In her final meeting as Canyons District’s Interim Superintendent and the last public meeting of her stellar 35-year career Dr. Ginger Rhode gave a “huge thanks” to students, teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers for their hard work in launching the first new school district to be created in Utah in nearly a century.
“What a true privilege it’s been to work with all of you,” Dr. Rhode told members of the Board of Education and the staff in the final minutes of the Tuesday, June 10, 2014 board meeting. “It’s been wonderful to work with all of you … you’re the most wonderful people that I could ever hope to meet.”
Dr. Rhode, who was one of the first employees hired by the District, served as the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer from 2008 to 2013. Her final year in public education she plans to retire June 30, 2014 has been spent as the top leader of the 34,000-student District.
Canyons teachers and staff, Dr. Rhode said, “have exceeded expectations by such a long shot. I am so proud of what they have accomplished.” In the past year, CSD implemented districtwide grade reconfiguration and boundary changes in addition to opening three new schools and starting such initiatives as the new Elementary Report Card and middle school schedule. Under Dr. Rhode’s guidance, CSD also has put into place the state’s first-ever college- and career-ready high school diplomas.
Dr. Rhode also thanked the members of the Board of Education for putting their trust in her to oversee the District throughout the year. “Thank you all for everything that you’ve done,” she said. “I really appreciate it.”
To mark her last meeting, the Board of Education entered a statement of appreciation into the official record and presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Earlier this month the Board hosted a retirement Open House for Dr. Rhode. At the event, they presented her with a crystal award for her dedicated service.
“Dr. Rhode, thank you for bringing your wealth of experience, your depth of knowledge, and your expansive compassion to a community that desired more from its public school system,” said Board President Sherril Taylor. “The practices that have been implemented under your leadership are poised to bring even more increases in student achievement.
“Your dedication to Canyons District was even more evident when without hesitation you accepted the responsibility of serving as the Interim Superintendent. Your work in this capacity has been exemplary. While you will be missed, your presence will be with us as the people and programs you have influenced carry forward the mission of Canyons District.”
