SANDY — The Canyons Board of Education on Tuesday decided to push back the first day for school by a week.
As a result of the change, the majority of students will start school on Aug. 24, instead of Aug. 17. Preschool and kindergarten, including the Supplemental Hours of Instruction program, will begin Aug. 27.
“The change to the academic calendar was made after much reflection, review and thoughtful input from parents, teachers and students,” board President Nancy Tingey said in a statement. The change will give teachers, whose contracts start on Monday, two full work weeks to get ready for the start of school as the district adapts to safety protocols enacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The district’s reopening plan, which was developed with guidance from the Utah governor’s office and Utah State Board of Education, calls for extensive cleaning and personal protective equipment such as Plexiglas in high-traffic areas, face coverings, and improved air flow and filtering.
The plan also provides flexibility to parents to decide what learning option is best for their families, whether it be in-person learning or online classes.
District officials also said they will request a waiver to the rule requiring 180 days of school in an academic year.