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

Jordan High’s Naval Cadet Program

Jordan High is starting Canyons District’s first Naval Cadet Program, which could begin training future sailors as soon as the fall of 2024. The U.S. Navy-authorized National Defense Cadet Corps was approved by the Canyons Board of Education and will begin enrolling students this winter for the coming school year. It will be open to all high school students. Jordan Principal Dr. Bruce Eschler hopes to accommodate 100 students or more in the program’s first year. Jordan’s Naval Cadet Corps will be the only program of its kind at a comprehensive high school at the south end of the Salt Lake Valley. Dr. Eschler said Canyons District high school students will be able to enroll in the program while remaining at their home schools. Students from outside Canyons can permit into Jordan High to participate. Jordan was awarded the unit by the Navy after a rigorous evaluation process. Cadets who complete three years of the program can enlist with the Navy with a jump in rank. Some high-performing students may even be nominated to compete for slots at the U.S. Naval Academy. Participating students also will gain opportunities to participate in community service, military drills, field meets, physical fitness, and co-curricular visits to naval or other military organizations. An official celebratory announcement will be held on the school’s football field on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Veterans and active duty military personnel will receive free admission to that evening’s football game. 

Long-Range Planning

Canyons District is facing an 11 percent enrollment decline in elementary-age students since the 2014-2015 academic year, according to figures studied by the Board of Education and Administration.  Kindergarten enrollments in CSD schools also are trending down, Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told the Board of Education. In all, the number of kindergarteners in Canyons schools, which now have about 30,000 students, has dropped from 2,387 in the 2014-2015 school year to 1,949 for this year — an 18 percent change. Wilcox also noted the schools in CSD that are operating under- and over-capacity. These enrollment figures, coupled with information about the condition of schools, are being considered in the deliberations of the Long-Range Planning Committee. In addition, Wilcox presented to the Board cost estimates to upgrade Eastmont Middle and a capital-facility improvement priority list from Jordan High, two schools being evaluated by MHTN architects for repair needs. Wilcox said a demographic study, which could influence discussions and decisions about growth in CSD, should be completed by Oct. 17. 

Strategic Indicators and Goals

Canyons may seek to cut chronic student absences by 5 percent in a year, according to a set of proposed goals presented to the Board of Education. This stems from the fact that absenteeism pulls down graduation rates and student-achievement levels. According to the suggested plan, which was presented by Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins, the District also would focus on decreasing the number of failing grades for middle and high school student by 5 percent and to increase the graduation rate to 91 percent, with a 2 percent increase annually. Goals for math and literacy rates for CSD’s kindergarten, first-, second-, and third-grade students also are a part of the proposal. Goals also are proposed for math, science, and reading RISE scores for fifth- and eighth-grade students. Under the suggested plan, CSD will strive for at least a 2 percent growth in students proving proficiency in the three subjects.  The Board will continue studying the proposal.

Advanced and Honors Diplomas 

The Board of Education continues to review possible changes to the requirements for CSD’s Honors or Advanced Diplomas. Proposed changes include boosting the GPA requirement and mandating a specific level of attendance. The plan removes the ACT benchmark requirements. Instead, students seeking a CSD differentiated diploma would only be required to participate on the college-entrance exam. Other proposed changes include: For the Advanced Diploma, removing the World Language requirement and adding 1.0 credits in math, science or a Career and Technical Education concentrator. For the Honors Diploma, proposed changes include adding 1.0 advanced/lab-based science credits and add a CTE concentrator or World Language or the Seal of Biliteracy or series of arts credits.

Student Advisory Council

The Board of Education empaneled a 23-member Student Advisory Council. The council is made up of students from each Canyons high school, including Diamond Ridge High, CSD’s alternative high school. Council representatives will attend monthly lunch meetings with the Board and Administration to discuss issues facing the District and provide input to the Board from a student’s perspective.  The students are:

Alta

• Elizabeth Carlton
• Maria Dos Santos
• Willa Grimmer
• Mariam Khan

Brighton

• Luke Barlow
• Lucia Glime
• Avery Parry
• Ben Schiffman

Corner Canyon

• Paloma Plancarte
• Noah Smythe
• Aditi Vandanapu
• Estella Watson

Diamond Ridge

• Abby Lanham
• Moises Gomez

Hillcrest

• Briggs Hunt
• Anna Da Silva
• Sara Moeinvaziri
• Sophia Mun
• Nayantara Nair

Jordan

• Brooklyn Adams
• Parker Bettinson
• Elena Delgado
• Hope Wagner

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes for the Sept. 19 meeting of the Board of Education; the hire and termination report; purchasing bids; student overnight travel requests; LEA-specific licenses and endorsements; approval of an Altria settlement; and a social media attorney/client-engagement agreement. 

School Highlights

Flagging attendance rates at Oakdale Elementary have course-corrected with the launch of a “Potato Head” incentive program, says Principal Deidre Walbeck. Each day, Walbeck said, classes and student earn points for being at school and on time. Those points go toward building a Potato Head. High attendance rates can qualify a class for such prizes as a one-minute dance party or a specialized Potato Head from Walbeck. Individual students also can win prizes for their attendance. This year, 94 percent of Oakdale students have earned an attendance prize, she said. Walbeck additionally noted the work of staff who make Oakdale a welcoming learning environment.

Patron Comment

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

• Heather Erickson, East Midvale Elementary librarian
• Katherine English, parent
• Aubrey Graham,  parent

Access and Opportunity Focus Group

A District committee is reviewing how to improve student access and opportunities at Canyons elementary, middle and high school levels. Federal and State Programs Director Paula Logan noted that, at the elementary level, the committee is creating a website template for elementary schools to market their programs and activities. The committee also is brainstorming how to facilitate an idea- and solutions-sharing system among school leaders. For the middle school level, the committee is developing a “tool box” of instructional strategies to help struggling students, connecting STEM activities and concepts throughout identified courses, and developing a common understanding of the purpose of middle school. For high school, committee members are identifying classes that indicate college- and career-readiness and the number of students who are getting a C grade or better in those classes. The committee also is talking about how to help high schools use data to inform their LAND Trust and TSSA plans. Logan said the committee will continue to follow the Strategic Plan in its efforts.

Canyons Strong Recognitions

The following employees were recognized by the Board of Education:

• All Canyons custodians for National Custodial Appreciation Day
• Facilities employees Zach Eppley and Jaron Javis for completing a landscaping project at Willow Canyon Elementary
• Marcy Hadean, Altara Elementary teacher, for how she builds appropriate and positive relationships with students
• Willow Springs kindergarten teacher Morgan Hanson, who integrates science, social studies and language arts in her instruction
• Marching band advisers at Alta, Brighton and Hillcrest — Caleb Shabestari, Mikala Mortensen, and Austin Hilla

Policy Update

The Board of Education is considering updates to policies governing Board ethics and communication with patrons.  

Superintendent, Business Administrator Reports

Superintendent Robins reported on visiting the Midale Elementary Family Learning Center on Tuesday.  He said 15 to 20 parents in the community, mostly refugees, were learning English at the center. Dr. Robins applauded the work being done by the Midvale-area center.

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox expressed thanks to the Canyons Education Association and teachers for preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Board Member Reports

Ms. Karen Pedersen is impressed by quality of information received via ParentSquare, expressed thanks to a District Office custodian, and noted the success of Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Mrs. Nancy Tingey encouraged the community to watch the video on the homepage of the District’s website.

Mr. Mont Millerberg reported on the successful Canyons Education Foundation Golf Tournament.

Ms. Amanda Oaks said she participated in the Connect Canyons podcast about reading, thanked the Communications Department for marketing the District, and noted fun and educational literacy programs in CSD schools.

Mr. Andrew Edtl thanked school administrators for National Principals Month. He mentioned former Bell View Principal and current Student Wellness Services Program Administrator Chanci Loran for being a great principal for his family when his children first started attending school.

Ms. Holly Neibaur lauded a Draper Park Middle teacher who sent a postcard to her students in order connect and build a relationship with students.  She presented feedback she received about a possible schedule for kindergarten in future first weeks of school, mentioned two Draper-area principals who received multiple nominations for Apex Awards, and commented on CSD’s School Community Council training.

President Shill noted the excellent SCC training and a thoughtful note a Brighton High Assistant Principal sent Shill’s son after he was injured in a recent football game.