Canyons School District looked within, choosing a familiar and trusted face to serve as the new Assistant Superintendent.

Dr. McKay Robinson, currently a School Performance Director over elementary schools, was appointed to the Assistant Superintendent post by the Canyons Board of Education on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. He was chosen following a national search from a field of four finalists (all internal candidates) to replace Dr. Robert Dowdle who is retiring at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

Functioning as Chief of Staff, Dr. Robinson will oversee operations for CSD’s 49 schools and programs and steer the implementation of key initiatives as spelled out in CSD’s new Strategic Plan.

“Our students and our District are in good hands,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins, remarking on Dr. Robinson’s vision, camaraderie, and leadership.

Like his predecessor, Dr. Robinson is a career educator who has been with Canyons since its earliest days. He brings an elementary-level focus to the Superintendent’s Cabinet, which includes five administrators who came up through the secondary-school ranks.

He got his start as an elementary teacher more than 24 years ago, following in the footsteps of a third-grade teacher whose mentorship saw him through some difficult times. Vowing to pay that gift forward, Dr. Robinson’s caring, student-centric and approachable, yet decisive, leadership style was a valuable asset during the COVID-19 health crisis.

A member of the team responsible for building safety protocols to keep CSD students healthy and learning, he consistently gave voice to what was best for students and reasonable to expect from schools. Most days, in fact, you’ll find him at a school, brainstorming and problem-solving with principals, teachers, and staff. For his calm leadership in trying times, he earned the 2022 Apex Award for Canyons District’s Administrator of the Year.

“We are excited to welcome you to this new capacity,” Board President Amber Shill told Dr. Robinson at Tuesday’s meeting.

Thanking the Board and Administration for the opportunity to continue to serve Canyons District’s employees and students, Dr. Robinson said he’s eager to see the Strategic Plan take root.

“I am at an absolute loss for words. The candidates who were considered are truly amazing educators. I am honored to call them colleagues and friends,” he said. “I look forward to our continued work together.”