The Canyons Board of Education on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 approved a plan to continue building momentum in CSD’s efforts to modernize and upgrade schools across the District. Members of the Board of Education cast a historic vote to seek voter approval of a $283 million, tax-rate-neutral bond on the Nov. 7 ballot. If the bond proposal gains passage, the District will:
- Rebuild Hillcrest and Brighton high schools
- Rebuild Union Middle School
- Renovate parts of Alta High School, including the addition of a new auditorium and gymnasium
- Rebuild Midvalley and Peruvian Park elementary schools
- Rebuild a White City-area elementary school
- Build new classroom wings at Corner Canyon High School
- Build a new West Draper Elementary School
- Remodel offices at Brookwood, Granite, Oakdale, Park Lane, Silver Mesa, and Sunrise elementary schools
- Install windows and skylights for natural light at Altara, Bell View, Brookwood, Canyon View, Crescent, East Midvale, East Sandy, Granite, Lone Peak, Oakdale, Oak Hollow, Park Lane, Quail Hollow, Ridgecrest, Silver Mesa, Sprucewood, Sunrise and Willow Springs elementary schools.
Officials say money from the bond would go only toward improving Canyons schools. The bond is tax-rate-neutral, which means it will not increase taxes.
The tax-rate-neutral bond proposal is the District’s second in seven years. In June 2010, residents approved a $250 million tax-rate-neutral bond that funded 13 major construction and renovation projects, including the new Midvale Middle School and Alta View Elementary, which open this year. Renovations at Indian Hills Middle, the final project to be completed with funds from the 2010 bond, started in the spring.
Canyons’ financial track record also includes a AAA bond rating. Nationwide, fewer than 100 school districts, out of a field of more than 15,000, have earned a AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services.
“What an exciting time in the history of Canyons District. As work begins in earnest on the 13th and final major construction project promised to our patrons in 2010, we aim to extend our ambitious plan to improve schools across Canyons. Just as we did seven years ago, we have developed a list of construction priorities that will have us turning dirt in every part of Canyons District,” said Board President Sherril H. Taylor. “While we think our track record speaks for itself, we reiterate our pledge to provide modern and safe schools for our community while also serving as conscientious stewards of taxpayer dollars. We have built so much momentum since our patrons graciously supported our previous facility-improvement plan, and we have great hopes the community will continue to work with us in our efforts to build up Canyons together.”