Board Summary
Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via Diligent by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Dual Language Immersion
The Board of Education is reviewing a proposed enrollment-based rubric that would influence decisions on participation availability levels in dual-language immersion programs. The proposal, which was developed to create transparency and promote parent engagement, includes enrollment targets and timelines for determining whether schools have sufficient enrollment to support two first-grade DLI classes. Under the newly unveiled proposal, if enrollment numbers do not justify a two-class cohort model in the specialized global-language program, then a one-class model would be implemented. Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson told the Board of Education that, traditionally, a two-class DLI cohort begins with some 56 immersion students, or 28 students in each class, along with sufficient enrollment to support neighborhood classrooms. Those numbers provide room for normal student attrition over time. This past year, however, some Canyons schools did not have enough incoming first-grade students to sustain that model and had to move to a one-class cohort. The new framework would standardize when programs move to a one cohort model. According to the proposal, which the Board will discuss several more times at regularly scheduled meetings, at least 50 students would need to commit by Jan. 15 to enrolling in DLI. In addition, the neighborhood classroom, which CSD is legally required to offer, would need to have at least 19 students. According to the proposal, if DLI enrollment falls short of 50, the school would move to a one-class cohort of 30. Every step along the way, from the first parent meetings at the outset of the school year to the Sept. 30-Dec. 15 enrollment window and beyond, the community would be able to access the most-recent enrollment numbers on the CSD website. This will reduce questions from parents about the direction of the program as they prepare their children for the school year. Robinson said the true aim of the proposal is to preserve DLI programs across CSD, even in an era of declining enrollment. The proposal also calls for the District to create and execute a marketing campaign to heighten awareness of the program and application deadlines. As part of its deliberations, the Board is asking the community to provide input. In the coming days, a public-input portal will be made available on the District website so that families can engage in the process.
Satisfaction Survey
The overall job satisfaction of Canyons teachers remains at a relatively high level, according to the most-recent survey of the District’s licensed educators. Seventy-seven percent of licensed personnel in Canyons said they either “strongly agreed” or “agreed” with the statement “All in all, I am satisfied with my job in CSD.” While it’s a 1 percentage-point dip from last year’s results, it also marks a 14-point jump from a low of 63 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Instructional Supports Department’s Lora Tuesday-Heathfield. The Satisfaction Surveys have been administered to CSD employees for the past decade to gauge general satisfaction, expectations, and feelings of value, safety and belonging. Forty-two percent, or 835, licensed employees completed and submitted the survey before the end of the school year. In addition to licensed personnel, CSD administers Satisfaction Surveys to administrators and Education Support Professions. Tuesday-Heathfield noted the four-year upward trend in overall satisfaction of both school and central-office administrators. Ninety-four percent of administrator respondents say they are satisfied with their jobs, according to the results. At 87 percent and 91 percent, contracted and hourly ESP personnel also report high levels of satisfaction with CSD. Additionally ticking upward — at 79 and 87 percent, respectively — are the Canyons contracted and hourly ESP who say they would recommend Canyons to a friend or family member looking for a job. Among the three employee groups, Tuesday-Healthfield said, dissatisfaction similarities included such issues as workload, compensation, leadership, appreciation, and professional growth. The Board of Education will continue to review the results and work with the Administration on how to respond to the employee concerns identified in the survey.
Canyons Innovation Center
Director Reid Newey presented a progress report on the pending launch of the Canyons Innovation Center, which is slated to open in fall 2027. In advance of a planned January application window, the center is proposing a proportional-population admissions process for each Canyons high school. Under the proposal, the center would allocate each high school number of seats based on their total enrollment. After a two-week period, open seats would be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, he said. As part of the plans to open the center, Canyons is asking to rename the street where the building is located to reflect the mission of the technical-training center. Currently, the road is Ebay Way after the previous owners of the building, the online marketplace giant eBay. The options that will be presented to Salt Lake County are Launch Place, Launch Way, Ignite Way, and Launch Point.
Policy Updates
The Board of Education discussed proposed updates to a policy governing school-visitor management. A proposed policy addresses both employee and public visits to elementary, middle, high and special schools in Canyons District. Under the new policy, CSD employes would be required to scan their CSD-issued employee ID badge upon entering and leaving the building. Furthermore, all CSD personnel would be required to check-in at schools or the Front Desk of the District Office — considered the building’s “controlled-access point” — and present their employee ID badge before entering other areas of the school campus or District facility. Assistant Legal Counsel Jeff Christensen said such safety measures protect all CSD students and help identify employees in school or District buildings in the event of an emergency. The suggested new policy language indicates that during school hours, when students are present for instructional purposes, school campus facilities and grounds would be reserved for authorized personnel, staff, and students. To adhere to state law, the proposed policy would require visitors to show a valid government ID or another acceptable identification. A list of IDs that would be accepted—including a driver’s license, passport, tribal identification card, W-2, or a permanent resident card among several others – is being considered as part of the policy. A protocol also would be established for visitors without physical photo identification. The Board will continue to consider the proposed updates.
Technology Update
The Utah State Board of Education is required to develop a model technology-use policy, per state law, that will provide guidelines for state school districts. When that guideline is provided to districts, said Assistant Superintendent Mindy Robison, then CSD will move forward with crafting a balanced technology policy. This will create a clear plan for technology use in Canyons classrooms. Robison said regular updates and resources will be provided to parents via ParentSquare.
School Highlights
As a site of a Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion program, all students at Altara, regardless of whether they are in a DLI class, learn a new Spanish word together. Principal Julie Fielding said this is just one way the school community comes together in achievement. Altara also comes to life through the arts, with a stuent orchestra and a 75-student choir that performs winter holiday and spring concerts. Additionally, the Beverley Taylor Sorensen arts teacher focuses on drama and theater. The Kittyhawks are supported by a strong and invested PTA, she said. Fielding and Assistant Principal Sara Caldwell give collectible pins to those who are selected as Students of the Week from each class.
Patron Comment
The following patrons addressed the Board during Patron Comment. Recordings of the remarks can be accessed on Diligent.
- Soren Simonsen
Canyons Strong Recognitions
The following were recognized for their achievements and contributions:
- The Canyons community’s red-carpet welcome events to mark the first day of school — CSD’s 18th school year. CSD personnel also participated in numerous media appearances to highlight programs, policies, and practices in Canyons.
- Canyons District students and personnel who provided aid and support to Midvale residents who were displaced in an apartment fire near Hillcrest High.
- Brighton and Alta high students who performed for the back-to-school donation drives of KUTV and Fox 13 news stations.
- Nineteen para-librarians in Canyons who completed a certification course through Utah State University. The first-of-its-kind partnership gave CSD’s para-librarians access to three master’s-level courses designed to introduce them to many of the principles, standards, and instructional strategies taught to fully licensed librarians.
- Jonathan Kesler, who previously was a Facilities Maintenance Technician, has started work as a CSD teacher. Kesler was among the inaugural recipients of the ACE Scholarship in 2024. The Canyons Education Foundation, which administers the employee-funded scholarship, has paid more than $40,300 in tuition for ACE recipients. The aim is to help CSD support staff and students earn a degree to become educators for Canyons schools.
- The successful consolidation of the Ridgecrest and Bella Vista communities into a 560-student school with a thriving Mandarin Chinese-English DLI classes. Ridgecrest unveiled a new logo celebrating that shared identity, along with a new street sign on 7200 South, which will now otherwise be known as Tiger Cub Lane.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, which includes the minutes from the July 7, 2026 meeting of the Board; minutes from the Aug. 4 Truth-in-Taxation hearing; Aug. 11 Roundtable; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; and July financial reports.
Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports
Dr. Robinson welcomed students to the school year, thanked principals and teachers for making schools warm and inviting, and expressed appreciation to the District’s Education Support Professionals for their operational roles at schools. He reported on attending the red-carpet welcome at Sandy Elementary, which drew appearance by Real Salt Lake’s Leo and Cleo, the Utah Jazz Bear, and Jazz Dancers, as well as Jordan High cheer and drill.
Mr. Leon Wilcox attended Oak Hollow’s red-carpet welcome on the first day. He also commented on enrollment trends. He reported on the progress at Eastmont Middle’s renovation, announced the Sept. 9 ribbon-cutting for Jordan High’s new fieldhouse and auditorium, and noted the completion of Alta stadium new-turf project. He also mentioned the installation of carpet at Ridgecrest and the ongoing baseball-field sod project at Jordan High.
Board of Education Reports
Ms. Holly Neibaur remarked on the first-day celebration at Willow Springs. She noted the Corner Canyon win over Davis, which marked Casey Sutera’s first win as head coach of the Charger football team.
Mr. Jackson Lewis thanked the community for their support of the residents who were affected by the Midvale apartment fire.
Mr. Andrew Edtl remarked on how excited his children were excited for the first day of school. He commented on the celebratory environments at every school’s red-carpet events on the first day.
Ms. Amanda Oaks expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of teachers who welcomed children back to school on the first day. She encouraged parents to join the PTA and PTSA, the recognized parent organization in Canyons District. Also, she thanked PTA volunteers for the countless hours they give to school communities.
Mrs. Katie Dahl thanked the Facilities department for their work to clean up after last week’s flooding. She reported on attending red-carpet events on the first day of school and Back-to-School Nights. Ms. Dahle also noted the marketing materials and public relations efforts to spread the word about Canyons programs and schools. She lauded the work of Transportation Department, saying that drivers are often the first CSD employes that students see every day.
A former teacher, Ms. Karen Pedersen recalled excitement but trepidation that educators feel for the adventure of the school year. She reported on attending a breakfast to examine the early-literacy efforts to have every child reading at grade level by 2030. On Oct. 6, Utah, including Canyons District, will be participating in the Governor’s Read-a-Thon.
President Amber Shill noted the first-day fun and the recent news coverage that focused on Canyons students and initiatives. She reported on attending the luau for CSD first-year teachers. She said she tried to attend Ridgecrest’s Back-to-School Night— but so many people attended it was hard to find parking. She remarked on the many ways Canyons families express pride in being a part of a school community.
