It’s not a prerequisite for being a principal, but Canyon View Elementary’s new principal, Shawn Walker, is able to do a backflip on a trampoline—likely something many of his students may be able to do themselves.

Walker has been a principal the past four years at Sandy Elementary and an assistant principal before that at Copperview and Midvale elementaries. He also was an administrative intern at Oak Hollow and Willow Springs elementaries.

“I have spent the past 11 years as an administrator in amazing schools that required a strong systems approach to providing academic and behavioral supports,” said the former Spanish, world history and English-as-a-second language teacher. “I believe I come with experience in creating and maintaining a systems approach that can support all students in their learning. I have also learned a lot about restorative practices and the need to teach and model cooperation, kindness, and problem-solving skills for our students. I hope that I can provide valuable insights in these areas as well.”

In fact, Canyon View’s student support process for students who may struggle academically or behaviorally is one of the things Walker wants to better define and refine at Canyon View, with the support of the school’s building leadership team.

“I hope to help facilitate a process for providing needed supports for students through a systematic school-wide approach,” he said, adding he plans to become better acquainted with the school, students, teachers and the community. “Canyon View is a strong school with so many positive things happening. I want to continue to support all the good that is going on and avoid changing things just for change sake. The current goals and focus are the result of thoughtful consideration from the School Community Council, teacher leadership, and school administration. I want to honor the hard work that has already been done and, as I get to know everyone and they get to know me, I believe it will be clear how to continue the pathway of success for years to come.”

Walker does want to continue the school’s plans to support STEM education and activities as well as the arts in the school—as well as being a leader in the community for emergency preparedness.

“Emergency preparedness is crucial to peace of mind for our staff and community members,” he said. “Hopefully, we never have an emergency or serious incident at Canyon View, but knowing we’re prepared if we do, brings a lot of confidence and stability to our community.”

Canyon View’s former principal, Kierstin Draper, will now serve as Sandy’s Crescent Elementary principal. 

Bella Vista Elementary Principal Angi Holden also is one of the administrators who was transferred. In her one year at the school, she supported the school community’s desire to incorporate more STEAM learning into the curriculum.

“I feel my strengths and celebrations from my time at Bella Vista were building relationships and systems to support students and educators and promoting STEAM initiatives,” she said.

She now will lead Union Middle School in Sandy and Barbra Winder will take her position at Bella Vista.

Other Canyons School District appointments include:

• Tracy Stacy — Butler Elementary principal

• Elenoa Puo — Sandy Elementary principal

• Jeff Nalwalker — Quail Hollow Elementary principal

• Shad DeMill — Lone Peak Elementary principal

• Aimee Wagner — Silver Mesa Elementary principal

• Dave Barrett — Jordan High assistant principal

• Sifa Tafisi — Eastmont Middle assistant principal 

• Michelle Snarr — Jordan Valley School and Life Skills Academy assistant principal

• Ashley Lennox — Sprucewood Elementary assistant principal

• Leslie Robinett — Granite Elementary assistant principal

• Angela Oviatt — Silver Mesa Elementary assistant principal

• Rebecca Bass — Corner Canyon High assistant principal

• Brooke Rauzon — Draper Park Middle assistant principal

• Amber Tuckett — Draper Park Middle intern assistant principal

• Brenda McCann — Hillcrest High principal

• Courtney Long — Midvale Middle principal

• Areli Nevarez Gonzalez — Hillcrest assistant principal

• Ari Tavo — Midvale Middle assistant principal

• Amy Sandgren — Midvalley Elementary assistant principal

• Emily Wilson — Midvale Elementary assistant principal

• Janae Powell — East Midvale Elementary assistant principal

• Sierra Segura — Copperview Elementary assistant principal λ