Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Proposed Draper Interlocal Agreements
Under a second reading, the Board considered a proposal to participate in the Draper South Mountain Community Reinvestment Area (CRA). The tax increment financing would facilitate the redevelopment of land once occupied by a gravel pit into an 800,000-square-foot global headquarters for the technology company Pluralsight. The publicly-traded company is projected to bring 2,464 high-paying jobs to Utah over the next 10 years. The plans call for developing transit-oriented and affordable housing and a TRAX stop. After the 20-year project timeline, the District would receive its full share of the taxable value of the property, which is projected to exceed $1.7 million in tax revenue annually. CSD Business Administrator Leon Wilcox recommended adding a circuit-breaker clause to the proposed tax increment financing agreement, which would permit the District to reduce its participation rate from 70 percent to 50 percent projected increases in the taxable value of the project area are not realized within certain deadlines. The proposed agreement also calls for using a portion of collected funds to provide affordable housing for teachers. Pluralsight also has committed to explore workplace training programs benefitting Canyons District students. The Board will continue to discuss the proposal at a future meeting.
School Safety Communication Plan
The Board of Education reviewed a proposal to start a communications campaign to inform the community about the safety and security initiatives of the Canyons District. The Office of Public Communications was given approval to start work on the campaign.
CSD Anniversary
The Board of Education provided input on a list of ideas to celebrate the 10th school year and the 10th birthday of Canyons District.
Midvale Community Aquatic Center
Board member Mont Millerberg gave an update on the discussions regarding a possible multi-government agency partnership on a pool in the Midvale area. The pool could be used as the home of the Hillcrest High swim team.
Recognitions
The following were honored by the Board of Education for their achievements:
- Hillcrest High’s Unified Soccer Team, gold medal, Special Olympics
Responsive Services Update
Responsive Services Director BJ Weller updated the Board on the changes in his department, which was launched last year to oversee the District’s social-emotional supports for students and the community. In the past year, the department has created a comprehensive school mental-health model, hired 12 additional social-emotional support staff, wrote and received more than $1 million in grants to support the additional counselors and programs. In addition, every elementary received a 25-hour behavior assistant, three social-emotional curriculums were piloted, a case-management team, moved the Canyons Family Center to a more central location, and opened the Canyons Youth Academy. The department also has started a Suicide Prevention Community Group and has responded to dozens of messages submitted through the emergency SafeUT mobile app.
Policy Update
The Board reviewed proposed updates to policies governing student conduct and discipline, personal security and safety, and student conduct and discipline. State law requires the Board to add proposed abusive conduct to the policies. Some proposed language also outlines how to report assault and abuse against employees.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the minutes from the Board meeting on July 17, 2018; approval of new hires and terminations; purchasing bids; student overnight travel requests; request to move two portables to Jordan Valley for storage purposes; access and maintenance agreement with Layton Construction; and modifications to the Brighton High bell schedule
Pledge of Allegiance, Reverence
Canyons Assistant Superintendent Dr. Robert Dowdle led the audience in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Human Resources Director Steve Dimond gave the reverence.
Superintendent’s and Business Administrator Reports
Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe reported on meeting with Guidance Counselors and Region 17 PTA representatives, and enjoys the feeling of excitement for the coming school year. He looks forward to the Aug. 9 Brighton High groundbreaking and the Aug. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate completed renovations to Indian Hills Middle.
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told the Board that, as of the day of the meeting, 18,700 students who have registered. That means about 54 percent of CSD has registered for classes for the upcoming school year using the online system. Temporary occupancy has been granted at newly renovated Indian Hills Middle, which will be done in time for the Aug. 20 ribbon-cutting and Back-to-School Night. While the kiva and kitchen made not be completely done in time for the start of school, the CSD Nutrition Services Department will ensure food will be served in the cafeteria. Altara’s parking-lot improvements are scheduled to be done by Monday, Aug. 20. Wilcox also gave updates on other capital facility projects throughout the District, and thanked the Facilities crews for working so hard to get projects done in time for school to start.
Board Member Reports
Mr. Mont Millerberg said he looks forward to celebrating the District’s 10th school year and 10th anniversary. He also reported on his involvement in the Draper RDA and Midvale aquatics center and rebuild of Hillcrest High
Mr. Steve Wrigley reported on attending two mission- and vision-statement meetings. He also attended an active-shooter training for school administrators, which he says moved us forward in terms of emergency preparedness. He also had an opportunity to attend the completion ceremonies for students who attended summer academies at Jordan and Hillcrest high schools.
Mrs. Amber Shill was able to participate in the Butler Days Parade in Cottonwood Heights. She looks forward to Brighton High’s Aug. 9 groundbreaking, and says it’s exciting to see the plans take shape. She was asked to speak at the Cottonwood Heights Youth Council about public service.
Mrs. Nancy Tingey remarked on also participating in the active-shooter training, the Husky Strong Summer Academy. She says the vision and mission committee is prepared to bring some ideas and full progress report the Board.
Mrs. Clareen Arnold expressed thanks for employees who worked all summer long to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Mr. Chad Iverson toured the newly remodeled Indian Hills with his family and watched the Alta High marching band at various parades.
President Sherril Taylor thanked a Sandy Police Officer for attending the Board meeting. The start of the school year is really exciting, he said, and it doesn’t come together without a lot of hard work.
