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

Superintendent Appointment

At a special meeting to appoint Canyons’ fifth Superintendent, the Board of Education unanimously selected Dr. McKay Robinson to serve as CSD’s chief executive. Robinson, who currently serves as CSD’s Assistant Superintendent, will succeed Dr. Rick Robins, who is retiring after a 30-career in public education. “When Dr. Robins announced his retirement, we considered conducting a national search to find the best-possible candidate,” said Board President Amber Shill. “But the Board determined that the strongest candidate to lead Canyons forward is already here.” Robinson has a proven track record in leadership and has spent years building relationships of trust with the Canyons community, according to Shill.  “At a time when we are advancing major initiatives, from the opening of the Canyons Innovation Center to addressing enrollment challenges impacting schools across Utah, it is critical we have a continuity in leadership,” Shill said. Board member Holly Neibaur made the motion to appoint Robinson as the new Superintendent, saying the “stellar” top-tier internal candidate, who has worked as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in CSD, has “demonstrated excellence in instructional quality and is noted for personal integrity, collaboration, student support, and leadership, particularly at the elementary-school level.” Neibaur’s motion also said a Robinson superintendency would “maintain momentum in achieving priorities identified in the Strategic Plan and our current major capital-facility projects.”  Robinson’s appointment marks the first time a superintendent in Canyons had a sole career focus in elementary school operations, instruction, and administration. Following Robert’s Rules of Order, the Board engaged in discussion on the motion. A recording of their comments, which focused on the reasons why Robinson was selected, can be accessed on CSDtv, which livestreamed the special meeting held in Board Chambers of the District Office, 9361 S. 300 East.  In accepting the appointment, Dr. Robinson said he was “deeply honored” to have been selected to lead the 32,000-student District that is consistently ranked among Utah’s best in academics, the performing arts, and athletics. “This is a responsibility I do not take lightly and accept with humility, purpose, and a deep commitment” to CSD students, employees, and families.  “This is not a time of disruption.  It’s a time of continuity and forward momentum,” he said. “We are building on a foundation — a strong foundation.” Robinson pledged to make decisions based on a central question:  What is best for students? In Canyons schools, he said, every student should “feel a sense of belonging” and is provided an education that prepares them for the rigors of college and careers.  To Education Support Professionals, the new Superintendent said this in his acceptance remarks: “You are seen and you are valued and you are greatly appreciated … Thank you for what you do to make us the best.”  Robinson also lauded the District’s educators and school-based employees, saying “what you do truly changes lives.” Robinson thanked his predecessor, Superintendent Robins, who arrived at CSD in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure as CSD’s superintendent was marked by the development and implementation of CSD’s first-ever Strategic Plan, multiple school construction and renovation projects, and the purchase of the former eBay facility for the site of the Canyons Innovation Center.  In addition to Robins, Canyons District, founded on July 1, 2009, has been led by Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe, Interim Superintendent Dr. Ginger Rhode, and Superintendent Dr. David Doty.