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

Sandy City Redevelopment Proposal

Sandy City seeks permission from the Canyons Board of Education to adopt a tax-increment financing district to spur redevelopment of the core of downtown. The city also seeks to extend by 10 years increment financing on an existing project. Both projects are needed to support a rapidly growing and changing population, said Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan. “We want more high-tech jobs so people can live here, work here and play here.” The city plans to develop an upscale, transit-oriented community on 1,100 acres between TRAX and I-15 and 9000 South and 10600 South. The mixed-use area would include retail, entertainment and office space and easily-accessible amenities. Much of the housing will be apartments and condominiums geared for millennials and empty-nesters, and should not have a huge impact on schools. To help finance the project over 20 years, the District would forgo $23.2 million, but receive back an increment payment of $7.2 million. After 20 years, the District would collect taxes on the full value of the property, which should have increased substantially in value. On the extension, the District would forgo $19 million over 10 years, but receive an increment payment of $7.6 million. The Board will take up the issue again at a future Board meeting.

Portable Classroom Transfers

The Board approved the transfer of portable classrooms to accommodate growth and new programming at Lone Peak Elementary. In lieu of moving portables to Butler and Draper Park middle schools, the Board asks principals to maximize use of existing space and traveling teachers. Recognizing that this poses an inconvenience, the Board approved $2,000 stipends for traveling teachers and a $250 stipend for teachers who will have to share classrooms. Stipends also will be made available in the 2016-2017 school year for Corner Canyon High teachers who share classrooms and travel to their teaching spaces.  

Supplemental Kindergarten

The Board approved the launch of a pilot to offer Supplemental Instructional Hours for Kindergarten students provided that all Canyons District patrons, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay, have an opportunity to apply to enroll. Extended kindergarten will be piloted at six schools in the 2016-17 school year: Altara, Bella Vista, Brookwood, East Sandy, Edgemont and Oakdale. Students will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis and an effort will be made to match students with the school closest to their home. Tuition will be charged – $2,900 per year – but can be paid in monthly installments. Some slots will be reserved for children who meet requirements for fee waivers. The administration is to report back to the Board on student progress and the financial viability of the program three times throughout the year.