The Canyons Board of Education voted unanimously to approve high school boundary adjustments aimed at balancing enrollments at all Canyons District high schools, slowing future growth at Hillcrest and Corner Canyon High Schools while minimizing disruptions to students and families and maintaining as many academic programs at each high school as possible.
The Board’s action on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 followed a yearlong study by a Facilities Committee, which was made up of parents and principals from all parts of Canyons District and assembled to give recommendations to the Board on short- and long-term school facility needs districtwide. The Board approved four of the five Facility Committee recommendations in its vote.
The new boundaries will take effect at the outset of the 2017-2018 school year and affect incoming freshmen. The timing is aimed at giving students, families and schools sufficient time to prepare. The new boundaries include the following:
– Moving a section of the District, which is roughly the area west of State Street, north of 9000 South and south of 8400 South, into the Jordan High boundary;
– Moving an area, which is south of 11400 South, west of Lone Peak Parkway and north of 12300 South, into the Alta High boundary, and;
– Moving the area roughly the area south of 12300 South, north of 14600 South and west of I-15 into the Alta High boundary.
The Board will grant an allowance for students living in the areas mentioned in the proposed boundary changes. Those students would be able to stay at the school where they are currently enrolled, and their younger siblings, who would be entering the ninth grade, would be allowed waivers to attend the same high school as their older brother or sister.
The Board has taken public comments on the proposal since it was presented to the Board Oct. 6, 2015. The vote occurred following the Board’s third reading and public discussion of the proposal.
Board of Education Second Vice President Nancy Tingey said the action is fiscally responsible and provides a viable avenue for future growth in the southern area of the District. Corner Canyon High, like many Utah high schools, currently has portable classrooms to accommodate students. The Board did not entertain changes to portables or the building as part of its discussion or vote.