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

Employment Contract for CAESP

The Board of Education approved the employment contract for CSD Education Support Professionals for the 2022-2023 school year. The total value of the compensation increase represented in the contract, excluding insurance, is 8.48 percent from the 2021-2022 base salary. Under the contract, the District will fully fund increment steps for eligible employees, a 4.25 percent cost-of-living to the base of the ESP salary schedule, and a one-time $500 stipend payment for all contracted employees who were on Step No. 10 of the salary schedule during the 2021-2022 contract year. In addition, Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told members of the Board, CSD will fund a $150 stipend for hourly employees on Step No. 10 during the 2021-2022 contract year. The $500 stipend for the contracted employees will be prorated based on their FTE status in Skyward as of Oct 1. Hourly employees will receive the $150 regardless of FTE status. The stipend will be paid on the Nov. 30, 2022 pay date. Employees must be employed as of Oct 1, 2022 to receive the stipend. Adjustments also were made on the starting-wage lane and step to bring to starting hourly wage to $14.06 an hour. According to the contract, the District share of health insurance costs for ESP employees will increase by 2 percent, or approximately $141,000. The employee share will increase by 1 percent, or approximately $16,000 for all ESP employees. In August the committee will meet to review updated claims data and may need to make further adjustments to the premiums for the 2023 plan year. The contract also addresses the work-day calendar, policies, and an increase of vacation days for long-time employees.  Additional details of the contract can be found on BoardDocs.

Policy Update

The Board of Education approved the “Student Conduct and Disciplinary Process” policy, which governs the dress of students during commencement exercises. The new policy conforms to HB30, passed during the 2022 General Session of the Utah Legislature, which requires school districts to allow American Indian or Alaskan native students to wear tribal regalia at graduation. The District, according to the policy, also will allow seniors to wear at graduation traditional objects of personal religious or cultural significance, including floral leis (no more than three), stoles, sashes, or ceremonial flowers. The Board language in policies governing research approval, instructional materials additionally updated student dress codes, and school library materials selection and review.

Bell Schedules

The Board of Education approved a bell schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. Changes to the bell schedule include “early-out Fridays” at every CSD high, middle and elementary school; the implementation of a 9 a.m.-to-3:30 p.m. bell schedule at the new Glacier Hills Elementary; and full-day kindergarten at Alta View, Altara, Crescent, East Sandy, Oakdale, Ridgecrest and Silver Mesa elementary schools. The start and dismissal times at Draper Park also were changed to 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. However, this schedule requires that each period at Draper Park Middle be reduced by two minutes. This minor reduction in class time to accommodate an early dismissal time eases the impact to nearby elementary schools’ transportation needs. Starting in 2022-2023, Lone Peak and Draper elementary schools will start and end 10 minutes later than the current bell schedule. Draper and Lone Peak will hold classes from 8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Administrative Appointment

The Board of Education approved the appointment of Jordan High Assistant Principal Dina Kohler as an Assistant Principal at Hillcrest High. She replaces Quinn Linde, who is the new Principal at Murray High in the Murray City School District. Jordan High Athletic Director Jason Long was promoted to become an Assistant Principal at Jordan High to replace Kohler.

Budget Update

As a result of increased assessed valuation of property in Canyons District, the certified tax rate is expected to go down for the majority of Canyons residents, said Business Administrator Leon Wilcox in a presentation about the $344.4 million proposed budget for the 2022-2023 school year. It’s expected the Board will adopt the proposed budget on June 7. A public budget hearing also will be held for patron comment.  The certified tax rate should be completed by June 22, Wilcox said.

School Counseling Report

In support of Canyons’ college-ready mission, the District has a long history of meeting, or exceeding, Utah’s required counselor-to-student ratio of 350:1. In addition to supporting students overall wellness and working with families to secure community resources, counselors help ensure that students meet the requirements to graduate, said CSD Counseling Program Specialist Tori Gillett in a brief update to the Board. They also help students find a path to postsecondary education and secure funding to pay for it. All of CSD’s high schools and middle schools employ counseling teams. Counselors have also been allocated to three elementary schools.

Draper Park Middle Electives Update

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bob Dowdle gave an update on various elective courses that Draper Park Middle could feasibly add to their school schedule to meet student interests. The school could support additional physical education, science and technology, and career and technology courses. Performing arts options are also a possibility, including choir and musical theater. There are logistics to consider, however, including the availability of funding, transportation, and substitute teachers. The ability to recruit enough students per course is also a consideration. The Board will continue to discuss the matter at the next Board meeting.

NSBA Conference

Members of the Canyons Board of Education reported on takeaways from the annual National School Board Association Conference in San Diego.

School Highlights

Ridgecrest Elementary — sometimes called “The Ridge” by insiders — is a welcoming and inclusive school community that makes all students, educators, support staff, and parents feel valued, said Principal Sara Allen. High-quality instruction and student achievement are celebrated throughout the year at Ridgecrest, she said. Acts of kindness and respect also are lauded among Ridgecrest students, a growing number of whom are multi-language learners. The COVID-19 years have been difficult, Allen said, but the Ridgecrest community has pulled together to rise above the challenges.

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including hire and termination reports, purchasing bids, student overnight travel requests, April financial reports, Comprehensive Guidance Report, and administrative appointments.

Patron Comment

The following patrons addressed the Board during Patron Comment.  Recordings of their remarks can be accessed on BoardDocs.

• Erin Seibel

Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports

Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins said he appreciated the Board’s robust discussions during the meeting. He expressed regret he was not able to attend the Retirees Banquet last week because he was ill with COVID-19. He thanked Canyons District’s retirees for their service and dedication.

Mr. Wilcox congratulated CSD’s “First Class” — the first group of students to start and end in Canyons schools — and this year’s retirees. He also announced that Dr. Floyd Stensrud, the Director of Planning and Enrollment, plans to retire.

Board of Education Reports

Mrs. Amber Shill thanked retirees and wished them well. She wished good luck to student-athletes in spring sports and said she’s excited for graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2022.

Mrs. Holly Neibaur expressed best wishes for retiring teachers, administrators, and support staff, reported on attending Willow Springs’ art show, and asked the Board to consider a future agenda item regarding instruction about the U.S. Constitution and American symbols and ideals.

Mr. Steve Wrigley noted the discussion and study surrounding the bell schedule, especially at Draper Park, and congratulated the Class of 2022.

Mrs. Amanda Oaks thanked this year’s retirees for their service, noted the success of the Canyoneering Night and reported on attending arts and end-of-year events in the schools.  She also spoke about the recent shootings in New York and California and expressed a desire for civility.

Mrs. Clareen Arnold reported on attending Hillcrest’s International Baccalaureate program recognition program and the Retirees Banquet. She also attended the Emergency Management Team meeting.

Mr. Mont Millerberg recounted his friendship with Verla Sperry, a former classmate who also was a Canyons teacher before her retirement.  He honored her memory.

President Nancy Tingey reported on attending the Latinos in Action year-end banquet, the Utah PTA convention, Albion Middle’s combined musical concert. She expressed appreciation to the Administration of the District and schools for their quick work in crises and service to the community.