Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Canyons Online
Canyons District will launch an online-learning program in the coming school year. The Board of Education approved the proposal to create Canyons Online, which will provide high-quality technology-enabled academic opportunities for students in third through 12th grades. The personalized-learning program, led by newly appointed Administrator Michelle Shimmin, will provide students choice in the pace and place of their learning in a non-traditional environment. Lessons learned during the pandemic about the delivery of online instruction have informed the development of Canyons Online, which will replace the Canyons Virtual High School. Via Canyons Online, elementary- and middle school-age students will be able to move through grade-level learning as if they were attending classes in brick-and-mortar buildings. High school students can take the online classes for credit, both original and recovery, toward high school graduation. The Board’s approval allows the District to start informing the community about Canyons Online. Families will be invited to Information nights before the start of an application window. Students selected by random lottery will be invited to officially enroll in the limited-space program. Instructional Supports Director Dr. Amber Roderick-Landward told the Board that Canyons Online students also will be able to build in-person connections at their neighborhood schools. Elementary-age students could participate in before- and after-school music programs, science fair, and debate. Middle schoolers enrolled in online program could take electives at the local school, plus compete in science fairs and debate. High school students could dual enroll so they can have full access to programs. The vast majority of the 2021-2022 program for the coming year, including teachers, counselors and support staff, as well as curriculum, professional development and technology, will be paid for with federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds.
Curriculum Adoption
The Board of Education is considering the adoption of Arizona State University Prep Digital and Edmentum for Canyons Online. The Board also is considering School Connect, a social-emotional learning curriculum for high schools.
Strategic Vision, Mission and Plan Consulting Services
The Board of Education hired consulting firm Education Elements to assist the Board of Education and Administration to create and implement at strategic vision and mission plan.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, which includes the approval of minutes of the meeting on March 16, 2021; purchasing bids; student overnight travel; and hire and termination reports.
Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports
Dr. Robins reminded the community that Canyons schools will continue to follow the state health order requiring the use of masks in schools even after the statewide mask mandate is lifted for most public places on April 10. He asked parents to remain vigilant in adherence to COVID-19-related safety protocols. For Test to Stay events, he said, the outbreak threshold has been raised to 2 percent for schools with 1,500 or more students and 30 cases for schools with fewer than 1,500 students. This was changed to align with SB107. He also said health officials may ask schools to hold vaccination clinics for 16- to 18-year-olds if doses are made available.
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox noted the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Peruvian Park and Glacier Hills elementary schools. Peruvian Park and Edgemont will be moving temporarily into the old Crescent View Middle building while the new schools are being built, he said. The schools will be moving in after Spring Recess.
Board Member Reports
Mrs. Holly Neibaur reported on visiting schools with Dr. Robins. She expressed thanks to the District faculty and staff for their dedication and hard work.
Mr. Steve Wrigley thanked staff for the groundbreaking events and the prospect of the social-emotional learning curriculum.
Mrs. Amanda Oaks lauded CSD administrators and their use of data to guide instruction, noted the process to select consultants for the strategic plans, and the groundbreaking events for the new schools. She updated the Board on the progress made on development plans for the land where the Utah State Prison now stands.
Mr. Mont Millerberg reported on a visit to the new Hillcrest High and a math program overseen by a parent at an elementary school.
Mrs. Nancy Tingey said it was heartening to make proactive plans for the coming year instead of reacting to the issues related to the pandemic. She thanked the Board and the Administration for approaching their jobs and duties with dedication and professionalism.