Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking the corresponding agenda items.
Changes to Programming for Students at Midvale’s Homeless Shelter
With passage of SB169, the Midvale overflow shelter of The Road Home will remain open year-round, instead of serving solely as an overflow shelter in winter. As a result, Canyons schools will be able to more seamlessly serve students who reside at the shelter, explained Director of Student Access and Advocacy Karen Sterling. The District is working with the Utah Department of Workforce Services to apply for federal assistance funds to cover the costs of providing summer programming for these children. There are restrictions on how this money can be used, and the Department of Workforce Services hasn’t yet determined how the application process will work. But while the District awaits further information, Sterling’s team is moving ahead with a short- and long-term plan to support these students. During the summer, Canyons will continue its partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to provide summer programming for students at the shelter.
Mill Hollow Summer Camp Discussion
The Board of Education was updated on Mill Hollow, an environmental learning center owned by the U.S. Forest Service. The camp was previously operated by Granite District, which stopped running trips to the camp due to budget constraints. It’s now being operated by the non-profit Team Mill Hollow, which subleases the property through Granite District and is now taking reservations for summer programs said Canyons Business Administrator Leon Wilcox. Canyons will advertise the camp to families as it does for other extra-curricular learning opportunities. The District also will send a memo to schools to advertise job openings at the school for teachers in need of summer employment.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda: hires and terminations; financial reports; purchasing bids; Granite Elementary easement improvements; Land Trust amendments; and an amendment to the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center Inter-Local Agreement. The Board also approved student travel requests, with the exception of a request submitted by Corner Canyon High’s Yearbook staff, which is being sent back to the school for revisions to safeguard student safety. In addition, all Land Trust spending plans carrying two Board member signatures were approved. The rest require further review.
Teacher of the Year Reception and Recognitions
After a short break, the Board reconvened for a special community celebration to recognize Teacher of the Year nominees and announce the overall winner for District Teacher of the Year. Peruvian Park Elementary SALTA teacher Gretchen Murray was chosen from a field of 48 teachers nominated by each of Canyons’ schools, including the academy at the Utah State Prison, and for the first time, Canyons Virtual High and Canyons’ new alternative high school, Diamond Ridge. She received prizes and a $1,000 check from the Canyons District Foundation and she will represent the District in the Utah Teacher of the Year contest. Also recognized on Tuesday were the school nominees, semifinalists and two finalists for District Teacher of the Year: Quintana Glover from Draper Elementary and Linda Tognoni from Park Lane Elementary. Board President Sherril Taylor and Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe thanked teachers for their passion and tireless dedication.