January 2019 | Vol. 13 Iss. 01
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CANYONS BOARD OF EDUCATION president riding off into the sunset — literally
Inside: Draper Park & Recreation Program Guide
By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com
F
or the past 10 years, Sherril H. Taylor, who colleagues describe as quiet, humble and steady, has appeared before the community in his suit and tie, conducting Canyons Board of Education meetings, listening to patrons at his district town halls, thanking teachers for their service and speaking to students at graduations and new school ribbon-cutting ceremonies. During his tenure, the district was formed after splitting from Jordan School District; two multimillion-dollar bonds were passed, allowing for the building of 13 schools with nine more new school buildings or major renovations promised; teachers’ salaries were bumped to be more competitive; the long-promised high school in Draper was built; elementary schools introduced brain boosters with expanded learning opportunities; Hillcrest and Jordan high schools opened their doors in the summer to incoming struggling students; more support has been given to Title I schools for social and emotional needs; agreements have been made with neighboring towns in terms of facilities and ideas for growth; and the list goes on. Now, after 33 years in the education field before serving 14 years combined on both Jordan’s and Canyons’ boards of education, Taylor decided “it’s time to hand off the baton; we’ve accomplished what we set to do.” He officially retires in January 2019. Or rather, he will jump on his Harley motorcycle in chaps and a leather jacket to spend time outdoors when he is not with his family. “My favorite Sherril story,” former board member Paul McCarty recalls, “was on July 1, 2009, the opening day of Canyons School District. We had a school bus for the board and the senior district administration, with (then Sandy Mayor) Tom Dolan and the police and we were going to parade down State Street. But not Sherril. He rolls up on his Harley Davidson with high goose neck handlebars. This is Sherril, who always has on his nice suit, starched collar, impeccable hair, and he’s dressed in black leather jacket, leather chaps and a red bandana over his head. He looked like someone you wouldn’t want your daughter to marry. Then he says, ‘follow me,’ and Sherril takes off. It was the alter ego of Sherril, one we all may have but never show in public, but there he was and it was cool to see a great big Harley escorting the school bus.” Since that day, he has been seen “in his leathers” after riding his Harley to informal board presidency meetings, board member Steve Wrigley said, but “that first time of seeing him riding the first day of school shocked us.” Taylor said he learned much of his love of the outdoors,
Sherril Taylor, then Canyons Board of Education vice president, escorted a school bus of officials in the parade for the opening day in 2009 of Canyons School District. (Photo courtesy of Canyons School District)
from riding a motorbike to breaking horses, while growing up on a farm. After the farm, Taylor and his wife, Pat, attended Snow College, then moved to Logan to attend Utah State University. He also holds a master’s in education from Westminster College and an administrative certificate from the University of Utah. “My wife and I decided to go into education,” he said. “We both like education and serving our community, and especially helping kids. It was a good career for us and for our family.” Taylor began his career at South Cache Junior High, but in 1970, he and his wife moved to Jordan School District, where
Taylor became Butler Middle’s science and physical education teacher. Pat Taylor taught third grade at Draper Elementary for 31 years before retiring. When Indian Hills Middle School was built 10 years later, Taylor opened its science department, teaching zoology and botany. “I loved teaching here,” he said after the school’s 2017 groundbreaking ceremony for the recently completed renovation. “It was an exciting time working with kids. We did a lot of lab work with microscopes. We dissected frogs and a few sharks.” Taylor then went on to intern as East- Continued on page 5...
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