The Davis School District Board of Education continues to advance the development of a new strategic plan designed to guide district priorities, resource alignment and long‑term decision‑making. The Board has emphasized a transparent process centered on broad community engagement and data‑driven analysis. Below is an overview of the work completed to date and the next steps in the development timeline.

Progress to Date

Comprehensive Community Input (Fall 2025–January 2026)

The strategic planning process began in fall 2025 with structured partnership discussions involving Community Council members and student leadership groups. These sessions produced a significant body of qualitative data, including nearly 6,000 statements and more than 33 hours of recorded dialogue across 35 focus groups. The district applied a rigorous qualitative research methodology, grounded in John W. Creswell’s established framework, to code, categorize and interpret this input.

Key themes emerging from this phase included:

The importance of consistent communication and district‑level transparency

Strong family‑school partnerships

High‑quality instruction and educator support

Access to advanced academic opportunities

Whole‑child priorities such as safety, mental health and belonging

Board Review and Identification of Focus Areas (December 2025)

The Board reviewed the initial analysis in December, identifying major areas for further development. These included academic excellence; school climate and belonging; two‑way communication; staff support; college and career readiness; and responsible stewardship of district resources.

Board & Parent Engagement Night (January 26, 2026)

The district’s January engagement event at Farmington High School marked a significant checkpoint in the planning timeline. The evening consisted of:

An exhibit hall with information on emerging strategic‑plan themes

A keynote framework session highlighting connections, relationships and student success

Breakout discussions led by Board members, incorporating dot‑mapping activities and digital tools to capture parent input

This event expanded the district’s dataset with additional, structured feedback from families across the district, further informing the next stage of plan development.

Current Work

Drafting Phase (February–March 2026)

The Board is now transitioning from information gathering to drafting. Writing groups composed of Board members and district administrators are reviewing all collected data to develop draft goal statements, performance measures and focus‑area language. Multiple internal review cycles will occur throughout this phase to ensure clarity, coherence and alignment with community‑identified priorities.

Upcoming Milestones

April 2026 — Targeted Stakeholder Review

A near‑final draft of the strategic plan will be released to key partner groups for targeted feedback, allowing for review from those who participated in the earlier listening sessions.

May 2026 — Finalization and Design

Following revisions based on stakeholder input, the Board is scheduled to finalize and approve the strategic plan. District staff will then prepare communication materials and implementation resources.

Summer–Fall 2026 — Implementation Preparation and System Alignment

Summer 2026: Staff training and plan rollout

Fall 2026: Full implementation and alignment across schools, departments and district systems

The Board continues to maintain an ambitious but flexible timeline to ensure that the final strategic plan reflects high standards of quality, transparency and responsiveness.

Davis School District Head Start has been named a National Head Start Association (NHSA) Program of Excellence, an accreditation that runs from 2025 through 2030, placing the district among just 11 Head Start programs nationwide. 

The designation recognizes Head Start and Early Head Start programs that demonstrate excellence in early childhood education, family services and program management through a rigorous national peer-review process and measurable positive outcomes for children from birth to age five and their families. 

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our Head Start staff, leadership and families,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci in a national announcement. 

The five-year accreditation underscores the district’s commitment to providing high-quality early learning and comprehensive support services to help families build strong foundations. 

Davis School District Head Start was formally recognized this past January at the NHSA Winter Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C.  

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our Head Start team and our shared commitment to supporting young learners and their families,” said Compliance and Grant Assistant for Davis Head Start and Title I Preschool Becca Jenkins. “We’re proud to provide a high-quality, nurturing environment where children can grow, thrive and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.” 

Meet Deanne Kapetanov, a Davis School District secondary director who values lasting connections with students, staff and the community.

Kapetanov says one of the most important lessons she has learned from students is resilience. She has watched young people face significant challenges and still find ways to grow, persevere and succeed.

If she could offer advice to her younger self, Kapetanov says it would be to relax, stop worrying about what others think and focus on building meaningful relationships.

Her message to students today is simple: take advantage of everything your school has to offer. From advanced coursework to career and technical education programs, Kapetanov encourages students to use these opportunities to graduate with confidence and a plan for the future.

Progress continues on Davis School District’s newest elementary school in West Syracuse — now officially named Still Water Elementary School.

Construction crews remain on schedule at the campus, which is on track to welcome students in August 2026.

“There is a lot of great progress happening,” Facilities Administrator Weston Weekes said. “We are on schedule. Everything’s looking awesome.”

Still Water Elementary is one of the final projects funded through the district’s voter-approved Building Generations bond in 2022. Favorable winter weather has helped crews maintain steady momentum, allowing exterior concrete work and site development to continue without major delays.

“With this warmer weather, they’re able to pour concrete easier outside,” Construction Coordinator Eric Flint said. “They’ve been able to stay pretty consistent with site work.”

Inside the nearly 80,000-square-foot building, crews are entering the final phase of construction, focusing on interior finishes and detail work.

“We’re just in the final stages now,” Flint said. “A lot of finish work to be done.”

Still Water Elementary follows the same proven design used at several recently built district schools, featuring a consistent layout tailored with its own unique color theme — making this campus the final iteration of the district’s successful elementary blueprint.

With the school’s name now finalized, the next step in the process will invite families of future students to help shape the school’s identity by selecting a mascot.

Designed to be welcoming, functional and future-focused, Still Water Elementary School reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to creating high-quality learning environments for generations to come.

Fourth‑ through sixth‑grade students at Lakeside Elementary School explored over a dozen professions during a career fair held in the school gym as part of the school’s annual College Week. 

The event brought in community volunteers representing careers from across the alphabet, allowing students to rotate from table to table, ask questions and learn about different paths they could pursue in the future. 

Students were exposed to careers ranging from science and engineering to creative and service‑based professions. Among the participants were a rocket scientist, NASA engineer, video producer, sign language interpreter, florist, landscapers, banquet coordinator and the school resource officer. Students carried note cards as they moved through the fair, writing down interesting facts and careers that stood out to them, an activity designed to encourage reflection rather than formal presentations.

Introducing career readiness at a young age helps students begin identifying their interests and values. 

“I always tell the kids, you want to find something that you love, and not just always look for the money because it’s so important to find something you love and that can start now when you’re young,” said counselor Hayley Hamblin.

The career fair concluded Lakeside Elementary’s College Week, a week of fun college-based activities encouraging students to pursue higher education.

Students and staff at Cook Elementary put their schoolwide theme, “Rooted in Kindness, Growing in Knowledge,” into action through a holiday clothing drive that blended service, school spirit and fun.

From mid-November through early January, the school collected gently used clothing to donate to Savers in Ogden, supporting families in need while also raising funds for the school. Savers pays schools by the pound for donated items, turning the drive into a fundraiser that will help cover student lunch balances and support staff professional development.

The school set a goal of collecting 600 bags of clothing but exceeded expectations, with students donating more than 800 bags, totaling over 7,000 pounds and generating more than $1,400 for the school.

The effort was supported by a series of Kindness Challenge incentives designed to keep momentum high. As goals were reached, staff members volunteered for playful rewards, including a pink-dyed hair, head-shaving commitments and a lighthearted “pucker-up for a pig” moment.

Hope Squad students played a key role by collecting, organizing and tracking donations each day, while fifth-grade students helped load trucks for delivery. The drive culminated with a mid-January delivery to Savers, where the final totals were weighed and tallied.

More than a fundraiser, the project helped students see how small acts of generosity can grow into meaningful impact — strengthening both their roots in kindness and their school community.

The orchestra at West Point Junior High School is striking all the right notes this year, earning multiple honors that spotlight both student talent and exceptional leadership.

Recently, the ensemble performed for the Davis School District Board of Education after receiving consistent superior ratings — a reflection of the group’s discipline, musicianship and commitment to excellence.

That momentum continued in early February, when the orchestra was selected to perform at the Utah Music Educators Association Annual Conference at the Dixie Convention Center. Only a small number of ensembles statewide are invited to showcase their work for music educators and professionals.

Adding to the celebration, orchestra director Miranda Horne was named the 2026 American String Teachers Association Utah Teacher of the Year, recognizing her leadership, dedication to music education and lasting impact on students.

Congratulations to WPJH’s talented orchestra students and to Horne for representing their school and Davis School District with pride. The Warrior musicians continue to set a high standard for excellence.

Christine Wolf, director of bands at Central Davis Junior High School, has received the Utah Music Educators Association’s Presidential Award recognizing 15 years of volunteer advocacy for music education at the state and national levels.

“This recognition really reflects the incredible educators, students, administrators and community members I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years,” Wolf said. “I strongly believe music education helps students grow in confidence, creativity, discipline and connection, and I’m thankful to be part of a profession that supports that growth every day.”

Wolf’s leadership at Central Davis Junior High School has resulted in nearly 300% program growth and sustained enrollment of more than 230 students annually. Her band program is widely recognized for musical excellence, inclusive practices and student-centered instruction.

The Utah State Board of Education recently recognized three Davis School District educators for their outstanding commitment to the science of reading.

Adelaide Elementary School Principal Patty Arbon, Lincoln Elementary School Reading Coach MacKenzie Largent and District Elementary English Language Arts Supervisor Angela Morales were individually honored with the coveted Science of Reading Award, highlighting their contributions to educate students within the school district.

Arbon, Largent and Morales received the awards in the category of principal, reading coach and district leader respectively.

The nomination submitted for Arbon reads how she continues to dig deep to ensure both Tier 1 and intervention practices are strong and aligned.

“She has built a schoolwide system in which students receive intervention based on their level, prioritized training for herself in the Systematic Instruction in Phonological 

Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words curriculum (SIPPS) and worked closely with interventionists to launch the program, form groups, and monitor their effectiveness.

“She also takes the time to observe and support Tier 1 instruction, working hard to understand what the Science of Reading should look like in every classroom,” her nominator wrote. “She attends all data meetings to help set meaningful Tier 1 goals and ensures classroom practices reflect evidence-based literacy instruction. She (has also) personally trained all teachers on using book bags so students receive another repetition of what they practiced in SIPPS, strengthening the connection between intervention and classroom instruction.”

The nomination submitted for Largent highlighted her transformational impact on literacy instruction during her time at Crestview Elementary and now at Lincoln Elementary, in which she guides teachers to deliver systematic, evidence-based instruction.

“She leverages assessment and feedback to target gaps, accelerate growth, and strengthen Tier 1 and intervention practices,” her nominator wrote. “Her commitment to professional learning through coaching cycles, job embedded professional development, and collaboration empowers educators and builds lasting capacity.

“Beyond instruction, Mackenzie fosters a supportive, collaborative school culture, creating systems that ensure all students thrive. Her leadership has directly improved student outcomes and elevated school-wide literacy practices, making her a true champion of the Science of Reading.”

Morales’ nominator outlined how she has been instrumental in driving systemic change, ensuring that all K–6 teachers completed Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training and embedding evidence-based literacy instruction across classrooms.

“She oversaw the adoption and implementation of a vetted curriculum that builds knowledge, ensuring consistency and rigor in instruction,” her nominator wrote. “Angie has expanded leadership capacity by bringing in coaching of our literacy coaches from Jim Knight and facilitating professional development for elementary administrators with Pati Montgomery, equipping them to lead as instructional literacy leaders.

“Her strategic focus on instruction, heavy coaching, intervention, assessment, and professional learning has strengthened teacher expertise, built sustainable systems, and fostered a supportive, collaborative culture across the district’s 63 (elementary) schools,” her nominator added. “Through her vision, dedication, and commitment to high-quality literacy practices, Angie has created a lasting impact on both teacher growth and student outcomes, exemplifying excellence in district-wide literacy leadership.”

Zerti didn’t start making art to win awards. She started because it felt like home.

Now a senior at Layton High School, Zerti’s work explores culture, identity and the process of learning—and relearning—who we are. Through acrylic paintings rooted in Ethiopian and African American heritage, her art reconnects her to her roots while asking bigger questions about culture, belonging and representation.

“My art kind of focuses on reconnecting with that part of myself,” Zerti says.

That voice has been noticed across the state. Zerti was named Utah’s Outstanding High School Art Student, the highest honor awarded at the Springville Museum of Art’s Annual High School Exhibition—a juried competition featuring over 1,000 submissions from students statewide, with just one student selected for this recognition.

For her teacher, Chad Crane, the recognition reflects more than talent.

“Zerti is extremely talented, but extremely coachable, which is a rare combination,” he says. “I’ve taught for 17 years and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody have that much coachability with that much skill and drive.”

She’s also a Sterling Scholar, a nationally recognized Scholastic Art Award winner, and has already sold multiple works—one for $1,600—while preparing for a solo exhibition and planning to pursue art at the university level.

With a clear vision, a deep connection to culture, and a relentless drive to grow, Zerti’s work is just beginning to leave its mark—locally, nationally and beyond.

A sixth-grade classroom at Reading Elementary has been named a national winner in Imagine Learning’s 2025 Winter MATH-a-Thon, a nationwide challenge that encourages students to continue building math skills over winter break.

The class, taught by Sierra Kearsley, was selected from qualifying classrooms across the country after students completed five or more lessons in the Imagine Math program during the contest period.

Kearsley said the increased use of Imagine Math helped support individualized skill practice and motivated students to stay engaged.

“We decided that we needed to use Imagine Math more because of how much it helps students practice their skills at their own level,” Kearsley said. “Requiring four lessons a week to earn Fun Friday really motivated them to get their work done.”

As a national winner, the classroom received a $100 school supplies e-gift card to support continued learning.

Students celebrated the recognition with a new mini basketball hoop for the classroom

The Farmington High School Nixelles claimed 1st place at the 6A State Drill Competition. An outstanding display of precision, power and performance. Congratulations, Phoenix.

Bountiful High School’s Mandonelles earned 2nd place at the 5A State Drill Competition. A strong showing of skill, teamwork and dedication. Congratulations, Redhawks.

Davis High School’s D'Ettes took 3rd place at the 6A State Drill Competition. An impressive performance marked by excellence and determination. Congratulations, Darts.

Davis High School’s Cheer team earned 2nd place overall in 6A All Girl at state. The Darts delivered a strong, focused performance all season long. Congratulations.

Northridge High School’s Competitive Cheer team earned 2nd place at the 5A State Competition. A tremendous showing of teamwork and precision. Congratulations, Knights.

Farmington High School’s Cheer team finished 3rd overall in 6A Coed at state. The Phoenix showcased teamwork, energy and determination. Congratulations.

Do you know or are you a student or employee in the Davis School District who has won an award or been honored in some way? Please share on this form who the person is and what their accolade is.

This month's message comes from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Logan Toone.

I grew up singing choral music. I had a part in my junior high and high school choirs, and many of my best friendships were formed standing shoulder-to-shoulder on risers, learning to listen to one another and blend our voices together. There is nothing quite like raising voices in harmony with friends — it has a way of stirring the soul and creating connection that lasts long after the final note fades.

A dear friend of mine, Clark, has continued singing in choirs into adulthood. A few years ago, he invited me to a concert in Salt Lake City where his choir performed The Sacred Veil, with lyrics by Tony Silvestri and music by Eric Whitacre. The piece tells a powerful story of love, loss, hope, and healing, and it was the first time I experienced Whitacre’s music. Since then, I’ve become something of a fan. His compositions have a unique way of weaving individual voices into something deeply moving and unified.

One of the most remarkable things Eric Whitacre does is his “Virtual Choir.” He records himself conducting a piece, and singers from around the world submit videos of themselves performing their individual parts. Those recordings are then combined into a single performance — thousands of unique voices blended into one beautiful expression.

Here’s an example: Eric Whitacre Virtual Choir – Sing Gently
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InULYfJHKI0

Some of the most beautiful examples of this kind of harmony are happening right here in our own schools. Choirs, bands, and orchestras across Davis School District are creating powerful musical experiences for students and audiences alike. I encourage everyone in our community to attend a concert, support a performance, and experience firsthand the dedication and talent of these young musicians and their teachers. Their music is a reminder of what is possible when individuals come together with shared purpose.

Watching these performances reminds me of the work we do together in Davis School District. Each of us carries a different voice, a different role, and a different perspective. Some lead the melody. Some support with harmony. Some provide rhythm and structure behind the scenes. On our own, our efforts matter — but together, they create something far more powerful than any single contribution, all for the good of the students of Davis School District.

In supporting our school board’s recent work on the district strategic plan, I’ve had the opportunity to hear many voices across our community. Students, educators, parents, and community partners have shared their hopes for our schools and vision for the future of our students. Like a choir preparing for a meaningful performance, we are listening carefully, aligning our efforts, and moving forward with a shared sense of purpose.

As we continue through this school year, I invite each of us to consider the voice we bring to this work. When we listen to one another, support one another, and commit to a common goal, we create harmony that lifts and inspires those around us — especially the students we serve.

Thank you for adding your voice to the song of Davis School District.

This February has been a whirlwind of celebration across Davis School District — teachers being recognized with Excellence in Education Awards, classroom grants going out to deserving educators, and students finding new ways to shine. Through it all, one partner has been right in the middle of the fun, the joy, and the pride: the Murdock Auto Team.

You’ve probably seen them — whether it’s smiling alongside teachers as they award grants in classrooms or cheering from the sidelines at one of the biggest Unified Basketball tournaments we’ve seen yet at Western Sports Park. This Tuesday’s Unified Basketball event brought all nine high schools together for a full day of inclusive competition and school spirit that was absolutely electric — a testament to what happens when community rallies around our students. Unified Sports isn’t just about baskets and whistles; it’s about connection, teamwork, confidence, and every kid feeling like they belong. It’s what makes our schools such a special place.  

What’s made these moments even more meaningful is the support from organizations like the Murdock Auto Team — one of the oldest and closest partners of the Davis Education Foundation. They show up not because it’s expected, but because they genuinely care about the people they serve. That’s part of their family-driven legacy. From their roots back in 1982 with Murdock Chevrolet in Woods Cross, the Murdock family has grown into a group of dealerships across Northern Utah built on the idea that people matter. Today, you’ll find everything from new Chevy and GMC vehicles to Hyundai, Volkswagen, Cadillac, and Genesis — all backed by a team that believes in treating customers like neighbors.  

What’s even cooler? They bring that same mindset to the schools. Whether it’s showing up for an award ceremony, celebrating student success, or helping make Unified Sports a reality for kids of all abilities, the impact is deeply felt. For students, families, and educators alike, it’s not just about support — it’s about belonging.

So big thanks to the Murdock Auto Team for taking the time to drive community connection in Davis County — not just cars. Want to learn more about who they are and how they’ve rooted themselves in our community for generations? Check them out at murdockautoteam.com and see how a legacy of local service is still rolling strong.