Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.

Proposed Bond Resolution 

The Board of Education discussed the potential issuance of bonds for up to $75 million. Canyons patrons in November voted on a proposal that, in effect, gives the District approval to bond to up to $283 million for new-school construction and building renovations. A proposed bond resolution states the term of the bond payments would be 21 years at a maximum annual interest rate of 5 percent. The Board took the proposal under advisement.  The resolution is scheduled to be considered for approval on Sept. 4. 

Major Improvement Projects

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox presented information about the current and upcoming major construction and renovation projects in Canyons School District. The Board of Education has approved construction bids related to the Alta, Brighton and Hillcrest projects, which were all promised to the public at passage of the 2017 $283 million bond.  Between October and December, the Board will be asked to review bid packages for additional classrooms at Corner Canyon High; an addition to Canyons Administration Building-East; and additional work at Alta, Brighton and Hillcrest high schools. In the spring, the Board is expected to review bid packages for the rebuild at Midvalley Elementary. 

Draper CEA

The Board of Education approved a proposed interlocal tax-increment agreement between the Canyons District and the Draper City RDA for a development inside the South Mountain Community Reinvestment Project Area.

Special Education Update

Canyons District’s Special Education Director Misty Suarez updated the Board on the programs provided to students who qualify for special-education services. Suarez discussed staffing and recruiting, new initiatives, and the change in location for some intensive programs.

New Administrators

The Board of Education met this year’s new administrators. They welcomed Amy Boettger, Principal at Diamond Ridge and Entrada; Mark Mataya, Assistant Principal of Diamond Ridge and Entrada; David Briggs, Special Education Administrator; Colleen Smith, Program Manager in Responsive Services; Beverly Herrmann, Program Administrator at Student Advocacy and Access;  Transportation Director Jeremy Wardle; Sara Allen, the new Assistant Principal at Butler Middle; Ashley McKinney, Assistant Principal at Midvale Elementary;  Matt Nelson, Principal at East Midvale Elementary; Scott Jameson, Principal at Alta View Elementary; and Lori Reynolds, Principal at Sprucewood Elementary. 

Pledge, Reverence

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by School Performance Director Joanne Ackerman.  Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards delivered the Reverence.

Recognitions

The following students, faculty and staff were recognized for their achievements:

• Redd Owen, Brighton High student, 5A state champion, first-singles boys tennis
• Brighton High Boys Tennis Team, 5A state champions
• Mary Hardy, Lone Peak Head Secretary, Think Safe Award

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the consent agenda, including the minutes from the Aug. 7, 2018 meeting of the Canyons Board of Education; hiring and termination reports, purchasing bids; student overnight travel requests; July financial reports; and a letter of support for a Midvale community pool. 

Policy Update

With an affirmative vote, the Board complied with a state law requiring updates to policies governing bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and retaliation to include abusive conduct.  The policy needed to be updated by Sept. 1. 

Patron Comments

Parent Julie Cluff told the Board she’s concerned about the length of time her children on the bus. She also expressed concern about the District’s special education services, including ensuring schools are appropriately placing special-education students in a “least restrictive environment,” according to federal law. 

Reports by Superintendent, Business Administrator

Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe expressed sadness at the passing of a Hillcrest student and the long-term illness of another. He also asked the communities at Alta, Brighton and Hillcrest to be patient with the available parking spaces, which have been reduced with construction on the new buildings. He attended the groundbreaking of Brighton High and the ribbon-cutting at Indian Hills Middle.  He’s excited about the first day of school, and will be traveling the District visiting students, teachers and staff. 

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox thanked the Facilities Department for working hard on the summer projects.  He also reported on the full roster of bus drivers that have been hired for the school year. Bus drivers recently were given an increase in salary in an effort to attract and retain bus drivers. 

Board of Education Reports

Mr. Mont Millerberg reported on attending the Brighton High groundbreaking and the Indian Hills Middle ribbon-cutting event. The updated schools give teachers the ability to enhance instruction and prepare students for college and careers. He said he participated in the Harvest Days Parade in a CSD bus.  He represented the District and the Canyons Education Foundation at the Cottonwood Heights golf tournament. He recognized Hillcrest Principal Greg Leavitt for personally conducting a tour of the school with alumni and discussing the plans for the future. He also mentioned the Letter of Support the Board approved for a Midvale community pool. 

Mrs. Amber Shill reported on attending Cottonwood Heights’ annual luncheon for the Teachers of the Year from city-area schools.  She noted the excitement surrounding the construction of a new Brighton. Mrs. Shill also noted that support from the community was evident at the groundbreaking event.  She is excited for the first day of school.

Mr. Chad Iverson noted the energy at the Indian Hills Middle ribbon-cutting. He attended sporting events where CSD student-athletes competed.  He wished the CSD community a safe start to school. 

Mrs. Clareen Arnold recognized the special energy surrounding the red carpet welcome events on the first day of school.  She attended the ribbon-cutting event at Indian Hills and the groundbreaking at Brighton High. 

Mrs. Nancy Tingey expressed appreciation for the traditions of holding groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for our projects. She also attended the Tools for Schools donation-drive that benefitted children in nine school districts.  She thanked the staff and administration for striving to be leaders in important issues. 

President Sherril Taylor spoke about the excitement surrounding the ribbon-cutting for Indian Hills Middle.  He says he judged the success of the Back-to-School Night by looking at the faces of the kids at the event. The students looked so excited. He also thanked the administration for holding professional development classes to help teachers as they prepare for the school year.  In addition, he lauded the people in the social-emotional support systems that CSD has in place to aid ailing or distressed families and students.