The Canyons Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday, Aug. 4 to raise the district's certified property tax rate, the district confirmed in its official hearing summary. The 7-0 count corrects the 6-0 tally we reported Wednesday, Aug. 5. All seven members voted yes.
The vote marks only the fourth time in the district's 18-year history that the board has adjusted its certified tax rate. For Brighton High School families in Cottonwood Heights and other homeowners in the district, the new rate of 0.005559 means about $27 more per year on the tax bill for an average home valued at $770,000.
Where the $6.9 million goes
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told the board the new revenue breaks down three ways:
- $2.2 million for a 0.75% cost-of-living raise for all Canyons employees. Wilcox said the raises "would not have gone into effect if the Board ultimately did not approve the rate change after the hearing's public-input process."
- $201,000 to hire two Career and Technical Education instructors, one in manufacturing and one in engineering, at the Canyons Innovation Center. The technical-training facility is being built at eBay's former regional headquarters at 583 W. eBay Way in Draper and is scheduled to open in August 2027.
- $4.5 million to accelerate construction bond payments and redirect savings toward aging elementary school repairs.
Seven spoke at hearing; board cites prior cost cuts
Seven patrons provided input during the Truth-in-Taxation hearing's public comment period, including Mischelle Polish, Richard Moore and Krista Pippin. Speakers could attend in person, join remotely or submit written comments.
Board President Amber Shill told attendees the district has worked to cut costs before seeking more revenue, citing transfers of central-office personnel to school-based jobs, reductions in administrative posts and department consolidations.
The board also granted final approval for the full 2026-27 budget at the Tuesday, Aug. 4 hearing. The general fund totals approximately $412.8 million, with 89.2% dedicated to salaries and benefits. District enrollment stood at 31,506 students in 2025-26, with projections showing continued decline over the next five years.
Starting teacher pay in Canyons has risen from $50,000 in 2019-20 to $65,825 for 2026-27, a 31.7% increase over seven years.
The next regular Canyons Board of Education meeting date was not listed in the hearing summary. Families can check the district calendar on the Canyons District website for upcoming meetings and comment opportunities.
