"Working here is the best-kept secret in education," said Gardner, 61, a former lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve's 328th General Hospital. "It's the best place to work."

Gardner's legacy lies in people.

Jordan Valley employs 214 professionals, from nurses to audiologists, physical therapists to special education teachers, to meet the needs of 246 students between the ages of 5 and 22 years. The school also goes to homes of 900 students, ages 2 weeks through pre-school, to ensure — usually, successfully, Gardner says — that they can attend regular public schools by kindergarten age.

Staff turnover in special education is high — 80 percent of teachers quit after five years, Gardner said. But Jordan Valley has relatively little turnover.

"We have a lot of teachers who have been here 19, 20, more than 25 years, which is really unique in this setting," Bouillon said. "We have students with severe disabilities; we have students who die every year. (Others wonder) how can people stay here every year and not have them burn out? That's a tribute to John."

Staffers say they feel part of a family.

They have soup day, when everyone brings a pot to share. They have pie day just before Thanksgiving. They do the 12 days of Christmas, where the staff shares treats first thing in the morning.

Gardner will give teachers whatever they need to do their jobs, despite budget cuts or any other barrier, said teacher Sue Ollerton, who works with students mainstreamed into regular public schools.

The school has an "elf fund" to help families or staff in need. Gardner also is known to slip cash in the doors of those who need it, whether he's known them for years or just met them during a home visit.

"It's a pretty amazing place," Jordan Valley head secretary Kathy Schneider said. "I attribute that, 100 percent, to John."

Drawing people to Jordan Valley is a specialty for Gardner.

Brighton High students put on an annual spook alley and Halloween party at the school, an effort encouraging many of them to go into special education as a career. LDS seminary students also organize homecoming Christmas dances for Jordan Valley students.

"I bet half the people who work there right now started just by visiting the school," said Cal Evans, Jordan District executive director of compliance and special programs. "It's that contagious. The feeling of excitement, that's what John shares with everyone."

St. James Episcopal Church members donate money, meals and Christmas gifts to Jordan Valley families in need.

The Belgian Waffle & Omelet Inn gives Jordan Valley students a "community-based experience," where they learn how to order and eat at a restaurant.