Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Canyons District Teacher of the Year
Eastmont Middle teacher Emma Moss is the 2020 Canyons District Teacher of the Year. As CSD’s top teacher, she will represent 34,000-student Canyons in the annual Utah Teacher of the Year selection process, which is part of the National Teacher of the Year program. As Canyons’ Teacher of the Year, she receives a $1,000 cash prize from the Jordan Credit Union. Other finalists included Albion Middle mathematics teacher Mary Simao, Crescent Elementary first-grade teacher Marci Reeves, and Hillcrest special education teacher Becca Remy. They all received $500 cash prizes from the Jordan Credit Union. The four finalists were chosen from a field of 47 teachers from Canyons District schools and programs. All school-based nominees were nominated by peers, parents and students for the honor, for which they received donated gifts and prizes from local business partners. A gift basket given to all CSD Teachers of the Year was filled with $500 in donated items from local businesses. Each Teacher of the Year will receive a crystal award from the Board of Education at next fall’s Apex Awards.
Tentative Budget
As Canyons develops a tentative budget for 2020-2021 school year, the District right now is not counting on any increase in the state-funded Weighted Pupil Unit. Additional information about how the state legislature will respond to the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may come after a mid-June special session of the Utah Legislature, Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told the Board of Education. Some 42.5 percent of the budget for the 34,000-student district comes from property taxes, but Wilcox said it’s unknown how COVID-19 has impacted property values. The tentative budget also includes costs for the ongoing construction costs, including the rebuilds at the school projects that are funded largely with proceeds from a voter-approved bond. The Board is expected to review the tentative budget again June 9.
Jordan Valley Logo, Mascot
A new mascot and logo for Jordan Valley School, Canyons District’s school for students with severe disabilities, was unveiled. The school’s new mascot is the chameleon. The design, which was approved by the Board of Education, was created by Canyons’ graphic designer Jeff Olson.
White City-area School
The Board of Education was updated on the process to name a new school building in the White City area. Business Administrator Leon Wilcox said the community would be involved in the process every step of the way. The facility, which is being built largely with proceeds from the $283 million bond approved by votes in 2017, would house the Bell View and Edgemont school communities.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the May 5, 2020 meeting of the Canyons Board of Education; hire and termination reports; approval of purchasing bids; student overnight-travel requests; April Financial Reports; and the Comprehensive Guidance Report.
Policy Updates
The Board of Education updated several policies, including those governing School Wellness, Library Materials Selection and Review; Fiscal Accountability; and Board governance. The Board also will continue to review a proposed policy on long-term disability insurance.
Superintendent and Business Administrator Reports
Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe thanked the teachers, especially as they have negotiated distance learning during the COVID-19. He noted that the Class of 2020 has missed proms, concerts, plays, spring sports, and traditional springtime ceremonies. However, he says, the circumstances have taught resilience. He predicts they will be future community leaders.
Mr. Wilcox thanked teachers for their hard work and for going above and beyond for their students. He also congratulated the Class of 2020 for their achievements, including graduation.
Board of Education Reports
Mr. Mont Millerberg said public education is at a crossroads right now, given what’s been learned during the COVID-19-related dismissal of classes and subsequent period of Internet-based learning. He asked the Administration to critically examine what’s worked and what hasn’t during distance learning, and encouraged CSD to start making plans for the coming year.
Ms. Amanda Oaks also urged an examination of best-practices considering how education may change as a result of the coronavirus-related pivot to distance learning. She gave a shout out to the high school principals for planning appropriate activities to mark graduation in this age of social distancing.
Mrs. Amber Shill said she agreed with Mr. Millerberg’s and Ms. Oaks’ remarks.
Mr. Steve Wrigley thanked the Education Support Professionals for completing other duties as assigned during the dismissal of classes. He also said he toured the under-construction Midvalley Elementary. He expressed appreciation for parents and students for their patience during this uncertain time.
Ms. Clareen Arnold noted the efforts of faculty, staff, administrators and ESP for their customer service during the “soft closure” of schools.
President Tingey reported on attending the Quail Hollow Elementary “teacher parade” and noted that Jordan High’s one-act plays have been put online so the community can watch. She said the commencement speeches being featured by Utah press will give insight to the achievements of the Class of 2020.
