This year on the date January 6, 2025, Jackson Lewis a fresh graduate from Hillcrest High School was officially elected to the Canyons School District representing district 1. I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Lewis and hear his responses on his position on the school board.

My first question was centered around why he decided to run for election on the school board at such an early point in his adult life. “I’ve always had a passion for politics and policy, I’ve always believed in the power of good government and what it can do for all people. My teachers from the moment I entered school to the moment I graduated were spectacular, and I knew that somehow and at sometime in my life I’d like to repay the kindness I’d received from them. One particular teacher I remember, she was my second grade teacher, she bought me a stack of flag and map books for me to read when she saw me doodling maps and flags in my free time in class, that changed what I thought was possible from my teachers.” Lewis replied. I have learned that Lewis is a thoughtful individual and that his trajectory in life has been on his mind since an early age. I think that the influence that teachers have is great and that with the right influence students can eventually accomplish great things such as with the example of Jackson Lewis.

Now with my curiosity I developed the question of Mr. Lewis’s first experiences on the school board. His answer however, although somewhat expected, was framed in a simile that made me burst out laughing. “My first experiences were like drinking from a fire hose.” Lewis replied “The day after the election I went into the district office for an introduction to some of the district staff, and to schedule onboarding, which took until I took my oath of office 2 months later. One of the first votes I cast was to sell about an acre and a half of Canyons property in Midvale to Midvale City, which now will host a brand new library! Every day teaches me something new on how to perform this job, and I am extremely grateful to my fellow board members for their guidance and understanding during my transition onto the board.” Mr. Lewis, I have observed, has a good sense of humor. I have learned that being on a school board counsel is not a walk in the park, and that the first steps might be the most difficult, although with time and adaptability such as possessed by Lewis getting used to this change is highly achievable.

My next question was a matter of experience I asked Mr. Lewis what he had learned after taking his position on the canyons board of education. “I’ve definitely had to refine my compromise, social, and patience skills. Government does not move fast, especially behind the scenes, and not everyone will agree on anything, so steady and consistent work makes things happen.” Lewis replied. I think that taking a position such as this after high school can teach an individual a lot, not just things logically such as facts, but new ways of thinking. As Lewis says consistency is important I think that in other aspects of life as well consistency is key to reaching a goal and achieving results.

My fourth question was regarding connections that Mr. Lewis has made between being a student within the district and being a member on the districts’ board. Lewis indeed had made connections between the two. “I have definitely made connections between being a student and being a board member. When I was in high school, I for a time attended another district, and during my time there they switched from alternating A-B days on Mondays, to a fixed A day on Monday and B day on Tuesday, over the past couple weeks we have been hearing changes to our upcoming school calendar, and a fixed schedule is one of the considerations being made by the board, I personally support it as it simplified getting to class on Mondays, as you didn’t have to remember what day was Friday, and creates more consistency at home for partial day/week students.” I personally agree with this, as a student myself currently switching from A and B days can be difficult to get used to. I personally have gone to the wrong class at least a few times due to confusion. 

My final question that I asked was: What would you recommend to students who are trying to learn about how a school district works, or are wanting to be on a school board themselves? Mr. Lewis’s response ” I would recommend you join the student advisory council. Every month the school board meets with a group of students that are selected by the schools, and they advise us on our policies, and what changes in the schools they would like to see. Get in touch with your counselor or principal to get involved! I would also say, either attending board meetings in person the first and third Tuesday of every month, or watch the live stream on YouTube! I ran because I believe that those who face the effects of policy should be making those policy decisions, so I would absolutely encourage more young people to step up and run for school board wherever you live!” Overall I think that there are some great points and I hope that this article will encourage other students to become curious about our school district and how it is run. So someday we can make a difference. Just like Jackson Lewis.