Families with children in Canyons School District dual-language immersion programs could see their school's DLI track shrink to a single classroom if enrollment doesn't hit new thresholds the board reviewed Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Under a proposed rubric, each school offering DLI must secure commitments from at least 50 first-grade students to maintain two immersion classes. Schools that fall short would drop to one class of 30 students. The neighborhood classroom that state law requires alongside every DLI program must enroll at least 19 students.

The timeline works like this: an enrollment window runs Sept. 30 through Dec. 15, with final commitments due by Jan. 15.

Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson told the board the rubric responds to declining enrollment that already forced some Canyons schools to consolidate DLI cohorts during the 2025-26 school year. Traditionally, a two-class cohort starts with about 56 immersion students, or 28 per class.

"The true aim of the proposal is to preserve DLI programs across CSD, even in an era of declining enrollment," Robinson said at the Aug. 18 meeting.

Real-time enrollment numbers would be posted on the district website throughout the window. The district also plans a marketing campaign to boost awareness of DLI deadlines. No vote was taken. The board will discuss the rubric at future meetings, and board member Karen Pedersen noted the district expects to post a public-input portal on the CSD website in coming days for families to weigh in.

Innovation Center admissions take shape

Director Reid Newey presented the board with a proportional-admissions model for the Canyons Innovation Center, the career-focused campus set to open in fall 2027 at the former eBay regional headquarters in Draper.

Each Canyons high school would receive Innovation Center seats based on its total enrollment. After a two-week priority window, remaining seats would be filled first-come, first-served. An application window is planned for January 2027.

The renovation, budgeted at more than $47 million, is funded by more than $30 million from surplus district property sales and a $17.2 million state Catalyst Center grant. Students will earn high school and college credit plus industry certifications in fields including skilled trades, health sciences, construction and digital media.

The district is also asking Salt Lake County to rename the street where the center sits. The current name, Ebay Way, would be replaced by one of four options: Launch Place, Launch Way, Ignite Way or Launch Point.

Tighter visitor check-ins, Jordan High ribbon-cutting

The board reviewed a proposed visitor management policy requiring all CSD employees to scan their district-issued ID badge when entering and leaving any school building. Visitors would need to present a valid government ID or other acceptable identification at a controlled-access point.

Assistant Legal Counsel Jeff Christensen said the measures protect all students and help identify employees inside school buildings during an emergency.

Business Administrator Leon Wilcox announced a Sept. 9 ribbon-cutting for Jordan High School's new fieldhouse and auditorium.