The Canyons Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rick L. Robins as the next superintendent of the Canyons District.
During a special meeting held Tuesday, April 14, 2020, the seven-member Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the selection of Dr. Robins, a veteran educator and administrator, as the new chief executive of the 34,000-student district.
Dr. Robins’ appointment, effective July 1, 2020, comes after a two-month national search. Robins, currently the Superintendent of the Juab School District, will succeed Dr. Jim Briscoe, who retires June 30 after a 38-year career as an educator and administrator in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Utah. Dr. Briscoe announced his retirement plans on Jan. 14.
To the end of easing worries about a leadership transition in a period of upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Education held fast to its timeline to select a new leader well before the end of Dr. Briscoe’s tenure as superintendent, said Board President Nancy Tingey.
“This is an historic occasion during an unprecedented moment in our state and world. Even amidst the challenges of the times, the members of the Board of Education took seriously the responsibility to find a leader who reflects the traits and characteristics identified through input from patrons and employees, and one who will inspire continued success in our district,” said President Nancy Tingey. “With the appointment of Dr. Robins, the Board is confident that the vision and mission of Canyons District with a focus on the tenets of student achievement, innovation, community engagement, customer service, and fiscal accountability will continue well into the future.”
Dr. Robins, who started 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, thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve the Canyons community. He also expressed his excitement to work with the Board of Education to continue building on the successes of the District, which is in its 11th academic year.
“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to join the Canyons School District family. This is a dream come true for me and my family. I am excited to get to know everyone in the Canyons School District community. The passion and dedication for student success is very evident,” said Dr. Robins. “Canyons District is truly a school community committed to excellence. I am grateful to the Canyons Board of Education for affording me their confidence and this amazing opportunity to serve as superintendent. I look forward to listening, learning, and leading shoulder to shoulder with so many awesome people.”
The Board of Education’s process to select a new superintendent was thorough and deliberative. Resumes and letters of interest were submitted by candidates during a Feb. 10-March 13 application window. The Board then conducted interviews with a select number of candidates and then chosen a trio of finalists. The final three were interviewed a final time, and a sub-committee of the Board conducted additional interviews with finalist supervisors and peers.
Dr. Robins becomes the fourth leader of Canyons District. In addition to Briscoe, Canyons District, founded on July 1, 2009, has been led by Dr. David Doty and Dr. Ginger Rhode.
The Board of Education plans to introduce Dr. Robins to the community in a series of open houses this summer.
