Canyons board approves $250 million bond, no tax increase

SALT LAKE CITY — The Canyons School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a June bond election for up to $250 million and does not require a property tax increase for district patrons.

A new high school in Draper is proposed, along with approximately a dozen other upgrade or renovation projects for schools, representing every community in the district.

Up to $250 million could be borrowed without increasing taxes, since old bond debt is being paid off, allowing taxes to remain level if new debt is incurred.

Board members spent time Tuesday night discussing proposed building projects should voters approve the bond referendum.

The $250 million would pay for the first phase of construction and renovation — "really the tip of the iceberg of what needs to be done around the district," said Canyons spokesman Jeff Haney.

Canyons recently did an architectural review of all of the buildings in the district, and there is an estimated $650 million in needed upgrades and repairs.

Board president Tracy Cowdell said, "I realize $250 million is an awful lot of money, but it really doesn't come close to addressing the total needs."

Board vice president Sherril Taylor said, "The bottom line is: Are the children worth it? We think they are."

The proposed projects include:

New high school in Draper

Rebuild or upgrade Butler Elementary School

Rebuild Midvale Elementary School

Seismic upgrades for Sandy Elementary School

Rebuild Butler Middle School

Upgrade Indian Hills Middle School

Rebuild Midvale Middle School and Mt. Jordan Middle School

Address building needs to implement grade reconfiguration for Brighton and Hillcrest high schools

Enclose classrooms and add heating and air conditioning for Albion Middle School and Crescent View Middle School

Upgrade one of two elementary schools in White City.

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