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All Rise! Apply Now to Serve on Canyons District’s Inaugural Peer Court

The time-honored right of a fair trial by a jury of one’s peers will take on new meaning with the creation of the Canyons District Peer Court.

A model of restorative justice embraced in communities across the country, peer courts function much like any court of law. Judges are authorized to mediate disputes and mete out justice to right criminal wrongs. Except with peer courts, students are trained to hear cases involving violations of school or district policy, and authorized to decide the fate of their peers.

The Canyons Peer Court will be the second youth, or teen, court in Utah sponsored by a school district. It will hear its first case with the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Soon-to-be sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in volunteering to serve on the inaugural panel of judges are encouraged to apply by May 20, 2020.

“It’s a time commitment of two Wednesday evenings per month, but panel members are eligible for school credit. It’s a great resume-builder and opportunity to learn about civics and the American justice system first-hand,” says CSD Responsive Services Administrator Charisse Hilton. “Youth courts give students a voice, experience with leadership, and a chance to serve their community.”

Peer courts practice the restorative justice model for holding students accountable for minor offenses, such as, fighting, vandalism, or shoplifting. It’s viewed as a more effective path to justice than suspending students or expelling them from school, which can put students at higher risk for dropping out or being referred for more serious crimes to the juvenile justice system.

“This isn’t about being soft on crime. Peer courts are sentencing courts and the sentences handed down are binding,” Hilton says. “Admission of guilt is a prerequisite of participation. Students must accept responsibility for their actions before they can avail themselves of this option.”

In weighing their sentencing, peer court judges focus, not just on punishment, but on what harm has been done, who has been harmed, and what can be done to repair the harm. Common sentences might be to repair a vandalized object, return stolen goods, write letters of apology, perform community service, or even serve on the court’s panel of judges.

Successful models have been shown to reduce recidivism and instill within youth an appreciation for the law.

To apply, download and complete this application, and email it by May 20, 2020 to Charisse Hilton, Charisse.hilton@canyonsdistrict.org.

Peer Court Application – Spanish

Peer Court Judging Panel Requirements

  • You must be in 10th-12th grade for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • You must be enrolled in a Canyons District high school.
  • You must commit to attending Peer Court the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.
  • You must complete 20 hours of training (this will be provided in the summer) prior to being on the court.
  • You must pass a criminal background check.
  • Your parents must endorse your application.
  • Your school counselor must endorse your application.

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Board Meeting Schedule

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Education for Canyons School District will hold a regular study session and public business meeting at the Canyons District Office building, 9361 S. 300 E., Sandy, UT each month unless otherwise posted. The Board may determine to conduct some business during a study session. All business meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. unless changed by the Board and appropriately posted for the public.

Please note that ALL DATES, TIMES and LOCATIONS listed on this scheduled are TENTATIVE and are subject to change at any time.  Please check this schedule often to be informed of any changes.

Unless otherwise specified, all meetings in the schedule below will take place as the Canyons District Office located at 9361 S. 300 E. in Sandy, Utah.

District Leaders

Dr. Rick Robins

Superintendent

Dr. Rick L. Robins is the superintendent of Canyons School District. Dr. Robins, who was selected by the Canyons Board of Education after a national search, brings 24 years of experience as an educator to his role as the chief executive officer of Utah’s fifth-largest school district. Prior to joining Canyons, Dr. Robins, who earned an Ed.D. from the University of Las Vegas, for six years was Superintendent of the Juab School District, based in Nephi, Utah. While there, Dr. Robins, who also was the Juab High School Principal from 2009-2013, helped oversee efforts to improve the district’s graduation rate to 97 percent, a double-digit increase over a 10-year period. Other innovations he led in Juab included a partnership with Arizona State University for blended-learning opportunities; the launch of a districtwide competency-based personalized learning model driven by a 1:1 technology initiative and standards-based reporting system; and the construction of the STEM-focused West Campus Innovations Center, funded largely through private and corporate sponsorships. Dr. Robins began his career as a history teacher at Copper Hills High in the Jordan School District and has worked as an assistant principal and principal in the Alpine, Nebo and Juab school districts. He was the 2012 Utah High School Principal of the Year for the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals, and in 2014 earned the Lexington Institute Superintendent Fellowship Award presented to innovative superintendents across the country. Dr. Robins was starting quarterback for the football team at Southern Utah University Thunderbirds from 1991-1995, and in 2013 was inducted into SUU’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He has four children and one grandchild.

Leon Wilcox

Business Administrator and CFO

Leon Wilcox is a seasoned professional with 20 years of governmental accounting experience, with an emphasis on financial reporting, budgeting, and auditing. As Canyons District’ Director of Accounting from 2009-2013, Wilcox was intricately involved with the 2009 division of $1.5 billion in assets of the former Jordan School District, and was responsible for establishing Canyons’ original and subsequent budgets. Wilcox, a certified public accountant who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Utah State University, also has worked nine years in the Granite School District and six years in the State Auditor’s Office.

Supervises:  Accounting and Budget Services, Facilities and Maintenance, Insurance, New Construction Budget, Nutrition Services, Purchasing, Payroll

Dr. Robert M. Dowdle

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and School Performance

Robert Dowdle has a Doctor of Education degree with an emphasis in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah, and more than 31 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader. He began his career at Mount Jordan Middle School, where he taught Earth Science, English and Social Studies. He later taught Advanced Placement Economics, U.S. History and World History at Bingham High School, and served as Principal of Jordan High School and Assistant Principal for Alta High School and Brighton High School. Dowdle has served in the District office for 11 years as Assistant Superintendent. This role has included various leadership responsibilities, including Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Dowdle currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and School Performance.

Lucie Chamberlain

Alta View Elementary

If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added:  “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!

Specialty Schools

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Canyons School District is committed to making this website compliant with the ADA. At this time, we recognize that not all areas of this website may be ADA compliant. We are currently in the process of redesigning and creating new website content to be compliant with the W3C Level Two guidelines. If you are experiencing issues with this website, please contact us here communications@canyonsdistrict.org

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