This January marks the first time in over a decade that Sherril H. Taylor, a member of the inaugural Canyons Board of Education, does not have a front-row to history in Canyons School District.
With his decision to not seek re-election in November, Taylor’s 10-year tenure as the representative for District No. 6 in Canyons came to an end on Dec. 31, 2018. The Board of Education set aside time during the regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 4, 2018, to present him with a crystal award and read a resolution in his honor.
“Whereas, Mr. Taylor’s contributions as an exacting, thoughtful, kind, dedicated, and generous leader are unparalleled and will be greatly missed by his fellow members of the Board of Education, Administration, faculty, staff, and volunteers,” read the resolution. “Therefore, be it resolved that the Canyons Board of Education expresses its deepest appreciation for the outstanding contributions made by Mr. Sherril Taylor during his decade of distinguished public service in support of Canyons School District.”
“He was born of wisdom, wit and a big heart,” Nancy Tingey, the Board’s 1st Vice President, told the Valley Journal. “He truly loves children and educators and makes every effort to serve the community. He leads by helping others be successful. He ensures everyone is comfortable to speak and he values the voice of his fellow board members.”
Amber Shill, the 2nd Vice President, echoed those sentiments: “He will be missed by our Canyons District family,” she said.
As a member of the first-ever Board of Education, Taylor played a major role in the historic creation of Canyons, the first new school district to be created in Utah in nearly a century. He also helped oversee the division of $1.5 billion in assets of the former Jordan District, and the arbitration agreement that established CSD’s financial foundation. He was instrumental in the hiring of two superintendents and business administrators, the passage of two general-obligation bonds to build and improve schools in all corners of the District, and the approval of a progressive salary schedule to hire and retain the best teachers for CSD.
Taylor is the longest-serving member of the Board in the history of Canyons District.
During his tenure, he always served in a leadership role, either as President or Vice President. But, his fellow Board members said, he may be most remembered for always having the welfare of students foremost in mind and cultivating learning environments where everyone feels welcome, supported and free to innovate and try hard things.
“I respect his integrity and honesty and the way he interacts with people,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe. “He’s been a strong leader of the Board, and what I have seen him accomplish is quite a legacy. He will be dearly missed.”
As Taylor steps away from service, four Board members prepare to start four-year terms. Incumbents Shill, Clareen Arnold, and Steve Wrigley were re-elected to their seats and Amanda Oaks was elected to fill Taylor’s old seat. The public is invited to a swearing-in ceremony for Shill, Arnold, Wrigley and Oaks on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. at Canyons Administration Building-East, 9361 S. 300 East.
