Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via Diligent by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Robins Honored in Retirement
The Board of Education honored Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins, who announced his retirement earlier this year after a notable 30-year career.
Robins was appointed as the fourth-ever Superintendent of Canyons just four weeks after the 2020 start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He led CSD through the pandemic years and advanced the District’s first Strategic Plan.
In addition to the opening of multiple new or renovated schools, Robins spearheaded the acquisition of the former regional headquarters of eBay to serve as the site of the new Canyons Innovation Center.
At the meeting, each Board member spoke about Robins’ tenure and achievements as Superintendent. They gifted him with a crystal award and a pair of gym shoes decorated with the logos of Canyons high schools.
Also, the Board issued the following resolution in honor of Dr. Robins, who served for six years:
Whereas, Superintendent Rick Robins has faithfully served as the fourth Superintendent of the Canyons School District, leading the District with vision, resilience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to students, employees, and the community; and
Superintendent Robins assumed leadership of the District during one of the most challenging moments in modern public education history, as his appointment was announced just four weeks after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
Despite unprecedented uncertainty, Dr. Robins led with steady focus and purpose, ensuring that students continued to receive access to a world-class education through innovative technology, carefully implemented wellness protocols, and a steadfast commitment to keeping schools open and students learning; and,
Under his leadership, CSD students outperformed their peers statewide and nationally on year-end assessments at the end of the pandemic school year, establishing Canyons as a national lighthouse for academic achievement during one of the most difficult periods in the history of public education; and
Superintendent Robins championed the well-being and professional growth of District employees through expanded planning and professional development opportunities, enhanced personal and maternity leave benefits, and the addition of assistant principals in elementary schools to strengthen leadership and support at every level; and
Dr. Robins helped guide the development and implementation of the District’s first-ever Strategic Plan, creating a clear and ambitious blueprint for student success and organizational growth for the coming decade and beyond; and
Dr. Robins helped secure one of the most transformative opportunities in District history through the acquisition of the former regional headquarters of eBay in Draper, which will become the future home of the Canyons Innovation Center, which is being designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, broadcasting, and other critical industries; and
Now, therefore, let it be resolved that the Canyons Board of Education expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Superintendent Dr. Rick L. Robins for his extraordinary leadership, dedicated service, and enduring contributions to the students, employees, and families of the District.
Tentative Budget
The total amount budgeted for the 2026-2027 Canyons school year is $610 million, said Business Administrator Leon Wilcox. Included in the tentative budget is a proposed increase to the certified tax rate, which will require a Truth-in-Taxation hearing. Wilcox said the increase would generate about $6.9 million in revenue. Of that, $2.2 million would cover a .75 percent cost-of-living increase for employees to help offset inflationary pressures. Another $4.5 million would be used to pay down bond debt early, saving taxpayers millions in interest payments and putting CSD in a position to more quickly address needed elementary school building repairs and renovations without increasing the tax burden on property owners. In addition, $210,00 would be used to hire two teachers at the Canyons Innovation Center. The tentative budget includes the funds for lease-revenue bond funded renovations at Eastmont Middle, Jordan High and the Canyons Innovation Center. If approved, the proposed certified rate increase would mean patrons would pay an additional $27.03 annually, or about $3 a month, on the average Canyons home. The public may provide input t a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Canyons Board of Education chambers located at 9361 S. 300 East in Sandy.
Negotiated Contracts
The Board of Education approved the negotiated employment contracts for the 2026-2027 school year. The funding for the contracts for the three employee groups —licensed personnel, Education Support Professionals, and Administrators — is included in the tentative budget for the coming school year. On behalf of the Board, which has approved some kind of salary increase for employees every year since CSD’s 2009 founding,. engages in good-faith salary and benefit negotiations with the Canyons Education Association, Canyons Educational Support Professionals Association and Administrators. The contracts also are ratified by the associations. Details of the contracts are available on Diligent.
School Highlights
Draper Park Middle Principal Dr. Denzil “Chip” Watts said the Vikings had a successful school year. Sixth-grade students successfully transitioned to middle school and learned important lessons in organization, responsibility and self-advocacy. Seventh-grade students learned from teachers who worked hard to share instructional strategies and align academic expectations. Watts also said the seventh graders achieved growth in all content areas. Eighth grade students excelled in critical-thinking and writing skills, as well as content areas. Vikings performed well on the stage, including an acclaimed run of “The Little Mermaid;” and won awards at the foreign language fair, in intramural activities, during debate and speech competitions, and at chess matches. Draper Park students also participate in an after-school crochet group, a literacy magazine, and a Rubiks’ Cube Club.
Patron Comment
The following patrons addressed the Board during Patron Comment. Recordings of the remarks can be accessed on Diligent.
- Paul Weaver
- Michael Adams
- Stacie Zisakis
- Jared Forsgren
- Neusha Nourmanday
- Samantha Mabey
- Natalie Day
- Aaron Hilton
- Kelsie Roberts
- Juliana Jackson
- Cassidy Ulrich
- Lisa Bezdijian
- Elysia Forsgren
- Amber Hendrix
- Krista Pippin
- Cherie Sadowski
Administrative Appointments
Following the advancement of several administrators to District-level positions, the Canyons Board of Education and Administration are pleased to announce additional administrative appointments and assignments:
Emily Willson, currently an assistant principal at Midvale Elementary School, will be promoted to Principal at Brookwood Elementary. She replaces Corrie Barrett who is transitioning to serve as Principal at Alta View Elementary.
Sierra Segura, currently an assistant principal at Copperview Elementary, will move to Midvale Elementary to serve as an assistant principal.
Leslie Robinett, currently an assistant principal at Granite Elementary, will transfer to East Midvale Elementary to serve as an assistant principal.
Canyons Strong Recognitions
- Hillcrest High’s theater team for winning the 5A state drama festival, the fourth consecutive state theater championship for the Huskies.
- Corner Canyon student Grace Christensen for winning first place in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism at the DECA International Career Development Conference.
- Canyons District’s comprehensive, traditional high schools— Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Hillcrest and Jordan — for earning top 20 rankings in the Salt Lake Valley on the 2026 U.S. News and World Report list of Utah’s best high schools.
- Eastmont’s debate and speech team for winning the first-ever state middle school debate competition. Albion Middle won second place at the event.
- Butler Middle’s Olivia Mutchler and Leo Nugent for being named two of the 20 state finalists in the 26th annual “Do the Write Thing” essay contest of the Utah State Board of Education.
- Charles Purdie, one of East Midvale Elementary’s Safety Patrol students, for being named a AAA Safety Patroller of the Year for AAA’s Mountain West program.
- Corner Canyon’s girls track-and-field team for winning the 6A state title. Individual-event champions hail from Alta and Brighton, as well.
- Angi Holden was officially announced as the new Director of CSD Middle Schools. She succeeds Mindy Robison, Canyons’ new Assistant Superintendent.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes for May 5, 2025; hire and termination reports; administrative appointments; purchasing bids; April financial reports; and School LAND Trust/TSSP Amendments.
Policy Update
The Board of Education approved policies governing Board governance; disposition of real property; privacy and governance; cybersecurity; nondiscrimination; Workers Compensation; employment termination for administrative personnel; student conduct and disciplinary process; student educational travel; open-enrollment, school admission, school moratoriums; graduation requirements; instructional materials; focused graduation pathway; and study of controversial issues.
Staff Reports
Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson reported on attending the Retirees Banquet and expressed appreciation for this year’s retirees. He also thanked local police officers who supported the recent investigation into a safety and security tip regarding Alta High. Dr. Robinson reported on attending Canyons District Night at America Field to cheer the Teachers of the Year who were introduced during halftime at the Real Salt Lake game, the year-end Latinos in Action banquet, a production of “Hadestown” at Corner Canyon, and Jordan Valley’s own version of the Special Olympics. He also remarked on the students who received awards at the Superintendent Success Awards. The Superintendent also thanked parents and employees for participating in Patron Comment.
Mr. Wilcox congratulated CSD bus driver Terri Brown for winning the “Road-e-o,” the state competition for school bus drivers. With the win, she qualified to compete nationally in Texas this summer. He thanked the employee association groups who engaged in negotiations with a District team for the employee contracts for the 2026-2027 school year. He also noted that this year’s graduating seniors, the 17th class of CSD, were 1 year old when Canyons launched as a school district.
Board Member Reports
Ms. Karen Pedersen thanked External Relations for organizing the Retirees Banquet, a by-invitation-only even for retirees and guests. She wished Jordan High’s baseball team much luck in bracket play during the 6A championship tournament and congratulated Eastmont on winning the state debate trophy. She congratulated the Class of 2026 on their achievements.
Ms. Katie Dahle thanked teachers, administrators, staff and parents for planning the end-of-year events and activities. She remarked on the District’s efforts, with parent support, to make sure Utah schools maintain a high level of quality, even with the current level of state funding.
Ms. Amanda Oaks’ comments dovetailed with Ms. Dahle’s remarks about working collectively as a community to advocate for more state support for public education. She encouraged parents and students to lobby legislators. She remarked on the high quality of Corner Canyon High’s year-end orchestra concert. Ms. Oaks also reported on attending the CCHS awards program and noted the students who received honors for persevering through challenges. She also thanked the teachers and principals who are making sure learning opportunities continue through the end of school.
Mr. Andrew Edtl reported on meeting the U.S. Naval Cadets at Jordan High. Enrollment is now open for the Beetdigger National Naval Defense Cadet Corps program, which any CSD student can attend.
Mr. Jackson Lewis congratulated Hillcrest’s “Phantom of the Opera” cast for winning two categories at the Utah High School Musical Theater Awards. He thanked East Midvale’s Charlotte Graham, a retiree who has worked at the school for 47 years, for her years of service to the Eagles and the community. He also attended the “clap out” for Hillcrest graduates who attended or have ties to Midvalley Elementary and thanked the Sandy City Council for inviting the Board into the suite to watch Saturday RSL game.
Ms. Holly Neibaur thanked her kids’ teachers who plan engaging and fun learning activities throughout the year, including the final days. She remarked on the RSL game that featured CSD’s Teachers of the Year at half-time, Corner Canyon’s excellent production of “Hadestown,” and the inspiring stories of retirees that are told during the Retirees Banquet.
President Shill remarked on the Retirees Banquet and thanked retiring employees for their career contributions. She encouraged parents to advocate at the state level for more public education support and funding, especially with the new state-required literacy initiative. She thanked all Canyons employees for all their efforts to help students achieve throughout the school year.
