SANDY, Utah — Canyons School District Superintendent Dave Doty will step down, effective June 30.
The announcement first came on Tuesday night at the board meeting, and by Wednesday morning, Doty had notes and phone calls from parents.
“What’s interesting to me is many of them from moms and dads saying that Dr. Doty has taken the district to new place and set a trail in Utah that all students will be career and college ready,” said district spokeswoman Jennifer Toomer-Cooke.
Canyons School District officials say they’re just as surprised by the announcement as staff, parents and students.
Doty has been superintendent of the school district since it was formed back in 2007. Many credit him and his innovative approach to education for the success of the award-winning school district.
“Superintendent Doty has received several awards as a communicator and leader here in Utah so the pace that has been set is a fast pace. To have the leader say he’d like to seek other options while I think everybody understands and is supportive of him it is in fact bittersweet,” Toomer-Cooke said.
Doty says he’s taking a job with a school consulting firm, according to a posting on the district’s Facebook page. He says he’d also like to spend more time with his family.
The board of education will meet in the next two weeks to discuss the next steps for the district and map out a plan for selecting a new superintendent.
Read all of the district’s postings about Doty’s resignation below:
In a surprise announcement, Superintendent Dave Doty has announced that he is stepping down, effective June 30, 2013. Dr. Doty will be the new leader of Education Direction, a Utah-based education reform firm recognized for improving student outcomes in public school districts and colleges across the country through professional development, actionable research and strategic consulting.
Board President Sheriil Taylor thanked Dr. Doty for his service. The Board also made clear that the direction of the District, including grade reconfiguration and the academic plan, will continue uninterrupted. “All that we are working on, we will continue to work on, and bring it to fruition,” Taylor said. The Board will meet within the next two weeks to discuss the next steps.
In his announcement, Dr. Doty, who was hired in August 2008, said family considerations played a major role in his decision. He said he wants to spend more time with his sons and his wife.
