Canyons School District has selected Patricia “Patti” Larkin as the new Director of Career and Technical Education, succeeding longtime director Janet Goble following her death earlier this year.
Larkin's professional background
According to a June 2, 2026, board summary from the Canyons School District, Larkin has served as the district’s CTE Specialist since 2017. A veteran educator with nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Larkin previously taught technology and engineering at Albion and Indian Hills middle schools.
Commitment to student learning
Larkin said she is committed to expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students, noting her admiration for Goble’s advocacy for career-focused learning.
Proposed budget and tax implications
The district is also considering a proposed $610 million budget for the upcoming year. Business Administrator Leon Wilcox noted during a board presentation that the proposal includes a potential increase to the certified tax rate, an occurrence that has happened only four times in the history of the Canyons School District.
Impact on staff and innovation
If approved, the additional revenue would fund a 0.75 percent cost-of-living increase for all employees and provide $210,000 for new manufacturing and engineering teachers at the Canyons Innovation Center.
Rising local property values
The budget proposal comes amid rising local property values. Wilcox reported that average house prices in the district have increased 82.9 percent to $769,500 over a six-year period.
Proposed student meal price increases
Additionally, the Board of Education is considering raising breakfast and lunch prices for students in response to a 16 percent increase in the consumer price index for food. Proposed changes would raise elementary breakfast prices from $1 to $2 and secondary lunch prices from $2.25 to $4.
A tentative budget for the 2027 fiscal year is scheduled for adoption at a June 16 meeting, following a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on August 4.
