Karen Pedersen, the incumbent on the Canyons School Board representing District 5, is running for reelection in the Nov. 3 general election.
Pedersen faces one challenger, Dennis Lagodimos, in the nonpartisan race. The Canyons Board of Education sets policy, approves budgets and oversees operations for the Canyons School District.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Canyons School Board, District 5
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Education: Master's degree in education, Westminster College; bachelor's degree in elementary education, Utah State University
Experience and public service
Pedersen has served on the Canyons Board of Education representing District 5 since Jan. 2, 2023, according to the Canyons School District board page. She is the first retired Canyons School District teacher to join the board.
Before joining the board, Pedersen spent 41 years teaching in the Canyons School District. She was named Willow Canyon Elementary's 2021 Teacher of the Year, according to a Canyons School District announcement. She retired before joining the board.
Pedersen said on her Ballotpedia profile that she served as vice president of the Canyons Education Association.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Pedersen's campaign website responses.
School safety: Pedersen said student safety is a top priority. She said the district closely follows state safety guidelines and that new and remodeled buildings are built with security in mind. "My focus is on ensuring policies are followed and that we are continually refining the safety of our schools," Pedersen said on her campaign website.
Use of tax dollars: Pedersen said we all understand the need to be frugal with tax dollars and the impact of how those dollars are spent.
Educational excellence: Pedersen said students should have access to developmentally appropriate instruction at all levels and equal access to interest-based courses.
Parent relationships and communication: Pedersen said she believes in inclusive involvement and appreciates and values the opinions, comments and concerns of the people she represents.
Candidate responses were collected from Pedersen's campaign website and Ballotpedia profile. This profile is part of the Cottonwood Heights-Holladay Times' 2026 election coverage series.
