Karen Pedersen, a retired Canyons School District teacher who spent 41 years in the classroom, is running for a second term on the Canyons Board of Education representing District 5 in the Nov. 3 general election.
The race is nonpartisan. Pedersen faces one challenger, Dennis Lagodimos.
Candidate responses below are drawn from Pedersen's campaign website and her Ballotpedia questionnaire. Positions are presented as the candidate stated them.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Canyons School Board, District 5
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Ballot status: Certified
- Education: Master's in education, Westminster College; bachelor's in elementary education, Utah State University
Experience and public service
Pedersen has served on the Canyons Board of Education representing District 5 since Jan. 2, 2023. According to the Canyons School District website, she is the first retired Canyons teacher to join the board.
Before her board service, Pedersen taught for 41 years in the district. She was named Willow Canyon Elementary's 2021 Teacher of the Year, according to the district. Pedersen said on her Ballotpedia profile that she also served as vice president of the Canyons Education Association.
On the issues
School safety
Pedersen said on her campaign website that student safety is a top priority. She said the district closely follows state safety guidelines and that new and remodeled buildings are designed with security in mind. Her focus, she said, is on ensuring policies are followed and that the district continually refines school safety.
Wise use of tax dollars
Pedersen said on her campaign website that everyone understands the need to be frugal with tax dollars and the impact of how those dollars are spent.
Preserving educational excellence
Pedersen said students should have access to developmentally appropriate instruction for all levels. She said students should have equal access to interest-based courses.
Parent relationships and communication
Pedersen said she believes in inclusive involvement and values the opinions, comments and concerns of the people she represents.
What's next
The general election is Nov. 3. Voters in Canyons School District's District 5 can find more about Pedersen's positions on her campaign website at karen4canyons.com.
