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

Student Advisory Council

The Board of Education empaneled a Student Advisory Council, which serves as a direct line from CSD students to the policy-makers. The council, which advises the Board of Education on policies and procedures that could impact students, is made up of students from CSD’s five traditional high schools and Canyons’ alternative high school. This is the 10th year that CSD has sponsored such an advisory council. The following are members of this year’s council, which will meet monthly:

• Alta: Zach Scheffner, Austin Woodley, Yael Gaspar Sebastian, Felicity Harman
• Brighton: Hayden McDaniel, Chesney Chin, Ashton Alexander, Layla Himouda
• Corner Canyon: Henry Horsley, Kayla Welker, Samantha Harkness, Ian Colton
• Diamond Ridge: Mialyn Cameron, Henry MacArthur
• Hillcrest: Samuel Martin, Sophia Moeinvaziri, Kaleo Kirby, Carissa Jameson
• Jordan: Geraldyne Fernandez, Mya Oetinger, Spencer Jackson, Caitlin Isbell

Strategic Plan

During the study session, the Board of Education heard presentations and engaged in a discussion about the work of subcommittees reviewing the four focus areas of the newly created and adopted Strategic Plan. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bob Dowdle presented to the Board information about the work of the group studying “High-Quality Learning.” Federal and State Programs Director Wendy Dau led the discussion regarding the efforts of the subcommittee working on “Access and Opportunity.” Student Support Services Director Dr. Brian McGill presented on “Human Centered Supports,” and Business Administrator Leon Wilcox spoke to the Board about the subcommittee endeavors of “Operating Systems.” Members of the Board also identified specific issues that each subcommittee will be asked to revisit. In the business meeting, the Communications staff presented a communication roll-out plan for the Strategic Plan.

Consent Agenda

The Board of Education approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes for the meeting on Sept. 20, 2022; hire and termination reports; purchasing bids; student overnight travel requests; LEA endorsements; and policies governing sanitation in schools, open enrollment, school admissions, school moratoriums, and community engagements.

School Highlights

Albion Middle Principal Dr. Molly Hart said the school’s “secret sauce” is the way it clearly sets its learning and behavior expectations for students. Parents also receive clear, concise information to remain invested and involved, she said. Albion students enjoy a high-quality music program, chess, debate, lunchtime intramurals, a book club, and tutoring support.

Recognitions

The following were recognized for their achievements:

• Hillcrest, Jordan, Corner Canyon and Alta high students for winning awards at the 46th annual Shakespeare Competition at Southern Utah University. Hillcrest and Jordan students won first-place Sweepstakes awards in acting and music, respectively, for their divisions.
• Unified soccer teams from Hillcrest, Jordan and Brighton for being three of 16 teams that played for titles on Thursday at America First Field, the home of Real Salt Lake.
• Students from Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Hillcrest and Jordan high schools who received honors as part of the College Board’s National Recognition Programs for historically under-represented students.
• Brighton High teacher Nicole Shon for being named the Utah Science Teacher Association’s Outstanding Chemistry Educator for 2022.
• Assistant Facility Managers and other custodians for National Custodian Recognition Day on Oct. 2.

Patron Comment

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

• Aaron Butler

School Fees

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox outlined the process CSD will follow to adopt a school-fee schedule for 2023-2024. The proposed schedule will be presented to the Board in February.

Superintendent, Business Administrator Report

Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins congratulated the Unified soccer teams from Hillcrest, Jordan and Brighton for competing on Tuesday and thanked teachers for shouldering a lot of work in the years after the pandemic. He said the Administration is working on ways to streamline what is required and expected of teachers.

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox thanked educators for their work completing Parent-Teacher Conferences. He also thanked Jordan Valley School faculty and staff for having to teach a full day before Thursday Parent-Teacher Conferences, instead of a half-day like all other CSD elementary schools, because of transportation logistical issues. He also noted the death of Preston Kirk, who worked for CSD’s financial advisory firm.

Board of Education Member Reports

Mr. Mont Millerberg is excited for the implementation of the Strategic Plan, thanked Board members for working on the “Master Board” program through Utah School Boards Association, and expressed condolences for Mr. Kirk.

Mrs. Clareen Arnold thanked CSD custodians for their hard work and educators for holding productive meetings with parents during Parent-Teacher Conferences. She also thanked the Administration for working on the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

Ms. Amanda Oaks noted the work to put into place the Strategic Plan, recent school fund-raising events, School Community Council training, and the work of the Arts Consortium. She also spoke about the upcoming land-planning meeting for the former Utah State Prison land.

Mr. Steve Wrigley mentioned speaking to a government class and the productive conversations he is having with constituents as he goes door-to-door in his community.

Ms. Holly Neibaur expressed thanks for teachers who make personal connections with students and their families. She believes the Strategic Plan is the girding support for students, teachers and parents.  She also looks forward to a planned discussion about how CSD can simplify the work day for elementary teachers.

Ms. Amber Shill also thanked Canyons custodians for making a difference in school communities and working so hard to keep schools clean. She also expressed appreciation to the CSD Administration for the SCC training. She reported on attending the Unified soccer championship games and events at America First Field.

President Tingey noted the death of Mr. Kirk and remarked on how much he helped Canyons navigate financial matters, including the successful 2010 and 2017 general-obligation measures. She also attended some of the Unified soccer games at America First Field, and noted the excitement surrounding the implementation of and communication about the Strategic Plan.