001That was quick. Welcome to the meeting of the Canyons Board of Education. Today is March 19th, 2026 and we're meeting at the Canyons District office located at 9361 South 300 East in Sandy, Utah. The first item on the agenda is to approve the agenda for tonight. So, I will now take a motion. I move to approve the agenda to for tonight, March 19th, 2026. Okay, is there a second to that motion? I'll make a second motion. Okay, is there any discussion to the motion? Okay, seeing none, I will call for a vote. All in favor of approving the agenda for tonight, say I. I. Any opposed? I. Oh, and I thank you. That motion passes unanimously. I do want to excuse board member Amanda Oaks and then also um board member Andrew Edel is on
002Zoom. So, that's what that noise was. Okay, now we arrive. So, we have no patron comments tonight, so we'll just move on with the agenda. Um now we arrive at the only item of business, new business for tonight's meeting. That is the appointment of a new superintendent. The new superintendent will be the fifth in our district's history. We are committed to maintaining the current vision and mission of our district and we're confident that along with our new superintendent, we can ensure that our children will leave schools ready for college and careers. We would also like to thank Dr. Robbins for his service. He arrived at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the demands of the job never slowed down. We appreciate all that Dr. Robbins has done in the past 6 years
003to create and maintain a world-class district for our community. When Dr. Robbins announced his retirement, we considered conducting a national search to find the best possible candidate, but the board determined that the strongest candidate to lead Canyons forward is already here. This internal candidate has a proven track record in leadership and has spent years building relationships of trust with our schools and community. At a time when we're advancing major initiatives from the opening of the Canyons Innovation Center to addressing enrollment challenges impacting schools across Utah, it is critical that we have a continuity in leadership. With that said, I believe that I will now take a motion. Thank you, President Shill. At this time, I'd like to make a motion to appoint a new superintendent of the Canyons School District. Whereas, the Board of Education
004recognizes the importance of strong, consistent leadership and the stability it provides, and the board also acknowledges the proven the proven record of a stellar, top-tier internal candidate who has demonstrated excellence in instructional quality, noted for his personal integrity, collaboration, and student support, and leadership, particularly at the elementary school level. And the board believes this appointment will help us navigate the current challenges of the district and maintain momentum in achieving priorities identified in the strategic plan and our current major capital facilities projects. And now, as a duly elected member of the Board of Education, I make a motion for the Board of Education to appoint Dr. McKay Robinson as superintendent of Canyons School District. Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Neibar. Um she has made a motion to appoint Dr. McKay Robinson as the superintendent of Canyons School
005District. Do you I have a second to that motion? I'll second that motion. Okay, thank you for that second. Um now, I'm just wondering if board members would like to have some discussion to the motion and we are timing everyone tonight up here for a minute 30. Um So, I'm wondering, do we want to just go down the row? It's easier. We're all going to say something. >> Okay, so Mrs. Neibar, it's your turn to start. >> Okay. >> go down the comments. Thank you for this time. Truly, I personally believe that McKay Robinson is the man of the hour. As I contemplate the challenges our district faces today, I firmly believe we must start focusing more on our elementary schools and innovative programs there, and I believe he is the perfect fit for this
006focus. I am thoroughly impressed by his work ethic, his tenacity, his follow-through, and his consistent attempts to solicit feedback. He leads with compassion and full heart. There is not anyone that is more noted for personal integrity than McKay. I think the world of him. As he shoulders both as he shoulders this new role, I I believe he was made for this. Um I I on a personal note, there is not a person I would trust more with the superintendent responsibility at this time than McKay. Thank you, McKay, for being exactly who you are and for shou- shouldering so much responsibility in the interim. Um I'm very excited for tonight and and know that great things will be in our future. Thank you. So, over the last couple of weeks, uh as I've gone around to
007schools, I've asked administrators their thoughts on our superintendent search and functionally every single time uh I asked, uh I received unprompted, glowing reviews of McKay Robinson. Um it did not matter who I asked, uh they would pull back in their history stories and examples of McKay's absolutely spectacular leadership. Uh The reason I'm so comfortable with us making this appointment is McKay's cool head, his human-centered leadership, and his history in Canyons, and I'm absolutely convinced that he is the right man to lead this district in this moment. He is a man of absolute integ- integrity, and so I'm excited to see his superintendency. Okay, thank you. Um Mr. Edel, are you there? Would you like to comment? Yes, I've known Dr. Robinson as a parent, as a leader in PTA, and finally as a board member,
008uh and he has uh demonstrated just the phenomenal ability to uh work with all kinds of people uh and to um push all kinds of initiatives forward. I have absolutely full faith in Dr. Robinson, and I am thrilled for the future of Canyons School District. Okay, thank you, Mr. Edel. Mrs. Dolly. Thank you. I want to just quickly acknowledge Dr. Robbins for his vision, his leadership, and even his competitive drive in leading uh Canyons School District. And we're excited for Dr. Robinson to take that baton and to continue leading Canyons District forward. We've I've witnessed his leadership, his listening ear, and his utmost integrity as he has worked tire- tire- tirelessly uh behind the scenes to keep everything moving forward and and we're excited for him to take the lead at this time. Okay, thank
009you. Mrs. Peterson. I wrote mine as a letter. >> [clears throat] >> Dear Dr. McKay Robinson, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as Canyons District Superintendent. This significant achievement not only reflects your exemplary leadership qualities, but also heralds a new chapter for our educational community under your guidance. Your unwavering integrity and remarkable work ethic have long been recognized traits that inspire confidence in your colleagues and stakeholders alike. These attributes foster an environment of trust, which is crucial for nurturing relationships that are foundational to effective leadership in education. In your tenure, you have consistently demonstrated loyalty to both the mission of our schools and the people you serve, instilling a shared vision that propels our district forward. I firmly believe that under your stewardship, Canyons School District is poised to navigate
010these our challenges with minimal academic disruption. The confidence you inspire in your team and the broader educational community assures us that we are in capable capable hands as we work together to overcome these hurdles. Once again, congratulations on your appointment and please know that you have my and likely my entire board's full support as you embark on this important journey. Thank you. Okay, thank you, Mrs. Patterson. Um we needed a superintendent, excuse me, [clears throat] who already has a proven track record here in our community. Dr. Robinson not only was a teacher, he has been principal of two Canyons elementary schools. He's been the director of Canyons um elementary schools and the assistant superintendent. He can hit the ground running on day one. And the board 100% believes that Dr. Robinson is the best person
011to lead the district at this time in our history. So, thank you, board members, for your comments. Um I think we are now ready for a vote. So, I'm going to do a roll call vote to appoint Dr. McKay Robinson as our new superintendent, and I will start with Mrs. Patterson. Yes. Mrs. Dolly. Yes. Mrs. Shell, yes. Mr. Edal. Yes. Mr. Lewis. Yes. Mrs. Kneibaur. Yes. Okay, that motion passes unanimously. Um ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Canyons District's new superintendent, Dr. McKay Robinson. >> [applause] >> I remember to turn the light on, Jeff. It's a good thing. Um I had to write a few things down because uh that was hard. That was hard to sit and listen to to all of that. Um this is not my world, and yet uh it's
012greatly appreciated. So, thank you to each and every one of you for your kind words and and the confidence that you have in me. So, if it's okay, I'm going to refer to this um so that I can make it through and hopefully not get too emotional. Um but President Shell, members of the board, my back row colleagues, >> [snorts] >> and members of our community, I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust that you have placed in me to serve as the next superintendent of Canyons School District. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and one that I accept with absolute humility, purpose, and a deep commitment to the students, families, and employees in which we serve. I want to first begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the board
013for your confidence, to Dr. Rick Robbins, to Leon Wilcox, >> [snorts] >> and to the leadership and staff across the district who make Canyons such a special place. I am especially grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve in my current role as assistant superintendent, working alongside exceptional educators, dedicated district and school leaders, our MTSS team, amazing [snorts] teachers, and fully committed support staff. That experience alone has shaped my understanding of this district, its strengths, its challenges, and most importantly, the opportunities that are before us. What gives me great confidence in this moment is that this is not a time of disruption. It's a time of continuity and forward momentum. We are building [snorts] on a strong foundation, a very strong foundation. We know what is working and we will continue to invest in those
014efforts, while also remaining thoughtful and responsive as we improve where needed. At the center of every decision we make will be one guiding principle, and that is what is best for students. Our responsibility >> [snorts] >> is to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging, is supported in their learning, and is prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. That work is possible because of the incredible educators and staff in this district, and I could not ask for better educators to collaborate with daily, and I'm committed to supporting them any way that I possibly can. To our support staff and ESPs throughout the district, you are seen, you are valued, and you are greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything that you do every single day to make Canyons District the absolute best.
015To our teachers and our school-based personnel, the relationships that you create with your students truly changes lives. I became an educator because of one teacher in particular, but stand here because of the exceptional teachers I have the privilege to work with throughout my entire career and continue to work with. The very best of teachers are here in this district, and we have and will continue to accomplish great things because of the exceptional teachers that we have. I also recognize that strong schools are built on strong relationships. I'm committed to being visible, accessible, and engaged with our community, >> [snorts] >> to listening carefully, communicating clearly, and leading with transparency. Trust is not built through words alone, but through consistency and follow-through, and I am committed to earning that trust every single day. I would be
016remiss if I didn't take just a moment to thank my family for their unwavering love and support. They mean everything to me and have stood by me through throughout every step of my life and career. I would not be here This is why I'm reading this, y'all. Uh I would not be the man that I am today without their example, encouragement, and their belief in me. Dixie, there [snorts] is truly no one like you. I love you with all that I am. Thank you for being my steady foundation and unwavering support in all things. Clint, [snorts] my brother, thank you for being the man that you are, for [snorts] the quiet strength that you show, and for honoring our father each day through [snorts] your service and love. I am truly honored once again, board,
017for this opportunity, and all my fellow colleagues. I believe deeply in this district, the people who make it strong, and in the future that we are building together. Thank you very much. >> [snorts] >> Okay, thank you, Dr. Robinson. We're just wondering if the board would come down and we can take a quick photo of you, and then we'll come back up here and close out the meeting. To the Canyons community, both here at the district office and at home, thank you for joining us tonight for this announcement. If you'd like to know more about Dr. Dr. Robinson, please go to our website and our social media pages, and our communications staff has prepared information about his background and experience. Thank you again for being with us tonight to witness this moment in our district's
018history. We are excited for Dr. Robinson to start working with us in his new role as the Canyons District Superintendent. And the board is now excused to attend the public hearing at Park Lane Elementary. With that, I will call this meeting to a close. Thank you. >> That's one hour. Okay.