The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON— The Dayton School Board met Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 pm via Zoom virtual meeting. All board members were present. During the meeting, the board discussed budget information, the high school graduation ceremony, and the upcoming school year among other items.

Elementary principal Doug Johnson reported that Dayton Elementary staff and teachers are continuing to improve their online learning models. Mr. Johnson said that a scheduling committee has been formed for the sole purpose of planning the elementary schedules, and they will be meeting with incoming Superintendent Guy Strot soon to include him in the process. The committee is being mindful of the pandemic while planning the 2020-21 school year and keeping all scenarios in mind.

Secondary principal Kristina Brown shared some of the creative ways the secondary staff have connected with the students, including morale-boosting teacher “parades,” virtual class competitions, and other fun activities. The teachers have all practiced suggested social distancing. Principal Brown also reported that graduation details are being finalized, and a final plan will be available soon.

During the superintendent’s report, Superintendent Johnson reported that the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has provided an emergency waiver regarding the required instruction hours. Part of the waiver calls for school boards to agree on a continuous learning plan.

The Dayton School District has had to adjust their school year, with the last official day being June 16. Due to COVID-related closures, the school district did not meet the required contact-teaching hours. Extending the year will allow the district to meet the requirement while keeping students safe.

Superintendent Johnson touched briefly on the budget, as there was not much to report on at the time. He informed the board that districts across the state are expecting budget cuts, and Dayton schools are being mindful of potential cuts. Superintendent Johnson said that the 2020-21 school year is very up in the air all of the way around, and he expects to get more guidance from the state in early June.

Dayton High School graduation will be held on June 6 at 1:00 pm. Seniors and their families will participate in a drive-thru style ceremony using their own vehicle. One student will be allowed out of the vehicles at a time to come forward and receive their diploma. Complete details will be released soon.

The school board discussed out of endorsement teachers and found that all teachers who were teaching outside of their certification were qualified to do so.

The board voted to pass all resolutions as presented. The meeting was adjourned.