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

Long-Range Planning

A possible relocation of the Canyons Technical Education Center to the southern edge of the current Mount Jordan Middle playing fields and a list of proposed improvement and renovation projects at Eastmont Middle and Jordan High schools were among the long-range planning issues presented to the Board of Education by Canyons Business Administrator Leon Wilcox. The proposals have been chief among the topics of discussion for Canyons’ Long-Range Planning Committee. Wilcox also detailed options for funding to pay for the facility improvements. This includes a lease-revenue bond, which requires a vote of the Board acting as a housing authority; and a general obligation bond, which would require a vote of the public. If the Board decides to seek approval from the public, Wilcox said, the Board must approve a bond resolution between 75 and 90 days before the election date. Under state law, debt is limited to 4 percent of total fair market value of all property. CSD’s debt limit is $2.4 billion with $400 million outstanding or 17 percent. The remaining debt limit is $2 billion. Wilcox said the debt could be layered to lessen the impact to Canyons taxpayers. Other projects in proposed options include a field house and a new soccer field at Corner Canyon, a new track and football-stadium turf for Hillcrest, and relocation of transportation-department fuel tanks. The Board will continue to discuss and deliberate these and related enrollment and facility issues.  

Strategic Plan

Student Wellness Services Director Dr. Brian McGill updated the Board on the progress of initiatives as part of the “Human Centered Support” focus area of the Strategic Plan. Efforts include the implementation of Canyons’ character-education program called Thrive Time, the start of the Student Leadership Academy for high school students, and the continuation of Mental Health Screening Nights. McGill also provided information on District-level hearings to address student behavior, the progress on the new DCMT Youth Academy, the work done by school nurses, and mental-health service visits in CSD. The District also is working on starting a Wellness Clinic and District Day Care. The Board of Education asked for additional information about a day care option for employees. 

Indicators of Success

Canyons aims to achieve a 91 percent graduation rate in 2024, Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins told the Board of Education. This would be a boost from previous years, which has hovered at about 89 percent. At the same time, according to a set of proposed goals approved by the Board, CSD will work to cut down chronic absences for 5 percent in a year and decrease the number of failing grades for middle and high school student by 5 percent. Goals for math and literacy rates for CSD’s kindergarten, first-, second-, and third-grade students also are a part of the plan. Goals also are proposed for math, science, and reading RISE scores for fifth- and eighth-grade students. Under the plan, CSD will strive for at least a 2 percent growth in students proving proficiency in the three subjects.  Dr. Robins also presented progress in the Board’s tenets of student achievement, innovation, customer service, community engagement, and fiscal accountability. 

Proposed Calendars

External Relations Program Administrator Charisse Hilton, who leads the District’s Calendar Committee, presented proposed calendars for the 2024-2025 and 2026-2027 school years. The proposed calendars, including the proposed future Brighton High trimester calendars, can be accessed at BoardDocs. Hilton noted days in the calendar for which teachers are paid but do not have to be in the building. This has been done for several years by the Board of Education in acknowledgement of the work teachers do outside of contract hours.

Recognitions

The following were recognized for their accomplishments:

• Brighton High’s Avery Olsen, the 5A first-singles tennis champion
• Corner Canyon High’s boys golf team, the 6A champions
• Corner Canyon junior Bowen Mauss, the 6A boys golf individual champion
• CSD high school seniors who earned UHSAA Academic All-State Honors in fall sports
• Canyons seniors who are semifinalists to become 2024 National Merit Scholars
• Winners of the Middle School Intramurals Cross Country Race
• Hillcrest, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Jordan and Alta high Shakespeare teams for winning at the Shakespeare Festival

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes for the meeting on Oct. 3, 2023; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; student overnight travel requests; September financial reports; LEA specific licenses and endorsements; and approval of TSSP Amendment for Silver Mesa Elementary.

Policy Updates

The Board of Education approved updates to policies governing Board ethics and patron communication with the Board of Education. 

School Highlights

Silver Mesa Elementary Principal Noelle Jones said she has been welcomed with open arms in her first year as a principal. Teacher teams in all of the grades have developed strong working relationships in their drive to increase student achievement. The Special Education accommodated core classes also add a special element to the school community, she said. High rates of participation in PTA and Watch DOGS and the turnout to literacy and STEAM Nights, as well as the number of donations gathered during the Super Bowl of Caring and other events at the school, show the support Silver Mesa has in the community, Jones said.

Patron Comment

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

• Isaac Zeigler, parent

Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports

Superintendent Robins thanked CSD principals for National Principals Month. Principals are vital to student success, he said.

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox encouraged employees to participate in the Open Enrollment window for health insurance, thanked directors for seeking grants to augment the budget and pay for programs. Fall Recess is Thursday and Friday.

Board of Education Member Reports

Mrs. Holly Neibaur is grateful for parents who are engaged and invested in the education of their children and noted conversations she’s had with parents about Chromebook usage. She recounted a personal tragedy and expressed appreciation for the wellness services, including peer mentors, that CSD provides. 

Mr. Andrew Edtl reported on attending Peer Court swearing-in ceremony, the legislative luncheon, the middle school intramurals race, the Unified Sports soccer tournament, and a career day, among other events. He thanked principals and school and District support staff for their tireless efforts.

Mrs. Amanda Oaks attended two SCC meetings, a faculty meeting at Alta, a volleyball game pitting Alta and Brighton volleyball game, the Unified Sports championship soccer game, legislative luncheon, and Operations Subcommittee Meeting. She also congratulated the Corner Canyon High golf team, the 6A champions. She also thanked Coach Fox for his mentorship of the players. She noted a Utah Valley University civics conference. 

Mr. Mont Millerberg thanked the District for providing flu shots, remarked on his grandson who won an award at the middle school intramurals race, noted the Teen Center grant earned by the Federal and State Programs, and remarked on his 55-year high school reunion for Hillcrest High. He led a tour of the new high school. As a member of the Foundation Board, he helped rank the Innovation Grant proposals. 

Ms. Nancy Tingey noted the Peer Court swearing-in ceremony and the CSDtv Open House, which drew hundreds of parents and students who are interested in the District’s new broadcast-training program. Tingey and President Shill also visited Cottonwood Heights-area schools with city officials to honor the teachers of the year. 

Karen Pedersen attended Alta View’s School Community Council and said CSD’s SCCs are operating well because of the solid training provided at the start of the year. Thrive Time also is appreciated by schools using the program. She also noted the safety drills being done by schools to enhance security and Alta’s new multicultural mural.

President Shill went with the Brighton High football team to complete a service project at Midvale Middle. She appreciates coaches that teacher student-athletes strong character traits. The Student Advisory Council also met for the first time.