On a brisk, clear day on Nov. 6, 2007, residents in the southeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley headed to the polls to vote in an election unlike any other. On that day, their votes made history. For the first time in Utah in nearly 100 years, a new school district was on its way and Canyons District has been making history ever since.
Canyons District began independent operations on July 1, 2009, and we have kept the revolutionary vision of those voters at the center of all we do. With a laser-like focus on helping every one of our students become college- and career-ready, the District has been breaking barriers and raising the bar.
As administrators, teachers, and employees of the District, we understand the success of our students begins with our own responsibility to strive for a similar rigor in our administrative operations as in our academic programs. In addition to receiving awards for budget excellence in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the District successfully campaigned for a $250 million bond to build and renovate schools. As a result of our sterling financial track record, Canyons District has received the highest possible bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service. We also actively involve members of the community with volunteer programs, and partner with civic and business leaders to elevate our students’ educational experience.
The symbols of Canyons District are three majestic peaks that rise above our namesake. Yes, the peaks represent the magnificence of the mountains that stand tall above our schools, athletic fields and playgrounds, but they also represent the obstacles that may face us, and our students, and our resolve to rise above them. Here, we present an overview of Canyons’ accomplishments, with an invitation to engage with us on our continued exciting journey to new heights in education.
2009
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2010
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![]() – Voters approve $250 million bond referendum to start addressing District building needs. |
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– Canyons becomes Utah’s first school district to approve ACT EXPLORE, PLAN and college-entrance tests for all eighth-, 10th- and 11th-grade students, respectively. |
2011
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– Moody’s Investors Service assigns Canyons the highest possible underlying bond rating of Aaa at the District’s first bond issuance. | – Renovation begins on Albion Middle School, funded by bond. |
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2012
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– Canyons breaks ground on Crescent View Middle School, rebuilt in Draper and renamed Draper Park Middle School. |
2013
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– New School Boundaries adjusted districtwide to accommodate grade reconfiguration (a result of fewer elementary students and more high school students) and future school enrollment and capacity. | ![]() |
– Butler Middle School opens | ![]() |
– Hillcrest High new wing opens | – Brighton High Bengal Building opens |
– National Sunshine Review Gives CSD a Sunny Award for having one of the most transparent government websites in the nation | – Board names Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ginger Rhode as Interim Superintendent |
2014
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– Record 5 students earn perfect ACT scores |
– 15 National and state honors for outstanding educators, leaders | – I-CANyons standards-based report card implemented in all elementary schools |
– AAA Bond Ratings provided by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings agencies | ![]() |
– Construction begins on dedicated Brighton High soccer field, adjacent to Butler Middle | ![]() |