Canyons School District

The discussion focused heavily on legislative updates, including significant funding cuts, such as the complete rollback of $18.3 million for Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) and a $1.2 million cut statewide for student health and counseling. Adjustments to educator salary indexing were noted, shifting from WPU increases to the lower of previous WPU or CPI. Other legislative items discussed included Senate Bill 65 concerning property tax remittance to the state, House Bill 236 regarding truth in taxation requirements, Senate Bill 164 concerning school construction oversight, and House Bill 407 regarding statewide single Student Information Systems (SIS). A major agenda item was the first reading of the 2026-2027 proposed bell schedule, where discussions centered on maintaining efficient busing operations (triple stacking routes), the desire to potentially align high school start times for better access to courses, and strong sentiment against moving high school start times earlier due to developmental considerations for adolescents. Elementary school schedules were proposed to remain the same, with both current schools starting at 8:45 a.m. The participants expressed appreciation for the perceived increased openness and willingness of legislators to adjust bills based on feedback this year.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss collective bargaining and the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property. The study session featured a report from the Strategic Plan Focus Group regarding High Quality Learning, focusing on student mastery and Professional Learning Communities. Updates were provided on 2026 legislation and the branding for the Canyons Innovation Center. The business meeting included approval of the current day's agenda, recognition of various student and employee achievements across athletics, arts, and academics, and a statement honoring the dedication of Janet Goble. Patron comments addressed topics including boundary studies and specific school programs. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of minutes from February 3, 2026, hire/termination reports, purchasing bids, and January financial reports. New Business included a second reading of the 2026-2027 Fee Schedule and an update from the Long Range Planning Committee addressing enrollment declines, feeder health, and scheduled public hearings for school rebuild studies.

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property. The subsequent study session included a 2026 Legislative Update and an annual review of the School Fees Policy, noting that the deadline for adopting the next school year's fee schedule is now June 1st. Discussion also covered proposed fee increases for FY27 and potential impact from legislative actions. The Board addressed the 2026-2027 Fee Schedule through a first reading. Additionally, the Board agreed to reschedule the March 24, 2026, Board meeting to March 31, 2026. The business meeting featured reports on the State of the Arts, highlighting strong arts engagement and future goals, and an update on the Strategic Plan Indicators used to measure progress in key focus areas. Employee recognitions were presented, acknowledging achievements such as cheerleading championships and teacher certifications.

The discussion covered legislative updates, including the unanimous passage of HB170 (school board referendum bill), which now includes a provision regarding five board votes. The turf bill, requiring public meetings and notice for turf installation, was pulled from committee. Discussions also addressed the rapid passage of the base budget bill (HB1). Significant time was devoted to concurrent enrollment initiatives, with progress toward a pilot program allowing access to more universities. Concern was noted regarding HB170's potential impact on student access to opportunities compared to other districts. Other legislative topics included school funding, amendments regarding USBA moratoriums, school design bills, and the controversial bill concerning partisan school boards, which speakers argued undermines the established culture of neutrality in schools.

The meeting agenda was modified to place the legislative update last. The primary focus shifted to a presentation by Mindy Robinson, Director of Middle School, regarding strategic plans focus group reporting. Key discussion points included the district's commitment to high quality learning, evidence-based practices, and alignment with Utah's Portrait of a Graduate (renamed Portrait or Canyon Scholar), emphasizing mastery, autonomy, and purpose. Updates covered integrating core competencies into high school programs, developing a curriculum possibility for high school aligned with durable skills, and utilizing the Thrive Time lessons for middle schools, including a transition to cumulative feedback on two core competencies. The presentation also highlighted ongoing work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to ensure teacher collaboration and improved structural practices. Furthermore, there was discussion on vertical articulation across grade levels (K-12) to ensure consistent rigor, especially between grades five and six, and eight and nine, acknowledging this is an ongoing process. A significant administrative point mentioned was the implementation of a common grading scale for grades six through twelve beginning next year, aiming for system-wide consistency.