Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Online Math Textbook Proposal
The Board of Education is considering a proposal to implement an online-textbook program for secondary mathematics classes. The proposed textbooks are “Illustrated Mathematics,” published by Open-Up Resources for seventh- and eighth-grade students, and “Mathematics Vision Project,” an open-education resource developed in partnership with the Utah State Board of Education, for ninth- through 12th-grade students. The cost to implement both program is less than if the District opted to maintain the traditional hard-bound mathematics textbooks. The evidence-based programs also are closely aligned to Utah’s core. Dr. Amber Roderick-Landward, Director of Instructional Supports, also told the Board the District is working on a plan to aid students who have limited Internet access at home. The proposal suggests a layered, grade-by-grade implementation from fall 2019 to fall 2021. Teacher professional development would correspond with the implementation by grade. Hard copies would be made available in offices for parents who want to know more. The Board asked Instructional Supports and the Office of Public Communications to inform the public about the proposal and solicit feedback from the community.
Dual Language Immersion Committee Proposed
Dr. Roderick-Landward successfully proposed forming a committee to plan for the future of the District’s Dual Language Immersion Programs. The committee will be made up of members of the Board of Education, parents, principals, teachers, and District DLI team members, and would review enrollment trends, costs, and achievement levels. The goal would be to present a long-term plan to the Board of Education in spring 2019. Board members Chad Iverson and Mont Millerberg volunteered to serve.
Policy Update
The Board of Education is considering updates to policies governing the promotion, retention and acceleration of students; and the certification of elected positions as either part-time or full-time for retirement-eligibility purposes.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the consent agenda, including the approval of minutes from the Board of Education meeting on Sept. 4, 2018; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; student-overnight travel requests; and August Financial Reports.
Pledge of Allegiance and Reverence
The American and Utah flags were posted by Cub Scout Troop No. 4412, the members of which attend Willow Springs Elementary. Willow Springs Principal Marianne Yule delivered the reverence.
Patron Comment
- Carly and Trevor Seely, who live in the Rockwell Community in Draper, asked the Board and Administration to review whether their neighborhood could be designated as a hazardous walking route. She said 11 students are affected.
- Parent Jeff Pomeroy, who has children at Sunrise, Indian Hills and Alta high school, said families struggle with the late-start and early-out schedules that vary from school to school.
- Parent Jacquelynn Sokol asked the Board and Administration to consider spending time studying some of the ideas expressed in “Better Days 2020,” which marks 150 years since women first voted in Utah. This also marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Superintendent and Business Administrator Reports
Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe lauded the men and women who were recognized at the 9th annual Apex Awards, the highest honors given in Canyons District. The awards ceremony was held Tuesday, Sept. 11 at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village. He also said he would attend the Canyons Education Foundation Golf Tournament on Wednesday.
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox reported on meeting with administrators and principals about budgets for Canyons’ Title I schools. He also thanked the Board for presenting the Legacy Award to him at the Apex Awards.
Board of Education Member Reports
Mr. Chad Iverson reported on attending cross-country meets to watch Canyons athletes achieve. He commented on the challenges that families face with the varying late-start and early-out times and days at schools.
Mrs. Clareen Arnold said that early-out and late-start schedules are determined by the available number of buses and drivers. She congratulated the winners of the 2018 Apex Awards.
Mr. Mont Millerberg mentioned the Canyons Education Foundation’s Golf Tournament scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19. He said he takes a lot of pride in watching the growth of the Canyons Foundation and the amount of money that is raised to aid students and teachers. He also reported on attending the first day of school activities at Midvalley Elementary. He also attended the Kindergarten College-Ready Day at East Midvale Elementary. He congratulated the 2018 Apex Award winners.
Mr. Steve Wrigley said he appreciates the culture of recognition that Canyons has embraced. Reflecting on his eight years on the Canyons Board of Education, he is grateful for all the experiences he’s had since being elected. He also noted that, while substituting at schools in other districts, he has often noticed the differences in practices between CSD and other Districts, and commended employees for taking strides to improve the District.
Mrs. Amber Shill also said the late-start and early-out schedules are determined by transportation. She reported on the annual Superintendent’s back-to-school luncheon with PTA presidents and School Community Council leaders. She congratulated the winners of the 2018 Apex Award winners, and said she attended a Brighton High construction meeting.
Mrs. Nancy Tingey said the late-start and early-out days are used by schools to give teachers time to collaborate and prepare lesson plans without students in the building. She reported on attending the Brighton site meeting and the luncheon with Dr. Briscoe. She also attended the documentary “Angst” about teen anxiety, screened at Jordan High. The event was a partnership between CSD and the Deseret News. She also commented on “Better Days 2020.”
President Sherril Taylor lauded Board members for their hard work and integrity in their work as CSD’s governing panel. He remarked on how the Board and Administration often operates as a family. Sometimes, families disagree but they always come back together even stronger. He also mentioned that all Jordan High counselors would receive a personally engraved lead crystal award for winning the 2018 Apex Awards for Student Support Services Professionals of the Year. This is in addition to the one award that can be displayed at the school.
