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

Long-Range Planning Committee

Major improvements are proposed for Jordan High and Eastmont Middle. The Board of Education continues to review a list of the proposed renovations and upgrades at the homes of the Beetdiggers and Patriots, as well as the funding mechanism to pay for the facility improvements. The Board also is mulling a proposal to build a fieldhouse at Corner Canyon High, plus replacing the CCHS soccer, baseball, and softball fields with turf. Turf and track improvements at Hillcrest High’s stadium also are on the docket for consideration. The Board asked Business Administrator Leon Wilcox to also bring back options to address some facility needs at Jordan Valley, CSD’s school for children with severe disabilities. Funds to complete the majority of the projects could come from lease-revenue bonds.

Elementary Planning Time Task Force

A task force formed to study elementary-teacher planning time presented information to the Board of Education. School Performance Director Alice Meridith said the 17-person Elementary Planning Time Task Force — which has representation from educators, the teacher’s association, the District administration, and principals — was created in response to feedback from teachers who asked for additional planning time so they could maximize their hours of instruction. The task force’s priorities are to increase teacher planning time, maximize instructional time, maintain professional development, and maintain Professional Learning Community time. The task force presented options, including reducing instructional time in favor of increasing daily and weekly planning time, adding administrative positions at every school, and scheduling additional remote-learning days,  to increase planning time for elementary teachers.  The Board is expected to schedule additional presentations and readings of proposals in upcoming meetings.

U.S. Department of Education Study

Canyons District is one of 16 districts across the nation to be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education to implement transition support programs during a two-year project called “Charting My Path for Future Success.” The Board on Tuesday gave approval for the District to participate in the programs, which also will be the focus of a study to obtain more data about the transition of special education students from high school into an independent life. Special Education Director Nate Edvalson said participating CSD students will be required to assent to be a part of the confidential study. To participate, he noted, students must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and be roughly two years from graduation with a regular diploma. Parents of the student also must give their consent before any student engages in the study. Goals of the study, according to CSD’s Special Education Department, are to provide evidence about whether robust self-determination instruction with family engagement can improve post-school outcomes; whether mentoring programs increase the rate of progress toward independence; and understand how and for who these approaches work and at what cost. Federal funds will pay for the initiative.

Canyons Strong Employee Recognitions

The following were recognized for their achievements:

• Jordan High’s Christian Babinski, the Utah High School Activities Association’s 4A Coach of the Year
• Corner Canyon’s Dan Lunt, the National Federation of State High School Associations’ 2022-2023 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
• Corner Canyon’s Whitney Lunt, the National Federation of State High School Associations’ 2022-2034 Cheer Coach of the Year
• Brighton’s Chris O’Donnell, the National Federation of State High School Associations’ 2022-2023 Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year
• Eastmont Middle teacher Marc Gregson, whose novel, “Sky’s End” will go on sale in January
• Ridgecrest’s Sherise Longhurst, the Outstanding Elementary Music Teacher of the Year, as named by the Utah Music Educators Association.

School Highlights

East Sandy Elementary Principal Dr. Dan Ashbridge said the school enjoys tremendous community support.  He told the Board of Education that East Sandy’s PTA tirelessly works at such events as “Grown Ups and Donuts” to make all members of the community feel welcome and included. At East Sandy, the PTA also provides a T-shirt to every student to wear on Fridays. Teachers are working hard to meet the needs of all students, including the sudden and unexpected influx of students who are learning English as a second language, Dr. Ashbridge said.

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the Nov. 28, 2023, meeting of the Board; the hire and termination report; purchasing bids; student overnight travel; November financial reports; cell tower revenue distribution model; a surplus of vacant property in Draper; and LEA-specific licenses and endorsements.

Policy Update

The Board of Education approved updates to policies governing nondiscrimination and the acceptable use of devices and network.

Utah School Boards Association Update

Board Vice President Mont Millerberg updated fellow members on items of importance with the Utah School Boards Association.

Board of Education Member Reports

Mrs. Karen Pedersen said Jordan High and Eastmont Middle communities have patiently waited for facility improvements. She reported on attending musicals and concerts, expressed thanks to school communities for undertaking acts of holiday charity, and reported on the tour she took of The Road Home family shelter in Midvale.

Mrs. Nancy Tingey reported on the tour of The Road Home, noted the donation drives being done in schools, and said she attended all five of the high school musicals.

Mr. Mont Millerberg also went on the tour of The Road Home and expressed thanks for CSD homeless-student liaison Connie Crosby and reported on attending “Into the Woods” at Hillcrest.  He commented on the growing demands placed on members of the Board and the Administration.

Mrs. Amanda Oaks commented on the number of McKinney-Vento student served in Canyons District, reported on attending the holiday concerts in CSD schools, participated in the New Elected Officials Breakfast, and mentioned the Alta vs. Corner Canyon boys basketball game.

Mr. Andrew Edtl said tonight marks a year since he’s taken office.  He is disappointed a decision was not made tonight about facility improvements at Jordan and Eastmont but looks forward to the review and possible decision in January.

Mrs. Holly Neibaur noted the professionalism of Hillcrest’s “Into the Woods,” which she said was one of the best performances of that Sondheim show she has ever seen. The Hillcrest theater program should be commended for drawing students from all across the District, she said. She thanked custodians at Corner Canyon High for cleaning the school during a recent boys basketball tournament. She also noted the quality of Corner Canyon’s musical, reported on attending the New Elected Officials Breakfast, and thanked the Board for the conversation on the proposed facility upgrades.

President Shill reported on attending Brighton High music concerts, a Bengal wrestling match, the musical “White Christmas,” and a lunch and learn with CSD teachers. She thanked the District Administration and staff for their hard work and expertise.