Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.

Employment Contract with CAESP

The Board of Education has reached an negotiated-contract agreement with the Canyons Association of Education Support Professionals. The compensation package represents a 5.73 percent increase in compensation for ESP in Canyons schools and central offices. In addition to funding increments steps, the District will provide a 3 percent cost-of-living increase to the base of the ESP salary schedule. The District also will pay for a $400 one-time stipend for 294 contract ESP on Step No. 9 during the 2018-2019 school year. This stipend will be paid on the Nov. 15, 2019 payroll date. Employees must be employed as of Oct. 31 to be eligible, and the stipend will be allocated according to the employee’s FTE status. Hourly employees on the top step during the 2018-2019 school year will receive a $100 one-time stipend on their Nov. 15, 2019 paycheck. Some 108 hourly FTEs will qualify. For health insurance, both parties also agree to the recommendations of the Insurance Committee. An extensive study of the ESP salary schedule and job descriptions will be done before the start of negotiations for the 2020-2021 school year. 

CSD’s Teacher Evaluation System

The Board of Education received an update on the Canyons Teacher Effectiveness Support System (CTESS), the teacher-evaluation system required by 2012’s SB64. By law, Canyons is required to have an evaluation tool that documents student-learning growth, evidence of instructional quality, and response to stakeholder input. Since the operational field test in 2014-2015, Canyons has taken feedback from various groups, including the Board of Education, to improve the tool. Human Resources Administrator Sandra Dahl-Houlihan said an April 26, 2019 visit by the Utah State Board of Education to review CTESS yielded suggestions, such as an additional classroom observation and simplified Educator Portfolio requirements, that could be used to streamline the process. Houlihan reported that USBE feedback included positive notes about Canyon’s online evaluation system and the Data Dashboard, which she demonstrated. Each Board member also provided feedback and input.

Midvale Elementary Progress Update

The student-achievement trajectory of Midvale Elementary students is on the upswing on nearly every measure. The trend of growth has continued throughout the year, says Principal Chip Watts. At every grade, on DIBELS assessments, students have doubled if not tripled the benchmark scores in core subjects. In addition, the preliminary RISE assessment results, such as double-digit percentage increases of third- and fourth-grade students testing at proficient levels in mathematics, are particularly impressive. But more evaluation about the achievement levels of students will come when the Utah State Board of Education certifies the year-end tests results.  The school culture also has changed, said Watts, leading 89.5 percent of teachers to agree to return to the school for the 2019-2020 school year. The average retention rate at Midvale Elementary for the past three years has been 55 percent, he said. The school’s results on the year-end tests, as well as its adherence to a restructure and improvement plan, are vital. In February, the Utah State Board of Education voted to give the school two years to exit “turnaround” status, a designation given to the schools that had scored in the lowest 3 percent on statewide end-of-year exams, or face sanctions. 

Proposed Budget

Major construction projects at Alta, Brighton, and Hillcrest high schools and Midvalley Elementary, as well as remodeling and daylighting projects at 11 elementary schools, are included in the District’s proposed $292 million budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The funds to complete those construction projects come from bond issuances approved by voters in November 2017. Included in the General Fund of the proposed budget for the coming year is $13.6 million for the salary increase for teachers in Canyons District, per the approved contract with the Canyons Education Association. A tax increase of $140 on an average-priced home in the 34,000-student Canyons District will be required to generate these funds. As a result, a Truth-in-Taxation hearing will be held in August. In all, according to Business Administrator Leon Wilcox, 89 percent of the FY20 budget’s General Fund will be dedicated to paying salaries and benefits. In the budget presentation, Wilcox also noted that school lunch prices are proposed to remain the same for the 10^th consecutive year. He also said that taxable assessed valuation increased from $21.8 billion in tax year 2017 to $24 billion in tax year 2018. Budget challenges include possible enrollment fluctuations, the cost of the recruitment and retainment of teachers and support staff, reductions of funding from the federal government, the inflation of construction costs, healthcare increases, and the unforeseen costs of following the new school fee laws and policies. The Board is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget and a revised FY19 budget on June 18, after the District receives the certified tax rate based on the assessed valuation of properties. 

TSSA Framework

The Board of Education voted to approved the framework for Canyon schools to use funds allocated through the Teacher Students and Success Act. Twenty-five percent of the District’s total allocation is being used for employee compensation. The remaining 75 percent will be distributed to schools based on average daily membership of the school.  Schools can use the funds to improve student performance. The Board also approved a policy requiring a yearly update of the Canyons framework. 

Fee Schedules

The Board of Education approved a fee schedule for 2019-2020 school year.  The Board also heard a report from Accounting Director Gary Warwood on the parent feedback given to schools on the proposed fee schedule. The Board of Education also approved a revised policy governing school fees. 

Secondary School Schedule Policy

The Board of Education approved an update to the policy governing secondary school schedules. The new language would require a three-year waiting period before a school community can seek another schedule change after going through the review process. However, new language also grants the Superintendent the discretion to appeal to the Board for an exception to the waiting period if there is demand in the community.

Dual Language Immersion Committee

The results of a review of the strength and sustainability of Canyons’ dual-language immersion programs is expected to be completed and given to the Board of Education this fall.  The report also will include recommendations for long-term improvement, according to Dr. Amber Roderick-Landward, Director of Canyons District’s Instructional Supports Department.  The committee – made up of parents, teachers, principals, Board members, District administrators, and four DLI specialists – reviewed enrollment, achievement and application trends; the USBE perception of CSD programs; costs of the CSD dual-language programs; and results of surveys of parents, teachers, current DLI families, and administrators.  Interest in DLI and world languages also was measured through a survey. 

Sex Education Instruction Resources

A committee made up of parents, teachers, administrators, members of the Board of Education, and health professionals recommended the adoption of instructional resources for human development and health education courses. The committee recommends the Board approve resources and speakers from South Valley Services and Prevent Child Abuse Utah.  They also recommend a maturation resource called “Healthy Bodies” for special education students.

School Counseling Report

Since the start of the school year, more Canyons students have sought help from a school counselor for social-emotional issues than those who needed help arranging class schedules. Some 20.6 percent of the 25,426 visits to a school counselor in the 2018-2019 school year were classified as “personal-social,” according to figures presented to the Board of Education. Counselors working with students on schedules accounted for 18.1 percent of all visits, and 25.2 percent of the counselor-student visits were classified as “academic.” Seven percent of visits with counselors included parents. The figures were obtained via a districtwide procedure for counseling centers to gather baseline data on the number and reasons for visits. Mental wellness and suicide prevention continues to be a focus of Canyons counselors, said School Counseling Program Specialist Tori Gillett.  Counselors also are paying close attention to cultural proficiency and closing the achievement gap, she said.

Board Roundtable

Board President Nancy Tingey solicited topics from Board members for an upcoming Roundtable discussion. 

Patron Comment

Albion Middle teacher Mary Simao invited the Board to participate in the “Girls on the Run” 5K. 

Pledge of Allegiance, Inspirational Thought

Cub Scouts who attend Canyon View Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Principal Kierstin Draper provided the inspirational thought.  445 students. Choir, orchestra, chess, Friday Games and hand-bell choir. 

Recognitions

The following students, teachers, and staff were recognized for their achievements:

• Ten students who applied for my529 tax-reduced college-savings accounts through the Foundation.
• Sunrise Principal Margaret Swanicke and Draper Elementary Principal Christy Waddell, Utah PTA Outstanding Administrator Award.
• Terri Mitchell, CSD Early Childhood Administrator, Recipient, Steven J. Kukic Special Education Administrator of the Year from Utah Council of Exceptional Children.
• Hillcrest High seniors Alexander Cheng, Emily Langie and Bryan Guo, National Merit Scholars. Alex also is the General Scholar in the Sterling Scholar Awards, and a U.S. Presidential Scholar.
• Academic All-State recipients for spring sports.  The students, and their schools, are:

BOYS TENNIS

Alta – Carter Davis

Alta – Mark Godfrey

Brighton – Parker Watts

Brighton – Isaac Williams

Corner Canyon – Graden Jackson

Hillcrest – Bryan Guo

Hillcrest – Eric Yu

Hillcrest – Alan Zhao

GIRLS GOLF

Brighton – Emma Summerhays

Corner Canyon – Anica Coesens

Boys Soccer

Alta – Alex Christiansen

Brighton – Adam Ranck

Brighton – Alex Fankhauser

Hillcrest – Ethan Ellsworth

BASEBALL

Brighton – Alexander Hansen

SOFTBALL

Corner Canyon – Josee Haycock

Hillcrest – Kate Aragundi

Hillcrest – Stephanie Aragundi

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

Alta – Tavin Forsythe-Barker

Brighton – James Fetzer

Brighton – John Hillas

Brighton – Adam Kimball

Corner Canyon – Stephen Glod

Corner Canyon – Brandon Johnson

Corner Canyon – Peter Oldham

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Brighton – Rebecca Urban

Brighton – Elizabeth Walker

Corner Canyon – Abigail Bankhead

Corner Canyon – Karli Branch

Corner Canyon – Vilhelmina Done

Corner Canyon – Mikayla Kimball

Hillcrest – Emily Liddiard

Jordan – Erika Oldham

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes of the May 7, 2019 meeting of the Canyons Board of Education; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; student overnight travel requests; April financial reports; sale of CTEC home at 8731 Monroe Street; interlocal agreement with Draper City for parking lot and road near Draper Elementary. 

Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports

Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe commented on the Retirees Banquet and wished the retirees much happiness and success in the next stages of their lives.

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox  reported on recent meetings with police officials and School Resource Officers from Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights and Unified Police. He also commented on attending the Retirees Banquet, and thanked retiring Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathryn McCarrie for her years of service. 

Board Member Reports

Mr. Chad Iverson attended the Region 7 track meet and a music festival at Northridge High where CSD students performed. He also held a Town Hall meeting with Board member Amanda Oaks. 

Ms. Clareen Arnold reported on attending the Retirees Banquet and noted the loss of experience and skill with each retiree. She attended a meeting at Diamond Ridge High to discuss the future of the school. She also attended the 10-year anniversary festival held at Jordan High.  She also thanked the staff and Board for the study-session discussion on CTESS.

Mr. Steve Wrigley also commented on attending the Retirees Banquet and mentioned he delivered a crystal award to a retiree who could not attend the event. He said the year has been productive and the Board and Administration have accomplished many goals. He also suggested the Board create a way to honor students who overcome challenges to graduate high school. 

Mrs. Amber Shill reported on attending soccer, tennis and lacrosse games and congratulated Brighton lacrosse and tennis teams second-place finishes at state competitions. She thanked Board members for their work and accomplishments throughout the school year.

Mrs. Amanda Oaks mentioned her work on the DLI committee and mentioned an Alta High banquet at which resilient students were honored. She thanked counselors for working so hard to make sure students are on track to graduate and are provided emotional supports.

Mr. Mont MIllerberg mentioned the Canyons Education Foundation’s efforts to provide my529 scholarships to 10 seventh-grade students. He also said he supports the social-emotional learning after seeing how the program works.  He also attended several events, including the principals’ year-end luncheon.

President Nancy Tingey attended the state PTA convention. She also thanked the retirees for their dedication and service. She also commented on Brighton choir’s recent performance of the Brighton High hymn, which had not been performed in several years.  She thanked employees, students and parents for their work in finishing the year successfully.