster as a temporary or serve as defense a temporary defense until auntil vaccine is developed. a vaccine is developed. needed to treat ais to multitude of illnesses. to possibly help to until possibly get help back them get life faster back to orlife serve faster as aortemporary serve as adefense temporary defense until a patients vaccine isthem developed. a with vaccine developed. until a vaccine until is a developed. vaccine is developed.
New donors visit www.grifolsplasma.com to This medicine is thethe This This isis the find a Grifols Donation center near Thismedicine medicine Thismedicine medicine theisis the you.
This medicine ThisHyperimmune medicine is the is the Globulin Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Hyperimmune Hyperimmune Globulin Globulin Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Hyperimmune Hyperimmune Globulin Globulin Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Hyperimmune Hyperimmune Globulin Globulin Tomore find out donating in our COVID-19 Convalescent Strat-o-Matic produces simulation games for baseball, basketball, football and hockey. (Greg James/City For infomore visit -about WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 Program call (866) 363-2819.
For For info more visit - -WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 visit - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 Formore more For info more visitinfo info WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 visit - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 For more For info more visit info WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 visit - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 | Page 10 December 2020
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West Valley City Journal
Continued from front page and ensuring masks are worn by everyone on board to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission among students and drivers. “We haven’t had an outbreak” of the virus on buses, Gatti said. That doesn’t mean that all drivers and passengers have been free of COVID-19, but he says there is no indication they have contracted or spread the disease while riding the bus. Before, during, and after the pandemic, Gatti says the goal of everyone in the district’s transportation department has been and will continue to be to move kids without accidents. “Very, very seldom do we see an accident as a result of a school bus driver being
at fault,” he said, adding that Granite District buses travel 2 million miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says children are far safer going to school on a bus. “Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a bus instead of traveling by car,” according to the NHTSA website. “That’s because school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road; they’re designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries.” Ultimately, Gatti says buses are only as safe as the men and women operating them. “Our drivers are nothing short of heroes.” l
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December 2020 | Page 15
Lawmakers approved increase to enrollment cap at Utah Virtual Academy as more students turn to online learning during COVID-19 By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
M
urray-based Utah Virtual Academy extends to students statewide, so some numbers are harder to track, according to the school’s presentation made to the Utah State Board of Education in September. Even so, the Board’s review panel could see the vast improvement the school has made. “The State Review Panel concluded that Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA) would have achieved above the bottom 3% threshold for a second, consecutive year and exited School Turnaround,” it was stated. “The UTVA team presented positive qualitative and/or quantitative data from the implementation of its School Turnaround Plan regarding numbers of students taking the ACT, increasing graduation rates, numbers of different classes offered, and the retention of important staff.” The School Turnaround and Leadership Development Act, passed by the Utah Legislature in 2015, is a state initiative that identifies low-performing schools as being in the bottom 3% of schools statewide for two consecutive years. Those schools are provided outside resources and have three years to
show improved academic achievement to exit out of the turnaround status. “The improvement we’ve made has made us a better school,” UTVA Head of School Meghan Merideth said. “We’ve set a long-term model of structure with the Utah Education Policy Center at the University of Utah and will be continuing with their support because there’s always room for improvement.” In UTVA’s turnaround exit criteria presentation, it showed ACT participation more than doubled from 2015-16 through 201819, and the students’ scores have remained fairly consistent. School officials also stated that logistics in administering the state year-end SAGE (now RISE) exam was difficult as students would need to travel to testing locations, in unfamiliar environments and some simply chose to opt out. Furthermore, last spring’s soft closure, which directed in-person instruction to online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, postponed and canceled many statewide assessments, which are used to determine schools’ academic performance. However, graduation rates have im-
Utah Virtual Academy, which at the start of the school year had a studentbody of more than 3,000 students, exits turnaround status during COVID-19 pandemic. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
proved from 38.4% in 2017 to about 77% in 2020. Concurrent enrollment has improved from 12 credits in 2016-17 to around 400 credits the past two school years. Staff retention also has improved, going from 82% in 2016-17 to 97% this current
school year, which UTVA officials believe is less disruptive to the school environment. According to the UTVA presentation, the top three reasons for students enrolling in the virtual school is to remove the students from bullying at traditional schools,
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Salt Lake County concludes budget process with no tax increase By Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton
W
ith the final approval of the 2021 Salt Lake County budget drawing near, I wanted to share some of the proactive steps we have taken as your County Council to tighten up spending. In June, because of concerns surrounding revenue impacts from COVID-19, we scoured our budget to find as many cuts as possible – leading to a massive $77 million budget reduction. Because of all the cuts we made in June, and because sales tax revenue did not fall as much as we anticipated, we ultimately had a fairly uneventful budget season. As we strive to be as fiscally prudent as possible, one of our top priorities is maintaining our AAA bond rating. We are one of only 27 counties in the entire nation with this highest-achievable bond rating. Keeping this bond rating results in much lower interest rates on bonds and loans. Here are some key principles I have always prioritized during the budget process, this year included. First and foremost, tax dollars don’t “belong” to the county. The funds are yours. Taxpayers entrust the county, or any government for that matter, with a portion of their hard-earned money because they expect that entity to provide essential services for society to function. There is no amount of tax dollars that is too small to be scrutinized. That is why I push back aggressively anytime I hear someone flippantly say, “It’s only x dollars… so we shouldn’t worry about it.” Any expenditure, whether it is $10 or $10 million, should be reviewed, and if it can’t be fully justified to the taxpayers, it should be cut. Second, I believe that all government functions should be viewed in two different categories: “need to have” and “nice to have.”
The “need to have” list obviously includes things that are statutorily required of the county to perform, think constitutionally mandated services such as criminal justice and election administration. I also consider public safety to be in the “need to have” category, since keeping our residents safe is a core function of government. However, just because they are essential does not mean they are above scrutiny, because efficiencies can still be found. The “nice to have” list includes quality of life services the county provides, as well as any other program or initiative that can easily be described as a benefit to county residents, but not necessarily considered essential. Libraries and open space some of the things in this category. The separation of these two categories demonstrates the same principle that every family in our county goes through in their annual budgets. They strive to live within their means and focus on essential family expenditures sometimes at the expense of luxuries. Lastly, I review each aspect of our budget and ask, “Is this the proper role of county government?” I’ve said many times that government can’t and shouldn’t be all things to all people. There are many programs or services that are better suited to other government entities, nonprofits, or the private sector. Particularly in a tight budget year, it’s important to review each program, service, or expenditure and ask that question again and again. I’m confident that these principles are the essence of good budgeting and fiscal discipline, and I will always advocate for this approach any time government is entrusted with taxpayer dollars. You can rest assured that for 2021, Salt Lake County has a balanced budget with no tax increase. l
decrease their anxiety levels and improve their health and safety. This year, more students turned to UTVA as their educational option as an alternative to in-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1,500 K-12 students took advantage of the opportunity to enroll at Utah Virtual Academy once the Utah legislature authorized an increased enrollment cap for the online charter school in August. UTVA’s studentbody, at more than 3,000 this fall, is almost half economically disadvantaged and just above half credit deficient upon enrolling. The stats reveal that 48% are mobile, with several homeless or experienced homelessness, and 21% are students with disabilities, according to the statistics presented to the state board. Since there was the disruption of many
statewide assessments, the State School Board established a review board in April to evaluate schools’ data and make recommendations whether each school has demonstrated sufficient improvement to exit school turnaround status. Schools presented responses to the Board's guiding questions: Did the school achieve above the lowest 3% threshold using the 2018-19 school accountability data/ measures? Can the school provide evidence of substantial progress and growth in addition to the data in the accountability system? Does the school have qualitative and/or quantitative data from the implementation of its School Turnaround Plan that also demonstrates substantial improvement? l
Wvc Journal .com
December 2020 | Page 17
Salt Lake County concludes budget process with no tax increase
Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Council | District 3
With the final approval of the 2021 Salt Lake County budget drawing near, I wanted to share some of the proactive steps we have taken as your County Council to tighten up spending. In June, because of concerns surrounding revenue impacts from COVID-19, we scoured our budget to find as many cuts as possible – leading to a massive $77 million budget reduction. Because of all the cuts we made in June, and because sales tax revenue did not fall as much as we anticipated, we ultimately had a fairly uneventful budget season. As we strive to be as fiscally prudent as possible, one of our top priorities is maintaining our AAA bond rating. We are one of only 27 counties in the entire nation with this highest-achievable bond rating. Keeping this bond rating results in much lower interest rates on bonds and loans. Here are some key principles I have always prioritized during the budget process, this year included. First and foremost, tax dollars don’t “belong” to the county. The funds are yours. Taxpayers entrust the county, or any government for that matter, with a portion of their hard-earned money because they expect that entity to provide essential services for society to function.
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The separation of these two categories demonstrates the same principle that every family in our county goes through in their annual budgets. They strive to live within their means and focus on essential family expenditures sometimes at the expense of luxuries. Lastly, I review each aspect of our budget and ask, “Is this the proper role of county government?” I’ve said many times that government can’t and shouldn’t be all things to all people. There are many programs or services that are better suited to other government entities, nonprofits, or the private sector. Particularly in a tight budget year, it’s important to review each program, service, or expenditure and ask that question again and again. I’m confident that these principles are the essence of good budgeting and fiscal discipline, and I will always advocate for this approach any time government is entrusted with taxpayer dollars. You can rest assured that for 2021, Salt Lake County has a balanced budget with no tax increase.
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There is no amount of tax dollars that is too small to be scrutinized. That is why I push back aggressively anytime I hear someone flippantly say, “It’s only x dollars… so we shouldn’t worry about it.” Any expenditure, whether it is $10 or $10 million, should be reviewed, and if it can’t be fully justified to the taxpayers, it should be cut. Second, I believe that all government functions should be viewed in two different categories: “need to have” and “nice to have.” The “need to have” list obviously includes things that are statutorily required of the county to perform, think constitutionally mandated services such as criminal justice and election administration. I also consider public safety to be in the “need to have” category, since keeping our residents safe is a core function of government. However, just because they are essential does not mean they are above scrutiny, because efficiencies can still be found. The “nice to have” list includes quality of life services the county provides, as well as any other program or initiative that can easily be described as a benefit to county residents, but not necessarily considered essential. Libraries and open space some of the things in this category.
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PERI KINDER
Like Mariah Carey, Christmas seems to bring out the best and the worst in people. You have some folks gathering presents, food, and cash for those down on their luck, and then you have people on video surveillance stuffing jars of sweet pickles down their pants at the grocery store. Christmas is descending like a firebomb on families this year who have been sick, laid off or evicted. Rubbing Mediterranean Sea salt flakes into that wound, Hallmark Christmas movies are back. Hallmark Christmas movies should come with an eye-roll rating. Two eye-rolls means a small-town doctor falls in love with a handsome (yet grumpy) big-city lawyer. Three eyerolls means a sick puppy was healed through a Christmas miracle involving an enchanted snow globe, a Nebraska blizzard and Angela Lansbury. Not my cup of tea. Give me “A Christmas Carol” any day. With his black-and-white characters and punch-you-in-the-face symbolism, fans of Charles Dickens know his stories are never subtle. But you have to love a Christmas story that starts, “Marley was dead, to begin with.” The story is about Ebenezer Scrooge and the Christmas Eve where he’s visited by spirits all night. (If I’m going to be visited by three Christmas spirits, they’d better be white wine, tequila, and Champagne. Not egg nog. That’s the stuff of Christmas demons.) Scrooge’s partner, Jacob Marley, is a spirit that first shows up as a brass doorknocker (like ya do) and visits Scrooge to give him a heads-up that ghosts will be stopping by to
chat. Marley is awesome. I mean, who doesn’t want to be followed around by a dead business partner who’s wrapped in the ghostly chains of his unkind existence? Scrooge “Bah humbugs” his way through that discussion before he jumps into his distinctly creepy four-poster bed. Soon, the Ghost of Christmas Past floats into the room, with its face shining like LED headlights. It shows the Christmas memories that shaped Scrooge through joy and heartbreak, until his soul bent like a candy cane, starting his transition to the irritable Scrooge he is now. Ebenezer is all, “Cool, cool. Can I go back to bed now?” Then the Ghost of Christmas Present shows up (looking a lot like Jeff Bridges in “The Big Lebowski”) and shows Scrooge what his acquaintances think of him. Sort of like a Victorian version of Twitter. Scrooge sees the people who think he’s a greedy, grumpy old man (everyone) and although Mr. Christmas Present Ghost is a jolly guy, he opens his robe to show Scrooge two emaciated children, representing Ignorance and Want. (Trump tried to deport them last Christmas.) Scrooge is apprehensive as he waits for the final spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Future. This is my favorite part of the story. The somber, black specter appears to Scrooge and makes the hair on my knuckles stand up. I love how the spirit only communicates through pointing, like a passive-aggressive teenager. Scrooge sees his dead body, his headstone, and the callous lack of sympathy from those around him. He wakes up a new man,
changed into the world’s happiest old geezer, and buys a big turkey that some poor woman must prepare for dinner. “A Christmas Carol” is a story of transformation that reminds us we’re all here to help each other. With the difficulties we’ve had this year, including Hallmark Christmas movies and Mariah Carey, it’s a good message to remember.
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December 2020 | Vol. 6 Iss. 12
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SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS: ‘NOTHING SHORT OF HEROES’ By Darrell Kirby | dkirby@mycityjournals.com
T
hey crisscross West Valley City every school day—the yellow buses that transport thousands of students to Granite School District schools and other private and charter learning institutions. Except for rare instances, the drivers of those buses get kids to and from school safely and without accident. And this year, they have also been tasked with ensuring their young passengers are kept safe from COVID-19 while in their vehicles. The work of school bus drivers was highlighted during an event at Granger High School recently as part of School Bus Safety Week. “They have difficult jobs and the pandemic has made it even more challenging, but they have conscientiously adapted and regularly update procedures to keep students safe,” said state Rep. Elizabeth Weight (D-West Valley City), who sponsored a resolution during the 2020 legislative session to call attention to the professionalism of school bus drivers throughout Utah. Specifically, the resolution “recognizes school bus driv- Granite School District transportation director Dave Gatti praises the work of school bus drivers. (Courtesy Granite School District) ers for their exemplary work” that includes: • Driving a school bus while navigating road and weather • Helping students with medical needs and disabilities; ported throughout the year to various sporting and extracurhazards; and ricular activities both in and out of the district. Transportation • Inspecting school buses to ensure the safety of the stu• Performing all of their duties and responsibilities while director Dave Gatti says it takes a Herculean effort carried dents who ride the bus; avoiding distractions. out by a staff of 180 full-time and substitute drivers, plus dis• Identifying signs of sexual harassment, bullying, and In the Granite School District, about 130 buses take some patchers, mechanics, and other support staff. other abuse; Added to the job this year has been the constant cleaning • Communicating with the parents of students who ride 8,200 students to and from 86 elementary, junior high, and high schools each day. Hundreds of students are also trans- and sanitizing of each bus Continued page 15 the bus;
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