Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Brighton High Marching Band
The Board of Education approved a proposal by the Brighton Bengals to start a marching band an idea that is supported by 99 percent of Brighton parents. Brighton High is experiencing a uptick in participation in instrumental music, and Principal Tom Sherwood said the community has responded positively to the performances of the school band at recent public events. To aid in the launch of the new marching band, the Board approved an investment of $296,000 to purchase and maintain instruments, uniforms, and equipment. The band is expected to begin in the 2020-2021 school year. Brighton will join the Alta as the only two schools in Canyons with marching bands.
The New Canyons District Office
Crews are expected to complete work at the new Canyons District Office by the end of October, Business Administrator Leon Wilcox said. The construction of the addition at the District Office at 9361 S. 300 East was funded primarily by the sale of land and a District-owned facility at 9150 S. 500 West. When complete, all but two of Canyons District’s administrative departments Facilities Services and Transportation will be housed at one centrally located campus. Wilcox said carpet is now being installed in the new wing, and the security and fire systems have passed inspection. Work on the parking lot improvements have already started and will continue for the next few months. Patrons and employees will be informed about the opening of the new building through a series of mailers and newsletters. The Office of Public Communications is designing new maps of the new Canyons District Office and also will plan an Open House of the new offices on Oct. 31. As children trick-or-treat, the public and employees can tour the building. Other tours for the Board and school administrators also will be held.
Brain Booster Update
A survey of Canyons elementary school principals indicates strong support of the Brain Booster program, which provides for technology, physical education or art instruction while classroom teachers plan and collaborate. On average, CSD elementary schools allocate 20 hours to the Brain Boosters. In the survey, principals said media technicians were not allocated enough hours to do both their day-to-day tasks and Brain Booster instruction, and also suggested that salaries for all Brain Booster positions be increased to keep and attract qualified employees. In addition, survey results indicated a need for Brain Booster-teacher training in student-behavior management. School Performance Directors McKay Robinson and Alice Peck will review each schools’ use of the Brain Booster employee hours, address the media technician workload concern, and continue conversations with Beverley Taylor Sorensen arts specialists regarding workload and how to promote more collaboration with classroom teachers.
District Calendar Update
Office of Planning and Enrollment Director Dr. Floyd Stensrud provided an update to the Board about the 2020-2021 school year calendar and the tentative 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school year calendars. In addition, he said, Presidents Day is the preferred day of teachers for a make-up day in the event of a Snow Day in future years, according to a survey of certificated CSD employees.The second most-popular option is the day after the last scheduled day of the school year, according to the survey. Respondents also suggested having late-start days instead of Snow Days, holding school electronically, or building a Snow Day into the calendar that, if not used, could be a teacher-preparation day. The Board also discussed leaving the policy as is with Presidents Day as the No. 1 option as a make-up day with the understanding that an emergency meeting could be held if the Snow Day happens close to or after Presidents Day.
Student Advisory Council
The Board of Education empaneled the 2019-2020 Student Advisory Council, made up of representatives from all five of Canyons’ traditional high schools. This is the seventh group organized to advise the Board of Education on proposals that would affect students. The formation of the group also creates a formal link students can access if they have concerns about policies or practices of the schools. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bob Dowdle meets regularly with the council to discuss education-related issues and provide leadership training.
Recognitions
The following students, faculty and staff were recognized by the Board of Education for their achievements:
- Butler Elementary Principal Jeff Nalwalker and students Aggy Deagle, Liv Deagle, Evelyn Fisher, Annabelle Cheney for encouraging the District to adopt more eco-friendly lunch trays.
- Entrada High School’s Stephanie Nicolaides, who was named 2019 Adult Education Educator of the Year by the Utah Association for Adult, Community and Continuing Education.
- Mike Sirois, School Performance Director and a founding administrator of Canyons District, for his years of service. Sirois is retiring this week.
Long-Range Planning, Meeting Schedule
President Nancy Tingey and Board members Chad Iverson and Mont Millerberg updated the Board on the progress of the District’s Long Range Planning Committee. In particular, the Board discussed the size, acreage, enrollment and condition of White City-area schools Bell View and Edgemont. The public was promised a new White City-area elementary school at the November 2017 passage of a $283 million bond. The Board also discussed Dr. Briscoe’s proposal to hold a Tuesday, Nov. 19 study session to review teacher and parent feedback on a pilot program of Mastery Connect, a software the CSD Instructional Supports Department would like to use to facilitate a standards-based gradebook for elementary schools. In addition, the Board will adjust the Board’s meeting schedule to accommodate a roundtable discussion on Aug. 4, 2020 instead of June 23, 2020.
Consent Agenda
The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, which includes hire and termination reports; student overnight travel requests; an interlocal agreement with Sandy City for school resource officers; and a TSSP amendment for Peruvian Park Elementary.
Pledge of Allegiance, Inspirational thought
The American and the state flags were posted by students at Bella Vista Elementary. Principal Sandra Dahl-Houlihan thanked the Board for the opportunity serve as the instructional leader at the Cottonwood Heights-area school. At Bella Vista, she said, every Tuesday is “Tiger Tuesday,” a time set aside to recognize students for positive behavior. Dahl-Houlihan reports that 14 percent of Bella Vista Tigers receive special education services. Twenty-six percent are low income and 10 percent are English Language Learners, she said. The school also has three preschool classes, two ABS units, and an Supplemental Hours of Kindergarten Instruction class. Dahl-Houlihan said the school enjoys a tremendous amount of community and parent support.
New Housing Complex Issue
The Board of Education continues to review a proposal to include a 120-unit apartment complex at Highland Drive and Traverse Ridge in Draper Elementary’s boundaries. The Board asked the Administration to follow applicable state law regarding public notification.
Policy Updates
The Board approved changes to policies governing fiscal accountability and school fundraisers and the solicitation of schools by vendors. The Board continues to review policies regarding the acceptable use of technology at school, including personal electronic devices.
Superintendent, Business Administrator Report
For National Custodian Day, Superintendent Dr. Briscoe thanked custodial and maintenance employees for all of their efforts. He also lauded the additional staff and Board member work that has been done on various Canyons District committees.
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox said all 24 classrooms in the new wing at Corner Canyon are open and being used by students and teachers. The portables at the school will soon be removed. The first phase of Draper Elementary’s parking lot is complete, he said. The next phase will be undertaken in the summer. Wilcox also thanked teachers for their efforts during Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Board of Education Reports
Mr. Mont Millerberg said he was touched at the letters of appreciation sent to the Board by several winners of the 2019 Apex Awards. He congratulated Brighton High on its successful proposal to start a marching band, and wished teachers and students good luck as they begin the program. He also thanked the Butler Elementary students who asked CSD to consider using eco-friendly lunchroom trays in Canyons schools.
Mrs. Amanda Oaks said she enjoyed attending the 10th annual golf tournament of the Canyons Education Foundation. She said she visited the District’s Costume Warehouse, and expressed appreciation to teachers for their work during Parent-Teacher Conferences. She noted the positive impacts of the completion of the Corner Canyon classroom wing and the parking lot at Draper Elementary.
Mr. Steve Wrigley expressed appreciation to his fellow Board members. He said his service on the Board adds to his life in a positive way.
Mrs. Clareen Arnold remarked on the meetings that have been held to discuss various initiatives, including CTESS. She lauded teachers for their work during Parent-Teacher Conferences, and expressed appreciation for Canyons custodians.
Mr. Chad Iverson attended football games and cross country meets and asked President Tingey for a future discussion among Board members about coach and adviser compensation.
President Tingey thanked District specialists for updating the Board on important issues and noted the start of School Community Council training meetings. The aim is to provide training for every SCC member in Canyons District.
