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

Long-Range Planning Report

The Canyons Board of Education voted to start an in-depth boundary and enrollment study involving eight elementary schools. The review is in response to dipping enrollments and under-utilized facilities in various parts of Canyons District. The first phase of the study will be a comprehensive review of enrollment projections for eight under-enrolled elementary schools, looking at birth rates, new home sales, and new residential developments. A web portal on the Canyons website will keep the Canyons community apprised of progress with the review. Detailed descriptions of any recommendations that are made will be published on the CSD website. Patrons will be given ample time to give feedback online and in-person at School Community Council meetings, open house events, and public hearings. Notices will be mailed to families with home addresses that could possibly be affected by proposed changes. The District will follow the state requirements to notify families regarding changes to boundaries and facility operations. In a unanimous vote, the Board authorized a study and directed the administrators to begin the process of notifying parents in the following elementary school communities that CSD will conduct a study about possible boundary changes, school-community consolidations or potential school closures: Bella Vista, Brookwood, East Sandy, Granite, Oakdale, Park Lane, Quail Hollow and Willow Canyon. The Board also directed the Administration to start the process of notifying parents at the following elementary schools that school boundaries and enrollments could change:  Butler, Canyon View, Glacier Hills, Lone Peak, Midvalley, Peruvian Park, Ridgecrest, Sandy, Silver Mesa and Sunrise. The following middle school communities will be notified about potential boundary changes: Albion, Butler, Eastmont and Union.

Administrative Appointments

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments, effective for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Dan Ashbridge, currently serving as Principal of East Sandy Elementary, will assume the role of Principal at Copperview Elementary.
• Colleen Smith, current Principal of Copperview Elementary, will lead Oakdale Elementary as Principal.
• Deidre Walbeck, Principal at Oakdale Elementary, will become the new Principal of East Sandy Elementary.
• BJ Weller, a program administrator in the Student Wellness Services Department, will work as Assistant Principal at Park Lane Elementary.
• Melissa Baker, a counseling program specialist, will transition to Hillcrest High as an assistant principal intern.
• Jeffrey Honsvick, a special education teacher and former intern administrator from Granite School District, will be appointed Assistant Principal for Life Skills Academy and Jordan Valley School.
• Samantha Harris, a special education Behavior Specialist from Salt Lake School District, will serve as Assistant Principal at Glacier Hills Elementary.
• Lynsey Grant, who comes to CSD from Jordan School District, will be assigned to work as Assistant Principal for Butler Elementary.

Canyons Education Foundation Update

The Canyons Education Foundation has some $2.5 million in total assets, according to Development Officer Denise Haycock. The Foundation, which seeks private funds and collects in-kind donations to support the academic platform of the District, raises money through an annual golf tournament, a spring gala, a fun run, donation drives, private financial gifts, and payroll deduction programs to help fund teacher grants, student mental-health efforts, and scholarships, among other initiatives.

Canyons Innovation Center

Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins presented architect’s renderings for Canyons District’s new technical-training center, which will be housed at the former regional headquarters of eBay. A committee made up of members of the Board, Administration, and MHTN Architects continues to work on the plans for the facility to replace the Canyons Technical Education Center, 825 E 9085 South. A new name and branding for the high-tech building are among the tasks being undertaken the committee and the Director of the Center, Reid Newey. The Board reviewed proposed blueprints for the programming and the required staffing and square footage for those programs.

Budget Update, Contract Approvals

Large construction projects in the proposed 2025-2026 budget include renovations and addition of a fieldhouse at Jordan High, upgrades at Eastmont Middle, a fieldhouse and new soccer-field turf at Corner Canyon High, a remodel of the former eBay building into a new technical-training center, and improvements at Hillcrest’s football stadium. They are the latest in the string of school-improvement projects undertaken by CSD since 2010, when voters approved a $250 million bond measure to pay for 13 projects. Business Administrator Leon Wilcox said CSD’s outstanding debt from the 2010 General Obligation Bond measure will be eliminated in 2032, according to the repayment schedule. In addition, based on initial estimates, projected increases to home-value assessments will generate some $6.8 million in new revenue for CSD, Wilcox said. Information about the proposed budget for the coming school year, which will include the costs of the Board-approved employment contracts with licensed personnel, Education Support Professionals, and administrators, will be presented May 20. The contracts, which were voted on by the Board during the meeting, call for compensation increases for all employees in the coming school year. A budget hearing and request for approval of the tentative budget is scheduled for June 17.  

School Highlights

Oak Hollow Elementary Principal Julie Mootz noted the jumps in academic achievement of students at the Draper-area school. For example, she said, students logged a 14 percent increase in scores on assessments in English Language Arts. Students are showing growth in other subjects, as well, she said. Mootz, who is retiring this year after nearly four decades in education, said the community shows tremendous support of the school.  Parent volunteers plan science fairs, spelling bees, art nights, the Battle of the Books, French language-centered activities for the Dual Language Immersion program, and a fall festival.  “I have 38 years in education,” Mootz said, “and the last 10 at Oak Hollow have been the very best.” 

Patron Comment

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

• Paul Weaver
• Lane Vamianakis

Canyons Strong Recognitions

The following were recognized for their achievements:

• The Canyons Board of Education and Administration for receiving a 2025 Impact Award from CoStar. The Sale/Acquisition of the Year Award is in recognition of the Board’s actions to purchase the former eBay campus for a technical-training center.
• Corner Canyon and Hillcrest theater teams for winning 6A and 5A state championships.
• Diamond Ridge High’s successful first-ever music concert. 
• Alta High Instrumental Music Director Caleb Shabestari for receiving the One Sandy Award for Mentor of the Year.
• ISD specialist Jay Rudel for being named one of four finalists for an AVID Global Achievement Award.
• School nursing specialist Jen Gerrard for being named the Utah School Nurse of the Year.
• School nurse Tara Aka for receiving the “Silver Syringe” award for CSD’s vaccination clinics.
• CCHS graduate Jaxson Dart for being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.
• Corner Canyon senior Emily Ai for being named the General Sterling Scholar in the Sterling Scholar competition. 
• Jordan High student Ainsley Stevens for being named one of16 students statewide to serve as a state officer for the Utah Association of Student Councils for the coming school year.

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes for the April 15, 2025, meeting of the Canyons Board of Education; hire and termination reports; student overnight travel requests; a purchase and sales agreement for CSD-owned property at 332 W. 7800 South in Midvale; a reduction of contract days for federal program-funded ESP assistants; a paraprofessional reduction in force at Jordan Valley School; a reduction of contract hours for multi-language learner assistants at Crescent Elementary; LAND Trust and TSSA plans; a LAND Trust/TSSP amendment for Life Skills Academy; and LEA-specific licenses and endorsements. 

Policy Update

The Board of Education approved updates to policies governing school fees, service animals in schools, animals in schools, extra-curricular activities and student participation, and field trips. The Board also is reviewing updates to policies regarding student transportation; student conduct and the disciplinary process; electronic devices and acceptable use of the network; open enrollment, admissions, and school moratoriums; immunizations of students; student attendance; medication administration to students; fiscal accountability; unmanned aircraft systems; and student-overnight travel.

Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports

Superintendent Robins and Mr. Wilcox thanked all employees for their hard work.  The Board of Education approved contracts for the coming school year. 

Board of Education Member Reports

Ms. Holly Neibaur congratulated Corner Canyon’s theater team for winning the 6A state championship, reported on her voluntarism at Willow Springs Elementary, and expressed thanks for teachers as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. She noted the quality of the proposed LAND Trust and TSSP plans submitted to the Board for approval. 

Mr. Jackson Lewis congratulated Hillcrest for the Best of State Award in theatrical education and thanked teachers as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. He read a statement opposing HB77, titled “Flag Display Amendments,” which goes into effect May 7, 2025.

Ms. Amanda Oaks congratulated Corner Canyon’s theater team for winning the 6A state title.  She reported on attending Sprucewood Elementary’s spring musical, “Cinderella … If the Shoe Fits,” remarked on Beehive Meals’ gift for Altara teachers, and lauded Alta teacher Caleb Shabestari for receiving Sandy City’s Mentor of the Year Award. She also spoke of a beloved music instructor who recently passed away. 

Ms. Katie Dahle remarked on Teacher Appreciation Week and also thanked administrators and Education Support Professionals. She commented on the Board’s vote to start the boundary and enrollment study and expressed appreciation for CSD’s engaged parents.

Ms. Karen Pedersen said she enjoyed attending year-end performances and activities. She noted Diamond Ridge’s recent first-ever music concert and expressed appreciation for educators for Teacher Appreciation Week. 

President Amber Shill reported on attending School Community Council meetings.  She also said Oakdale Elementary’s “Willy Wonka Kids” was a wonderful production.