Board Summary, Feb. 18, 2025

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

Administrative Appointments

Seven administrative appointments were approved by the Canyons Board of Education. The appointments included Reid Newey, a veteran administrator with expertise in Career and Technical Education and a senior fellow at Utah State University’s School of the Future, as the director of CSD’s new Innovation Center. The center will be located at the former regional headquarters of eBay in Draper and will be open to all CSD high school students. The focus of the center will be to prepare students for the fast-evolving 21^st century workplace. Currently the Director of Syracuse Arts Academy, a public charter school with three campuses in Davis County, Newey has 35 years of experience in public education. He served as the Career and Technical Education Director, Director of Secondary Schools, and Assistant Superintendent for Weber School District. As Superintendent of Davis School District from 2016 to 2022, he led the development of the Catalyst Center, a state-of-the-art career and technical education facility. His appointment was approved 5-1 as part of the Consent Agenda. Vice President Amanda Oaks and members Holly Neibaur, Katie Dahle, Jackson Lewis, and Karen Pedersen voted to appoint Newey to the post. Vice President Andrew Edtl voted against the appointment. Board member remarks about the hiring process for the administrator at the Innovation Center can be accessed on BoardDocs.

Effective with the start of the 2025-2026 contract year, are two internal hires:

• Ashley Lennox, assistant principal at Sprucewood Elementary, will be promoted to Sprucewood’s Principal. She is replacing Cathy Schino, who is retiring at the end of the school year. 

• Kimberly Ranney, an assistant principal at Crescent Elementary, will be promoted to Principal at Oak Hollow Elementary. She replaces Julie Mootz, who is also retiring at the end of the school year. 

Also approved for 2025-2026 were the following Assistant Principal hires. Each appointee’s school-specific assignment will be decided at future Board meetings as the Board weighs additional recommendations for administrative hires.

• Amber Tuckett, currently an assistant principal at Draper Park Middle
• Mike Larsen, currently the Dean of Students at Maple Mountain High School
• Anna Livingston, a second-grade teacher and multi-lingual lead at Westvale Elementary in Jordan School District
• Sarah Thomas, an assistant principal at West High School in Salt Lake District

Board Statement on HB267

The Board of Education issued the following statement following the completion of the legislative process for HB267, which culminated with the signature of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “Last Friday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB267, titled “Public Sector Union Amendments,” which eliminates collective bargaining for public employees. We recognize this bill may have created uncertainty for civil and public servants, including our teachers, Education Support Professionals, and administrators. We want this much to be clear: As stated in CSD’s Strategic Plan, the Canyons Board of Education and Administration remain committed to providing ‘the necessary support for all employees to be successful in their roles.’ Please know the new legislation does not diminish our commitment to and support of our employees. We truly appreciate and value the great work our employees do daily to build up the next generation. Throughout the years, Canyons employes have proven their dedication to providing our students a world-class education in clean, welcoming and prepared learning environments. Together, we can continue to foster a culture of trust and collaboration as we work in this noble endeavor of ensuring that every child in our community is college- and career-ready when they graduate from high school.”

Bond Refinancing

A refinancing plan for general-obligation bonds issued as part of the voter-approved 2010 bond is expected to save Canyons an estimated $850,000 in taxpayer funds. The Board will consider a resolution to approve the “refunding” of some $25 million in March. The action would reduce the repayment timeframe and would retire the bonds in 2031 rather than in 2033, according to the plan. Refunding will allow more greater financial flexibility beginning in 2032. If approved by the Board of Education in March, then CSD would meet with bond rating agencies in April. The refunded bonds would go out for sale in mid-May and close on June 10, said Business Administrator Leon Wilcox. 

 SHARP Survey

Canyons collected more than 5,000 parent-approval forms for students to participate in the 2025 SHARP survey, which asks participating students about school climate, substance use, physical health, safety, and healthy lifestyles and wellness, among other topics. Only students whose parent give consent take the online and confidential survey in CSD schools, said Dr. Brian McGill, Director of CSD’s Student Wellness Services. Data from the SHARP surveys, which are given every other year to students in sixth, eighth, 10^th and 12^th grades, can inform health and wellness programs and policies. Results from SHARP indicate that substance abuse is down overall and below the state average among CSD students. Students participating in SHARP surveys say they enjoy being a part of their school community and feel safe while at school. McGill also noted CSD’s lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation compared to peers in other districts. Thus far this year, all CSD high schools have administered the survey. All but four middle schools are completed. Draper Park, Indian Hills, Mount Jordan and Midvale middle schools will administer the surveys soon, he said. Canyons receives some $10 million from grant applications using data from the SHARP survey. The grants target such issues as gang prevention, mental health supports, and suicide prevention

First Credential Presentation

Dr. Rich Nye, the education adviser to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, presented information about a HB260, which would create Utah’s First Credential Master Plan. The aim, Dr. Nye said, is to align what students are learning with the needs of the workforce. The legislation, if approved, would give funding to school districts that develop and expand clear educational pathways. It also would provide supports to students as they seek and obtain industry-recognized credentials, which would serve as direct and immediate pathways to high-skill, high-paying jobs. The bill calls for the establishment of an oversight committee that is made up of officials in industry, education, and vocational-training efforts. Scholarships also would be provided to the students pursuing a first credential certification through such pathways as concurrent enrollment, industry training, apprenticeships, technical college certificates, or Career and Technical Education Pathway programs. If the plan is realized, the credentials would be transferrable to Utah colleges and universities. Dr. Nye noted the bill would require collaboration between public education, higher education, and industry leaders. HB260 is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the intent of aligning educational programs more closely with workforce needs and providing students with valuable career credentials.

Legislative Update

External Relations Director Charlie Evans and Public Engagement Coordinator Susan Edwards presented information on the education-related bills being discussed on Capitol Hill during the 2025 General Session of the Utah Legislature. Changes and substitutions are being made to such bills as the legislation requiring bullet-resistant film on school-building windows. Legislators also are mulling a bill that would make it so all CSD middle school students who live within 2 miles would not qualify for busing unless they applied for and received a space-available permit. The legislature also is thinking about banning cell phones in schools, as well as changes to the high school civics-studies courses. A daily email focusing on the advancement of education-related bills is produced each weekday by the Canyons’ legislative team. The community is invited to subscribe to the Canyons’ bill tracker, sent by the RSS feed from the CSD website.

Proposed Fee Schedule

A fee schedule for the coming school year is being considered by the Board of Education.  According to the proposed schedule, the proposed maximum aggregate amount for high school fees would increase to $6,000 from $5,000. Middle school aggregate will remain at $500, said Danny Davis, CSD’s Accounting Director. Plans to inform the community include posting on school website and sending to parents for their review. During this public comment period, CSD welcomes input from families. Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, general fees may no longer be charged in Utah schools. CSD usually collects about $950,000 per year in registration fees. While state lawmakers appropriated $35 million to be distributed to districts in 2026, 2027 and 2028 to help defray budget shortfalls due to the elimination of fees, CSD will likely be given much less than what has been historically received in registration fees. Canyons may be distributed $850,000, $500,000, and $350,000 over the three-year period. Utah law also requires each district to have a path to graduation where a student can graduate without needed to pay fees, starting in the school year 2026-2027. The law also prohibits LEAs from charging fees in core classes. The bill still allows charging for field trips, instructional equipment, school activity clothing, and discretionary projects in these core classes. A second reading on the proposed fee schedule will be March 4. A third reading may be March 18.

Policy Update

The Board is considering updates to policies governing Board governance, fiscal accountability, school access, membership on the Small Capital Facilities Committee, and military leave or a military stipend.

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes for the Feb. 4, 2025 meeting; hire and termination reports; student overnight travel requests; January financial reports; and administrative appointments, including the first-ever Canyons Innovation Center Director. 

School Highlights

The Eastmont Patriots are having a banner year, says Principal Stacy Kurtzhals. The middle school earlier this year was designated as a National AVID Demonstration School, she said, and school officials from across the country are reaching out to Eastmont for input and guidance on how to implement the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, which aims to close opportunity gaps and improve college and career readiness. Kurtzhals also noted that Eastmont is a bronze-level STEM school for Utah. In the arts, Eastmont band, choir, and orchestra earn top rankings at adjudicated competitions. Art students also excelled at the recent CSD “ArtsFest.” The principal also noted the achievements of Eastmont special education students and multi-language learners. The $13.9 million renovation project at Eastmont Middle is appreciated by the community, Kurtzhals said.

Canyons Strong Recognitions

The following were recognized for their achievements:

• Corner Canyon Chargers Kaydon Williams and Leimana Fager and Hillcrest Husky Moroni Mahe, for winning 5A and 6A boys wrestling championships.
• Corner Canyon Chargers Piper Eller, Olivia Byington, Meleana Fager and Clarion Fager, for winning 6A girls wrestling championships. Hillcrest’s Eliza, Eva and Katie Zimmerman all won 5A state championships. The titles won by Eliza and Eva were their third consecutive. Jordan High Beetdigger Abbey West also won a 4A state championship, capping her prep career with 30 wins and just five losses.
• Alta High cheer squad, for repeating as the champions in the Varsity Show Intermediate Super category at the USA Spirit Nationals in Anaheim, Calif.
• Andy Markus, the Assistant Facilities Manager at Draper Park Middle, is one of the top five finalists for the National ESP of the Year Award. He advanced to national consideration after winning the top state ESP award.
• CSD Library Specialist Gretchen Zaitzeff, for winning the “Book Hero Award” from Operation Literacy. She’ll officially receive the award at StoryCon in Salt Lake City.
• Canyons School Resource Officers in honor of National SRO Appreciation Day.

Patron Comment

The following patron addressed the Board during Patron Comment. Recordings of the patron’s remarks can be accessed on BoardDocs.

• Krista Pippin
• Katie Nelson
• Erika Bradshaw
• Brooke Eastham
• Tiffany Smith
• Andy Markus
• Jennifer Basford
• Alli Boothe

Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports

Dr. Rick Robins expressed appreciation for the teachers who spoke during Patron Comment and noted the Administration’s positive relationship with Canyons Education Association leaders. He thanked CSD police officers, especially the School Resource Officers, for National SRO Appreciation Day. Dr. Robins also discussed the process CSD followed to hire the new director of CSD’s new Innovation Center. Robins put his full support behind the appointment of Reid Newey, a former Davis School District Superintendent, as the center’s first-ever administrator. 

Mr. Wilcox noted he was part of the candidate-screening and interview committee for the Innovation Center director post. The application process drew high-quality candidates, he said. Wilcox also noted Mr. Newey helped launch Davis District’s technical center and was a driving force to improve Davis District CTE programs. He also noted a recent experience of CSD bus driver Jackie Butterfield, who drives the Big Cottonwood Canyon route. On a recent Friday afternoon, Butterfield was stopped from returning to the valley after driving to the top of the mountain to drop students off at their stops. An avalanche had forced a road closure, he said. In time, the road opened so she did not have to find a hotel to pass the night, but it took her until 11 p.m. to make her way down the canyon. He noted Markus’ achievement as a top five finalist for the National ESP of the Year Award. He also gave an update on the capital facility projects in CSD. 

Board of Education Reports

Ms. Karen Pedersen wants employees to know the Board respects the work they do. She would like CSD to continue working with employees on important issues, she said. She thanked the CSD legislative-affairs team, is grateful for the chance to attend SCC meetings, and made plans to attend the middle school Unified hoops game scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Ms. Katie Dahle expressed support for teachers and appreciation for the Canyons Education Association. Ms. Dahle also encouraged the community to attend a Unified Special Olympics athletic event.

Mr. Andrew Edtl thanked the employee associations for CSD teachers and Education Support Professionals. He said he appreciates the work done by every employee, in every school. He thanked those who spoke during Patron Comment. The Board and Administration are studying long-range plans, including the future of declining-enrollment schools, he said. As CSD moves forward with long-range planning, he called for communication and engagement with school communities. 

Mr. Jackson Lewis thanked Granite Elementary parents and teachers who attended the Board meeting and noted the contributions of CEA. He mentioned the legislative affairs work of CSD’s team on Capitol Hill. After recounting a positive experience with one of his teachers, he said educators touch the lives of students.

Ms. Holly Neibaur said teachers make an incalculable impact on a child’s life. The Board has made decisions to lessen the loads of CSD teachers. She reported on attending the Unified hoops tournament at Corner Canyon and giving valentines to principals on Feb. 14. She indicated she’d like additional “feedback loops” for personnel. She thanked Dr. McGill for his SHARP survey presentation and CSD’s legislative team.   

Vice President Oaks thanked CSD’s legislative affairs team for their work on Capitol Hill. She thanked Granite Elementary teacher and parents for speaking in support of their school during Patron Comment but also expressing that they would appreciate discussions about whether school communities should be consolidated. She also noted the performing arts events, including the Corner Canyon and Alta Concerto Nights, which will be livestreamed on CSDtv. She thanked CSD’s Office of Public Communication for keeping the Board updated on events, issues, and activities.