Middle School Schedule Approved
The Board of Education approved a new middle school schedule for the 2013-2014 school year. The schedule includes six, 60-minute class sessions and an A/B Block for sixth- through eighth-graders, who will attend Canyons middle schools beginning next school year. The schedule is designed to maximize time spent in English Language Arts, mathematics and science, as well as open access to honors courses and electives in world languages, visual and performing arts, music and Career and Technical Education (CTE). The Middle School Schedule, being piloted at Midvale Middle School, also creates time for intervention and enrichment and teacher teaming.
Board Members said the schedule would open up music and arts and elective opportunities to all students while keeping the District’s focus on improving academic achievement and preparing students for college and careers. School Performance Director Mike Sirois said school leaders for a number of years have sought the solutions created by the schedule. Union Principal Mary Anderson said the schedule helps arts teachers who work in two different locations by creating a uniform schedule and allowing them to stay all day in one building or the other. The schedule has been created in collaboration with principals and teachers. The State Board of Education’s Curriculum, Standards and Student Success Committee on Nov. 1 expressed support for the proposed schedule and encouraged Canyons to continue on the path of innovation.
For more information or to listen to the discussion, please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 8A.
Capital Budget Overview
Canyons District CFO and General Counsel Keith Bradford presented an overview of the building projects authorized by the Board in recent years. Bond projects Corner Canyon High, Crescent View and Butler middle school, and Brighton and Hillcrest high school additions and upgrades are scheduled to be done next fall. In the next phase are Mount Jordan Middle, tentatively set for August 2015 completion; Midvale Middle and Butler Elementary rebuilds, which would be completed in August 2017; and renovation and rebuilds for Indian Hills Middle and an elementary in White City, which would be competed in August 2018. Bradford noted all dates are tentative and dependent on assessed valuation and other factors. Budgeted for bond building projects is $254 million in bond money and more than $66 million in District capital revenues. Bradford also discussed budgeting for other projects for facilities, information technology, buses and other needs, for which $26.7 million is set aside this year.
For more information or to listen to the discussion, please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 2B.
Draper City Proposes CDA
The Board of Education will seek more information and bring back for discussion whether to participate in the proposed Draper Frontrunner Community Development Project Area Plan. The proposed transit-oriented development would surround the rail line near IKEA in Draper. It would include high-rise office space, residential developments, and covered parking with a downtown look. The Redevelopment Agency of Draper City states the estimated taxable value on the property would rise from a current $6 million to $1.2 billion. Under the proposed 20-year CDA, Canyons would receive 25 percent of the potential tax revenues each year, estimated to be nearly four times higher than without the CDA and at the end of the proposal receive 100 percent of the tax revenues on the developed property. Several Board members said they would like to see hard numbers and more information to determine what benefit a CDA might be to the school district.
For more information or to listen to the discussion, please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 2A.
Community Schools Update
The District has created Community Schools aimed at assisting students and families in low-wealth areas by creating an continuum of community and parent engagement, education, mental health, prevention efforts and other services for children and families with the help of unique partnerships and grants. The result is expected to create sustainable, improved student achievement. The Community Schools offerings were developed using data from community and student surveys and the U.S. Census, and include partnerships with Valley Mental Health, Boys & Girls Clubs, the University of Utah college of Social Work, and soon, the Department of Workforce Services. It is partly funded by a $1.8 million 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.
To listen to the discussion, please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 2C.
Energy Management Program Proposed
Canyons’ Energy Specialist Chris Eppler described a proposal to reduce energy consumption by up to 20 percent in Canyons District, particularly important as energy rates have rising by double digits over the past few years. The proposal includes lighting and mechanical equipment upgrades, utility costs monitoring, water-wise landscaping, and training and reporting components, and a resolution illustrating the Board’s commitment to energy management. Each school would be individually assessed for goals. Some schools already are saving more than $100,000 in costs due to energy efficiencies.
To view the proposal and listen to the discussion, please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 2E.
Education Foundation Reports on Early Success
The Canyons Education Foundation is using a number of ways to raise money to forward classroom innovations and student access to STEAM. STEAM is an acronym referring to the academic subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, all of which are interconnected in preparing students for the high-tech, high-demand jobs of tomorrow. Canyons Chief Development Officer Allison Spencer reported the Foundation has raised $152,500 for STEAM equipment this year, and is three-quarters of the way to its fundraising goal for this purpose. The Foundation also gave a special award to Board Member Mont Millerberg, who was instrumental in the Foundation’s creation.
To view the proposal and listen to the discussion, please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 2F.
Board Action
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which includes the Oct. 16 Minutes, purchasing bids, October financial reports, home school affidavits?, October hires and terminations, policy revisions, and the Utah Consolidated Application. It also includes overnight travel for Alta Cheer; Brighton Dance and Model United Nations; Hillcrest Drill and Softball; and Jordan Boys Basketball and Wrestling.
Recognitions
The Board recognized the achievements of five employees, one school, 20 students and four teams. They are:
McKay Robinson, Principal, Lone Peak Elementary, Utah Association of Elementary Principals’ “Rookie of the Year”
Allyson Hanks, Corner Canyon High, Utah Counseling Educator of the Year, Utah Association of Career and Technical Education’s Guidance Division
Indian Hills Middle School Counselors Jared Buhanan-Decker, Phillip Handley and Torilyn Gillett, Utah Middle School Counseling Team Award, Utah Association of Career and Technical Education’s Guidance Division
Quail Hollow Elementary, 2012 National Blue Ribbon School
Micah Johnston, Hillcrest, Perfect ACT Score
Evan VanBroklin, Butler Elementary student and swimmer, ranked No. 1 in nation age 8-and-under butterfly
Kramer Morton, Alta High, First Place, 5A State Boys Cross Country
Brighton Bengals, 5A State Golf Champions
Utah High School Cycling League premiere participants Alta, Jordan, Brighton/Hillcrest/Juan Diego Composite teams. In 5A State Championship, Alta finished second in Division 1, and Jordan finished fourth in Division 2. Individual medalists are: Rachel Wedge, Alta, second place, JV Girls; Branden Stuart, Jordan, third place, JV Boys; Katie Shuman, Alta, first place, Sophomore Girls; Cameron Dougherty, Alta, first place, Frosh Boys; and John Andersen, Alta, second place, Frosh Boys
Deseret News Academic All-State Honors: Megan Rimmasch, Hillcrest, Tennis; Torrey Wyatt, Hillcrest, Soccer; Jessica Lindsay, Jordan, Cross Country; Rebecca Wheatley, Jordan, Volleyball; Carli Williams, Jordan, Volleyball; Jessica Hatch, Hillcrest, Volleyball; Austin Anderson, Jordan, Golf; Joshua Ulrich, Hillcrest, Golf; Brian Adams, Hillcrest, Golf; Nathan Marchant, Jordan, Cross Country; Erik Marchant, Jordan, Cross Country; Erick Tieu, Hillcrest, Cross Country
Patron Comments
Three patrons offered comments to the Board. Region 17 PTA President Betty Shaw announced the new Corner Canyon High School PTSA has been formed. Resident Carolyn Buma said she was upset that she was not able to provide public comment in October, said controversial media reports can’t be ignored and opposes the Board’s (tabled) ethics proposal. Jordan High band and orchestra teacher Randal Clark expressed concerns that the Middle School Schedule would cut spent in electives including music and clip student success in those programs. To listen to the comments, please visit please visit BoardDocs and click Agenda Item 6A.
Board Reports
Paul McCarty attended the new Corner Canyon High School’s PTSA meeting.
Kevin Cromar attended the grand opening of Scheels and welcomed the new jobs it creates. He also attended the groundbreaking of the Living Planet Aquarium and commended the city of Draper for the facility that will benefit Canyons students and families. He represented the board at the NFUSSD conference in New Orleans in October, encouraged new Board members to participate in next year’s conference, and proposed Canyons host the 2015 conference to showcase to the nation the good things going on here. He said he felt there are a disproportionate number of precincts between Board Districts, and wants to bring that to the county’s attention.
Kim Horiuchi praised the accomplishments of students recognized this evening. She attended the HHS Shakespeare night last month, which she said was first rate. She noted Hillcrest Theater received the Sweepstakes Award, perfect scores, and a best actor award at a recent national competition.
Mont Millerberg enjoyed participating in Reality Town at Midvale Middle School, and said it was one of the most fun experiences he’s had as a Board Member. He also enjoyed the schools’ Halloween parades, but was disappointed that few parents attended a meeting to provide input on what they’d like to see at the rebuilt Midvale Middle School.
Steve Wrigley said he had hoped the Board would have received more community input before making a final decision on the Middle School Schedule. He said teachers are overwhelmed with grade reconfiguration and a new schedule and the Common Core implementation, and asked the PTSA to lend its support to them.
Sherril Taylor said he was excited to see all the students in attendance to be recognized for their accomplishments and their willingness to bring items for the Canyons Achieves Trophy Case. He thanked the public for addressing the Board tonight, and said it helps Board Members become better leaders.
Closed Session
The Board met in Closed Session for the purposes of discussing pending or reasonably imminent litigation and the purchase, exchange or lease of real property.
