Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Vision and Mission Update
Research and Assessment Director Dr. Hal Sanderson presented student achievement data to the Board of Education. With a few exceptions, in recent years, Canyons District kindergarteners, third-, fifth-, eighth- and 11th-grade students have showed improvement or remained at or close to the same proficiency levels in mathematics, English language arts, and science on year-end exams. In 2018, in every subject and at all grades, Canyons District students exceeded the statewide proficiency levels on the Student Assessment of Growth and Excellence exams. Dr. Sanderson also presented information on how CSD’s behavioral supports are impacting student achievement and school climate.
CAB-East Expansion
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox presented information about a planned expansion of the Canyons Administration Building-East, 9361 S. 300 East. The addition would be funded by the sale of Canyons Administration Building-West, 9150 S. 500 West. No funds from the voter-approved bond would be used on the project. Not only will proceeds from the $9.4 million sale almost fully fund the design and construction of office space for the relocating employees, the sale will add an estimated $400,000 to $475,000 in annual tax revenue to the District’s ongoing budget. An expanded CAB-East would allow the Canyons administration to provide a “one-stop shopping” experience for patrons, who would not have to travel between the two central offices to access services. Nearly all of the academic and business departments would be housed at the new CAB-East. Under the proposal, construction of the new administrative space would begin in October and be completed in fall 2019. The Board also awarded the $9.4 million construction contract to the lowest bidder, Copper Valley Construction.
Budget for Lacrosse Athletic Teams
Canyons is proposing a budget to launch boys and girls prep lacrosse teams in the 2019-2020 school year. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bob Dowdle suggests a $60,000 one-time investment and the addition of $92,000 to cover the District’s year-to-year costs. A $70 participation fee has been proposed to cover the costs of custodians, officials and score-keepers. Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon and Jordan administrations say they intend to field school-sponsored teams next year, which is when the sport will be sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association. A team is unlikely at Hillcrest in 2019-2020 but could be added if there’s interest in future years. All CSD football fields have already been marked for lacrosse games, the Board noted.
Student Advisory Council
Dr. Dowdle introduced the members of the 2018-2019 members of the Student Advisory Council, which is made up of two students from each high school. Council representatives are invited to attend the Board of Education’s semi-monthly meetings, discuss issues facing the Board, and provide input to the Board from a student’s perspective. The council is made up of two students from each CSD high school. The students are Alta’s Brooklyn Bacher and Noah Ogden, Brighton’s Ellie Anderson and Ethan Van Drimmelen, Corner Canyon’s Josee Haycock and Luke Warnock, Hillcrest’s Lizzie Moss and Landon Nipko, and Jordan’s Daizha Jake and Michael Manhard.
Policy Updates
In the Business Meeting, the Board of Education approved updated policies governing promotion, retention and acceleration of students, and the retirement eligibility for elected positions. In the study session, Assistant Legal Counsel Jeff Christensen presented suggested updates to policies governing tax increment financing project agreements and college- and career-readiness plans for students.
Pledge of Allegiance, Reverence
The American flag was posted by the Corner Canyon Charelles Drill Team. The reverence was delivered by Corner Canyon High Principal Darrell Jensen.
Patron Comments
Patron Steve Van Maren asked questions about the proposed CAB-East expansion.
Parent Jill Liljenquist expressed concern about the lack of a policy regarding smart-phone use during school hours. She would like an enforceable policy that would address all grades.
Parent Ashley England spoke about the negative mental-health impacts of social media. She asked the Board for a policy that would support teachers and parents in their efforts to aid student grow and mature.
Sandy Police officer Zak Henricksen, recently assigned to be a School Resource Officer, said he’s been impressed with how Albion and Union middle school administrators work with struggling students.
Patron Betty Shaw commented on the uptick in student-achievement data and graduation rates in CSD. She thanked the Board for providing opportunity for students, and for setting challenging yet attainable educational goals for schools.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the Sept. 18, 2018 meeting of the Canyons Board of Education; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; Brookwood Elementary LAND Trust amendment, and an amended request for student overnight travel.
Recognitions
The following were recognized for their achievements:
- Midvalley Elementary for winning a national PTA grant to fund a Math Night at the school
- Midvalley student Ashlyn Phillps for being chosen Utah Playworks Junior Coach of the Year
- The 18 Canyons National Merit Scholar semifinalists: Alta’s Abigail Hardy, Joshua Mickelson and Joshua Pomeroy; Brighton’s Alex Fankhauser, Sofia Maw, Jenna Rupper; Corner Canyon’s Sebastian Lee and Peter Oldham; Hillcrest High’s Alex Change, Anthony Grimshaw, Bryan Guo, Saey Kamtekar, Emily Langie, Hongying Liu, Warren McCarthy, Landon Nipko, Eric Yu, and Alan Zhao
Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports
Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe reported on meeting with an engineer who is evaluating the hazardous bus routes in the district. He also mentioned tomorrow’s scheduled Career Fair and commended students for volunteering to serve on the Student Advisory Council.
Wilcox told the Board about a planned subdivision in Midvale that could impact school enrollments and boundaries. He also reported that Fitch and Moody’s reaffirmed the District’s Aaa bond rating for the upcoming issuance of $75 million to fund the construction of schools. Only 88 school districts of 15,000 have such a stellar bond rating.
Board Reports
Mr. Chad Iverson reported on attending cross country meets and football games, as well as watching the Alta High Marching Band at events.
Mrs. Clareen Arnold congratulated Peruvian Park Elementary for being named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School. She also thanked the District staff for working hard to prevent the spread of norovirus, and for the plans to expand CAB-East. She also expressed appreciation for teacher and parents for meeting during Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Mrs. Nancy Tingey commented on the party held at Peruvian Park to celebrate the school’s selection as a National Blue Ribbon School. She also reported on attending the groundbreaking for Pluralsight’s new building. She mentioned the success of the Canyons Education Foundation’s golf tournament and encouraged School Community Council members to attend scheduled trainings. She also noted the suggested improvements to the volunteer program in CSD.
Mrs. Amber Shill recognized School Performance Director Alice Peck, Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards and Mrs. Tingey for leading CSD’s SCC training. She also noted the new SCC website.
Mr. Steve Wrigley reported on the work being done on CSD’s Policy Committee and mentioned the state’s efforts to define the portrait of a Utah high school graduate. He congratulated Principal Leslie Jewkes for her achievements at Peruvian Park Elementary. He also attended the groundbreaking of Pluralsight, which he hopes will provide internships to CSD students.
Mr. Mont Millerberg said the Student Advisory Council provides valuable input to the Board. He congratulated Peruvian Park for being named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School, where some of his grandchildren attend school. He congratulated Midvalley Elementary on receiving the national PTA grant, and noted the success of the Canyons Education Foundation Golf Tournament.
President Sherril H. Taylor, as he heads into his final meetings as a Board member, said he’d like to single out staff members for recognition. He noted School Performance Director Mike Sirois’ efforts to improve the middle schools in CSD, thanked Dr. Dowdle for ensuring the public use of school facilities, and expressed appreciation for Dr. Kathryn McCarrie for leading the curriculum, research, special education and emotional-supports departments of the District. He also thanked Dr. Briscoe, saying the superintendent’s heart is with students, and the Sandy Police Officers for providing security at the meeting.
