The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—At their regular meeting on November 18, the Dayton School District board of directors continued their discussion about the M&O levy, capital projects, and the technology levy. They also talked about ways to reduce costs for some of the items on the list that was presented to the community by Superintendent Doug Johnson on Nov. 16.

The directors authorized Superintendent Johnson to proceed with the wording of the M&O levy. According to Johnson, the levy would increase, closer to $1.46 million dollars, reflecting a small increase over the current amount, for annual maintenance, equipment replacement, and repair.

Johnson expects the cost per $1,000 of assessed value would increase slightly, but the district needs to hear from the county assessor about the assessed value assigned to wind farms as determined by the state, in order to be specific.

Johnson said additional funds from that levy would be used to hire a K-12 counselor, and money could be saved if that person also headed a proposed after-school program.

While voters have big expectations that things on the list will get done, some of the items could receive greater scrutiny, he said.

The directors looked at the list of proposed capital projects and decided to remove several, at a cost savings to the taxpayers of around $250,000.

Replacing the elementary covered playground roof, and replacing the asphalt in the high school parking lot, which had been repaired during the summer, were both removed from the list.

Savings on grounds equipment could be made, as well, Johnson said. He said the tractor has some trade-in value, and there are cost-saving alternatives for replacing the restrooms at the athletic complex, including the use of portable toilets.

Johnson said that funds from the increased M&O levy would be used for repairs to the athletic complex, the bleachers, restrooms, and lights.

The current capital project levy for technology is $75,000 each year, at a rate of about $0.12/1,000, and Johnson’s recommendation was to continue the same collection total, for the purpose of keeping students and teachers current with technology. The estimated cost will be about the same, he said.

Final acceptance of resolutions and ballot measures will take place at the next regular school board meeting on Dec. 2, said Johnson.

School Board President Steve Martin said that he was excited by the turnout at the community forum on Nov. 16, and has received valuable input, as a result. Martin is still available for feedback from the public and can be reached at: stevemartin@msn.com or by phone at: (509)386-4748

Superintendent Johnson would also like to hear from the public. He can be reached at the District office at: 382-2543

Other Board News

Supt. Johnson said the school board election will be certified on Nov. 24 and new board member Katie Leid will be sworn in on Dec. 2.

Johnson has received a letter of resignation from Michelle McCleary who was on the ballot for position #2. Johnson told the directors they would need to accept McCleary’s resignation at the Dec. 2 meeting.

Johnson said he would like to extend an invitation to people who are interested in applying for Position #2 on the school board. He said the board would likely choose a candidate on Dec. 16.

Dan Butler is currently filling the remainder of Marchand Hovrud’s position #3 on the board, which ends next month. Hovrud was on the ballot for that position this month, but is expected to resign. Butler has indicated to Supt. Johnson that he will re-apply for that position.

The Dayton School District is currently working with the Waitsburg School District to forge an agreement for a combined high school football team next year.

“We’re both interested in 2B football,” said Johnson. “There is a potential for other sports, as well,” he said.

Johnson said a meeting will be held on Nov. 24 for representatives of both schools to discuss the issue. He said full approval of both school boards is required in order to move ahead.

A decision on combining schools for high school football could be made by the end of December, or sometime in January, according to Johnson.

Also in his report to the board of directors, Johnson said he met recently with State Representative Terry Nealey regarding the upcoming legislative session about work that is being done regarding state funding for education. He said local levy dollars was of specific interest.

Johnson also said he joined other members of the ESD 112 Special Education Advisory Council via computer to discuss the shortage of qualified teachers and support staff in Washington. The group is looking into a change in compensation and benefits for certified and classified staff in order to attract qualified employees.

The Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Nov. 12 was a great success, according to Supt. Johnson. “It went well. It was a great opportunity for us to show the public some things about us,” he said.

“I want to thank the teachers, students, and our principals for their attendance at the banquet,” he added. “I also wish to thank them all, especially Mr. Shaber, for composing and editing the videos taken by staff. I felt it was a great opportunity to share with our business leaders the achievements of our students, teachers and support staff,” Johnson said in a prepared statement.