Note: Recordings and documents for agenda items can be accessed via BoardDocs by clicking on the corresponding agenda items.
Communications Plan for Bond Election
Communications Director Jeff Haney briefed the Board on a plan to inform Canyons District voters about Canyons District’s proposed $283 million school improvement bond up for a vote in the Nov. 7 general election. The informational push takes advantage of many standing community events planned throughout the District in the months of September and October. Patrons can find information at bond.canyonsdistrict.org.
Progress Report: Board Vision and Mission
CSD’s Research and Assessment Director Hal Sanderson updated the Board on progress toward achieving academic goals set out as part of new vision and mission statements for the District. Canyons District’s schools and students are outperforming their peers in neighboring school districts and are incrementally making progress in reaching the achievement goals established by the Board. In some areas, however, progress is so pronounced that the Board discussed possibly raising the bar even higher. Sanderson stressed the importance of focusing on trends as opposed to small one-year dips or spikes in performance. The Board will review operational goals at a future meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance, Reverence
A troop of Cub Scouts who attend Ridgecrest Elementary led the Board and audience in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Ridgecrest Principal Julie Winfree delivered the reverence. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, said Winfree, because on Friday, Sept 8, Ridgecrest celebrates its 50th anniversary. At 50 years of age, the school is 631 students strong with a robust PTA and SCC. Among its special programs, the school boasts a Mandarin Chinese-English Dual-Language Immersion program, a jump rope team, chess club, and the Ridgecrest Marathon Runners. Principal Winfree invited the Board to the school’s birthday celebration, which kicks off at 5 p.m. with games, food trucks, birthday cake and a reveal of the school’s new logo.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the Aug. 22 meeting of the Board of Education; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; and student overnight travel plans.
Patron Comments
Leslie Johnson, a parent of a Jordan High student spoke in favor of a request on the consent agenda to move a Jordan High sporting event from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16.
Kellie Simmons believes there’s broad support for the proposed 2017 school improvement bond, but voiced concern about rumors circulating about some of the projects.
Canyons Education Association President Erika Bradshaw introduced several of her colleagues who, as a group, stood to thank the Board for their support. “Our working environment is our students’ learning environment, so we appreciate your willingness to hear our voices and support teachers,” she said.
Board Recognitions
The Board recognized two groups of student athletes and the Canyons District Transportation team.
– Brighton High tennis champion Redd Owen: Redd Owen is an example of the power of perseverance. He lost his first set at the 5A boys tennis state tournament in May, but the Brighton freshman turned it around, took the second set, and then just kept going. He pulled off 11 straight wins and found himself in the championship match against a formidable opponent from Lone Peak. Owen didn’t hesitate he kept his rival scrambling on the court until he sealed his fate. Owen won 6-3, 6-4.
– Corner Canyon’s championship girls golf team: The success of Corner Canyon’s girls golf team continues to rise as it claimed a second title as 4A state champions at a tournament in May. The Chargers made their school proud by capturing its second state title in the school’s 4-year history with a winning score of 658, beating their competition, rival Alta, by 17 points.
– CSD’s Transportation Department: Canyons’ Transportation Department has a gold-standard when it comes to safety. After an extensive check, the Utah Highway Patrol gave Canyons’ 164 buses a Safety Gold Medal once hazard lights, windshield wipers, defrosters, headlights and exit doors were found to be working properly. The accomplishment is no small feat as Transportation technicians are tasked with maintaining the fleet and making sure that bus brake-pads, tire treads, coolant lines and exhaust pipes to name a few are in tip top shape.
Approval of CAB-West property sale
The Board of Education unanimously approved the sale of District property at 9150 S. 500 West. The property was listed on the open market. The highest offer received was from Synergy Development, located in Park City, for $9.6 million. Synergy has a 120-day due diligence period prior to closure, which could occur as soon as December. Under the purchase agreement, CSD may rent the building and maintenance compound for up to 18 months, if need be. The administration is reviewing cost-neutral options to relocate the CSD departments housed at CAB-West. Synergy plans to work with Sandy City in constructing a industrial complex. Depending on the scope, the project could generate up to $500,000 in ongoing property tax revenue for CSD. Up to 700 jobs could be created.
A Farewell
Board Chairman Sherril Taylor recognized Makayla Hopkins who is leaving her intern post in CSD’s External Affairs Department to pursue a college degree at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He wished her well with her future endeavors and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
Superintendent and Business Administrator Reports
Superintendent Dr. Jim Briscoe remarked on the passing of Hillcrest Coach Cazzie Brown and said it was gratifying seeing students from throughout the valley come together to celebrate Coach Brown’s contributions and life. The students really drove the remembrance events, he said, which is a testament to their spirit and the lasting influence of Coach Brown. Dr. Briscoe commended the Board for establishing high standards for theDistrict and for holding schools accountable for attaining them. In closing, he remarked how excited he is to see the enthusiasm at CSD’s back-to-school events. He also spoke to dispel rumors about the 2017 school improvement bond, stressing there are no plans to build a swimming pool at any of CSD’s high schools.
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox said the 2017 bond proposal was warmly received by the Sandy City Council. He and Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards presented information earlier in the night to the City Council.
Board Reports
Board President Sherril Taylor voiced appreciation for Coach Cazzie Brown and his enduring legacy. Even though he was with us for a short time, he left a huge impact, Taylor said. He also thanked teachers and administrators for a near-flawless start to the school year, which doesn’t happen by accident. Finally, he thanked administrators and Board members for all they do to support CSD’s schools and youth within the District.
Mrs. Nancy Tingey expressed condolences to Coach Cazzie Brown’s family. She attended back-to-school events at Park Lane and Brookwood and couldn’t help but imagine how much learning and development will take place by the end of the school year. She also participated in Kindergarten College-Ready Day at Brookwood to see the Class of 2030 take the college-ready pledge.
Amber Shill said she was able to attend the red-carpet back-to-school events at Butler Elementary and Butler Middle schools. She remarked on how Butler’s new Principal Jeff Nalwalker already knew many of the students, because he spent the summer hosting open houses where kids could come get popsicles and eyeglasses for safely enjoying the solar eclipse. As the Finance Committee Chair for the Utah High School Activities Association, she encouraged patrons to check the UHSAA website for information on budget hearings and meeting minutes. She also was elected to serve on the Realignment Committee. She concluded that her heart goes out to Cazzie Brown’s family and the Hillcrest community.
Clareen Arnold thanked the administration, schools and parents for making the first day of school positive and inspiring, remarking on all the preparation that goes into CSD’s red-carpet welcomes and Kindergarten College-Readiness Day.
Chad Iverson said he’s been able to attend a few soccer matches and cross country meets. He thanked coaches for the huge impact they have on young people, specifically mentioning the far-reaching influence of Coach Cazzie Brown. He thanked the administration for taking time to update the Board on academic measures and emphasized the importance of ACT scores as an indicator of college- and career-readiness. Colleges and universities don’t ask for SAGE scores on college applications, they ask about the ACT. He urges Utah lawmakers and the Utah State Board of Education to reevaluate SAGE.
Mont Millerberg also remarked on feeling a spirit of excitement within the District and said he’s eager to see momentum continue with the proposed bond measure. Underscoring the need for the bond, he said, are the unbearably high temperatures in the classrooms at Union Middle and Midvalley Elementary. He attended the first day of kindergarten at East Midvale and Midvale elementary schools, which he said, is more fun than it should be. He concluded by expressing condolences to Coach Cazzie Brown’s family, noting that his loss was a big blow to the community.
Steve Wrigley said he appreciated being able to spend time at White City Days sharing information about the proposed 2017 school-improvement bond. He had a chance to celebrate the new buddy bench at Willow Canyon Elementary. He also attended Coach Brown’s celebration of life at Hillcrest High, and noted the profound influence he had.
