Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Midvale Middle Proposal
Midvale Middle Principal Mindy Robison proposed $231,250 in additional funding to reduce the school’s class sizes and provide after-school programing three days a week. Robison seeks four additional Full-Time Equivalent employees to provide interventions, especially in mathematics. In response to current student achievement data29 percent are making expected growth on the Math InventoryRobison wants to hire two additional math teachers, for sixth and seventh grades, and two additional teachers for Midvale’s English language learners. The afterschool programming would provide interventions and enrichment activities. Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe told the Board he fully supports the proposal, which would be measured in its effectiveness by monitoring the number of office discipline referrals, Math and Reading Inventory growth scores, pre- and post-surveys of students, and attendance figures.
Required School Dismissal
Superintendent Dr. Briscoe updated the Board on the District’s response to the required temporary dismissal of Utah public schools. Briscoe thanked President Tingey for attending all the planning meetings held by CSD Administrators to address the logistics related to the COVID-19-related hiatus, which stated March 17 and expected to end March 27. Briscoe remarked on the hard work and commitment of teachers, principals and Education Support Profesisonals, the value of the input the District has received from the mayors of our municipal partners, the importance of the collaboration with officials from nearby charter and private schools, and the positive attitudes of parents and students. He also noted the work of our Instructional Supports Department, which has created an online repository of study guides and educational enrichment resources to support student learning at home. Business Administrator Leon Wilcox commended Nutrition Services workers for making and distributing grab-and-go meals. Board members commented on the District’s action plan for the unprecedented dismissal of classes, asked the Superintendent follow up on specific questions related to instruction and learning, and thanked the faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication. The Administration also asked for the public’s patience as we work through details.
Peer Youth Court
The Board of Education approved a proposal to launch a Peer Youth Court.
School Fees Update
The Board of Education approved a fee schedule for secondary schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The Board approved the schedule after providing an opportunity for the public to review the proposed schedules and give input. Included in the changes is an increase to the maximum fee amount to $5,000 for high school students. Schools also are prohibited from using one fee to subsidize another fee or waiver and that fees must be equal to or less than the cost of the activity. Schools have had a link to the proposed fee schedule on their website since the last week of February.
Legislative Update
External Affairs Director Charlie Evans updated the Board of Education on the education-related bills that were passed and debated during the 2020 General Session of the Utah Legislature, including the 6 percent increase to the Weighted Pupil Unit, the per-pupil mechanism for Utah public schools. The Board discussed the proposed amendment to the Utah Constitution that would change the way public education is funded in Utah. Board members also commented on HB357, which would guarantee funding for student growth and an inflationary adjustment. An education “Rainy Day” fund also would be created. However, this is contingent on the November passage of the constitutional amendment.
Long-Range Planning
Dr. Briscoe reported on the progress of the Long-Range Planning Committee. The group is discussing such issues as growth, enrollment and use of buildings.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the March 3, 2020 minutes of the meeting of the Canyons Board of Education; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; student overnight-travel requests; a ratification of the Corner Canyon High baseball overnight trip; February financial reports; TSSP Amendments for Silver Mesa Elementary, Mount Jordan and Midvale middle schools, and Corner Canyon High; and Land TRUST amendments for Midvalley and Willow Canyon elementary schools. The Board also approved the contract for the Canyons Business Administrator from July 1, 2020 to June 20, 2022. Leon Wilcox will continue in the position.
Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports
Dr. Briscoe reported on the Canyons community’s response to the unprecedented call to dismiss schools temporarily to stem the spread of COVID-19. He also lauded the good work of the CSD school nurses who have served as the point-people in the District’s communications with the Salt Lake County Health Department.
Mr. Wilcox thanked the Board for extending his contract as Business Administrator of the Canyons School District. He remarked on the progress of the construction projects now underway at Brighton, Hillcrest, Alta high schools and Midvalley elementary schools. He expressed appreciation to parents, teachers, students and staff for working together to address the issues related to the two-week dismissal.
Board of Education Reports
Mr. Chad Iverson suggested the Board adopt a policy that would allow the Board to meet via electronic means in the future.
Mr. Steve Wrigley reported on attending the school party sponsored by the Canyons Education Foundation and Real Salt Lake to celebrate Midvale’s exit from turnaround status. At the event, Real Salt Lake’s Foundation presented some $14,000 in grant requests from teachers. He reported on attending other events, as well.
Mrs. Amber Shill also urged the Board to have a policy permitting electronic meetings. She thanked principals, teachers and staff who have worked tirelessly on issues related to the temporary dismissal.
Mrs. Amanda Oaks commented on the legislative effort resulting in the 6 percent WPU increase. She attended the meeting of the Sprucewood School Community Council and the FIRST Robotics competition at the Maverik Center. She urged middle school participation in robotics.
Mr. Mont Millerberg remarked on a possible community party in the future to celebrate Midvale’s exit from turnaround status. He’d like to see that happen if mass-gathering guidelines are relaxed by health officials. He applauded the efforts of parents who are working, helping their children continue to learn, and providing for folks in the community who need help.
President Tingey expressed appreciation for the entire community’s response to the temporary dismissal of schools to slow the infection rate of COVID-19.
