Twelve years ago, when middle schoolers were born, pre-pandemic issues in education focused on teacher pay, need for increased technology and student college and career readiness. 

Canyons School District’s Board of Education member and former president Nancy Tingey not only witnessed it all, but she worked to find solutions for them all.

Never one to focus on herself, but compliment those around her, Tingey led the board to increase teacher salaries and provide support for student learning and preparedness for their future.

She also navigated Canyons through the pandemic, often working with then new Superintendent Rick Robins.

“Through the pandemic with the different voices, the passion and the issues we faced, one thing I remember most is Nancy would always say to us, ‘Listen, listen to the silent majority; listen to those who are not speaking,’” Robins said. “I always took that to heart, because in these jobs, sometimes we get so many different voices from different angles, and we try to listen to all, but Nancy would always remind us to listen to the silent too. She’d ask, ‘What are those who are not speaking really saying to us?’ Those people send their kids to us, they trust us and they love their schools and their teachers. They may not voice it in an email or come to a board meeting, but we need to listen to them too. That is something I learned from her in leadership, and it applies to keep balance in the issues we face in the district. She taught me that great lesson.”

Tingey is retiring from the school board at the end of this term, but she still plans to volunteer at Quail Hollow Elementary.

“Nancy’s impact and legacy is a true example of what a servant leader is,” Robins continued. “I've been fortunate to work with her as superintendent. To see her calm, steady hand guide the District all those years has been really impressive, and we're going to miss her leadership and her dedication to Canyon School District. If there's a person that really symbolizes the birth of this district and what it has meant to this entire community, it’s her.”

Fellow board member, Kris Millerberg, also will leave the board and has plans to help in schools. She stepped up to fill the position after the February 2024 death of her husband, Mont Millerberg, who served the board since its infancy.

“Kris came in at a time when Mont passed away, when there was a lot of anxiety about his position as he was an icon in Canyons School District,” Robins said. “She stepped into her husband's shoes being a stalwart and it turned out, we needed her style of leadership. She stabilized the situation, bringing a calm leadership. I appreciate how she’s always positive and she’s often in our schools and at schools’ activities. Her commitment and dedication to the District is notable, and knowing Kris, she will continue to support Canyons Education Foundation. That’s something she and her family have really taken to heart. I see the Millerberg family continuing to be part of our District going forward.”

He said he appreciates their hours of service, their positive and calm leadership and willingness to serve.

“They’re both great servant leaders who support our students and our teachers,” he said. “We’re most grateful.” λ