FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2009
Task Force Issues Recommendations
For Buildings, Enrollment, Bonding
SANDY — A Facilities and Enrollment Task Force made up of 54 Canyons District patrons has wrapped up a nearly five-month study. The Task Force on Tuesday recommended the Canyons Board of Education consider bonding for new schools, eliminate pocket busing, examine school boundaries and take other actions.
The Task Force studied data and examined every facility, from the rooftop down to the boiler room. Its unanimous recommendations aim to create optimal conditions for student achievement and serve as a blueprint for a districtwide Capital Facilities Master Plan.
“The Task Force came together in the spirit of providing the best educational opportunities for every student in the district,” said Tracy Bennett, Task Force Co-Chairwoman and parent representing Alta High School. “These recommendations fulfill that important role.”
The recommendations include:
- Creating a Capital Facilities Master Plan by the First Quarter of 2010, which would address technology and educational adequacy standards and the absence of school buildings in high-growth areas.
- Purchasing property, building new schools and renovating existing buildings districtwide.
- Establishing school feeders that keep students together from elementary through high school.
- Establishing ongoing boundary studies that involve stakeholders.
- Examining the sale of surplus buildings and property, using proceeds for new building projects.
- Bonding to fund new buildings and renovations.
“Each Task Force member was able to not only take ownership of each site, but share information with the group and find common ways to ensure every facility meets acceptable standards for high-quality learning,” said Lisa Johnson, Task Force Co-Chairwoman and a parent representing Alta View Elementary. “I was impressed the committee was able to approach various issues with a long-range view.”
The Task Force, whose members represented every Canyons school community, was divided into two subcommittees to examine issues including building conditions and costs of renovation, renovation history and seismic ratings, budget projections, enrollment trends, and city development plans. Lynn Trenbeath, a retired Davis School District administrator trained in negotiation and mediation, served as facilitator. Biweekly subcommittee meetings began May 7. Joint
Task Force meetings started July 30. See http://www.canyonsdistrict.org/enrollment-and-facilties-task-force.html#boardreport for the complete report and additional Task Force information.
CONTACTS: Jennifer Toomer-Cook, Communications Director, 801-501-1015 or
801-631-3484; or Jeff Haney, Associate Communications Director, 801-501-1060 or
801-372-7665.
About Canyons School District
In November 2007, voters in Alta, Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Midvale and Sandy created the first new school district in Utah in nearly 100 years. Canyons School District began offering services July 1, 2009.
