On Aug. 1, some Eastmont Middle School families were caught off guard after learning students would begin the school year with remote learning, a plan expected to remain in place at least through Labor Day. 

The message explained the reason for the delay: “Due to construction delays, Eastmont Middle won’t be ready in time for the start of school. Some key safety and instructional items – such as ceiling tiles, beams, working restrooms, drinking fountains, schoolwide Wi-Fi, projectors and cafeteria access — are not yet in place. Simply put, the renovation project is not completed to the point that it would be safe for our students to return to the building.”

A follow-up notification provided more details which arose the previous week: “Two walls that the structural engineers deemed were not load bearing actually were. The walls are currently being supported by 4x4 beams until the metal beams arrive. Without these in place, the ceiling grid cannot attach, and those are the two things we need in place for the fire marshall (sic) to allow occupancy.” 

The email from the school’s administrative team also included information on Chromebook pickup and available tech support during remote learning. In addition, a follow-up announcement from the Canyons School District noted grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches would be provided for students, and portions of the school’s lower level would be opened to those without internet access at home.

Eastmont, which is undergoing a $13 million renovation, is one of several projects receiving upgrades throughout Canyons School District. More than $45 million in upgrades are currently being carried out, with about $21 million allocated specifically for renovation projects at Eastmont Middle and Corner Canyon and Hillcrest high schools.

The funding comes from a lease-revenue bond authorized by the Canyons Board of Education. About $24 million is earmarked for upgrades at Jordan High (see "Jordan High renovations bring new life to nearly 30-year-old campus" article).

“We borrowed the money back in April of ’24, about 15 months ago, and we've been doing improvements since,” Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox said.

Eastmont Middle School

Eastmont’s renovation began last year with the installation of a new roof and a retention pond designed to prevent future flooding on the campus. The project includes updated restrooms, and refreshed classrooms featuring new carpet, paint and lighting.

Ongoing plans for the library include a redesign which incorporates space from the old computer lab, with walls being removed to create a larger area. It also includes new shelving, replacing outdated bubble glass with clear panes.

Hallways, the cafeteria, locker rooms and the gym are receiving new flooring, and an elevator is being installed in the decades-old building.

“It's going to look like a whole new school on the inside,” Wilcox said.

Principal Stacy Kurtzhals said the renovation uncovered some quirky surprises; when some lockers were removed, “treasures” of dated candy and snack bags were revealed behind them.

“I’m looking forward to the building looking as good as the teaching and education that happens there,” she said.

Corner Canyon High

At Corner Canyon High School, about $13 million is being invested in upgrades. The work began with the installation of a secure entry vestibule and new artificial turf for the baseball and softball fields.

A new turf soccer field is expected to be completed in time for the fall season, and a new practice field for soccer and lacrosse is currently under construction.

By the end of the year, the school’s new field house is slated to open, complete with an indoor practice football field and a weight room.

Hillcrest High 

Hillcrest High’s $5.5 million in enhancements includes an expansion of the track from six to eight lanes. The school’s football and lacrosse field is being upgraded with new artificial turf and a new scoreboard is in place for the start of the school year.

Additional facility improvements across the district

• Brighton High: A new teen center featuring washers, dryers, showers and a food pantry is set to open this fall. A new employee daycare facility is also on the way.

• Indian Hills Middle: Construction is underway on a new choir room and an expanded band room.

• Albion Middle: The school’s kiva area is scheduled for updates this fall.

• Sandy Elementary: New carpeting will be installed.

Eastmont Middle School’s bathrooms were among many areas receiving upgrades during a $13 million renovation. (Stacy Kurtzhals/Eastmont Middle)