Dayton School board postion 4 still vacant

DAYTON – The Dayton School Board met in the High School Library at 6:33 p.m. on September 20, 2023. School board members present were Chair Jeffrey McCowen, Zac Fabian, Grant Griffin, and Aneesha Dieu. Superintendent Rich Stewart was also present. The board seat held by Korinda Wallace remains vacant since her resignation was announced at the June 14, 2023, meeting.

The Board approved the consent agenda, including approval of Madison Richardson as the district’s student representative, a $1,000 donation to DHS Athletics from Van Ausdle Tire, a donation of $2,500 for the Camp Wooten trips from Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council, the hiring of Dave Phillips as Junior Class Advisor, and the acceptance of Cody Chapman as an HS football program volunteer.

Kristine Warren gave a presentation on the Yamate, Japan, student exchange program, which began between Dayton and Yamate in 1969. Ms. Warren has been a leader in the program since 2005. The Board approved continuing the Yamate student exchange program.

The Board heard from the ASB and FFA, who gave reports on their activities.

In the Elementary Principal’s report, Amy Cox described changes to the school lunch period designed to encourage students to slow down, eat more, and waste less food. The lunch recess period is being shortened to help reduce contact between different aged students and reduce playground incidents. She said this type of incident increased towards the end of last year’s recess periods when some students would get bored.

Cox addressed the implementation of the school’s new sensory walk, proposed last year by Misty Yost, Tracie Sinkbeil, and the PTSO. She said the main hallway of the elementary school now has a beautiful sensory walk to help students refocus, regulate, and calm down.

She said the student of the month program would continue this year, with the winners chosen based on Character Strong attributes.

Preschool was expanded this year. Last year, three to four-year-old students attended half days. This year, they will participate in full days and eat lunch with the rest of the K-5 kids.

Secondary School Principal Guin Joyce said the school focused on school climate, communications, and academic excellence. Joyce addressed the school’s new cell phone policy, prohibiting cell phone use in class. She seemed optimistic that the new policy was widely accepted and working well.

Stewart said the boilers needed to be refurbished to increase efficiency. He said the boiler system was at least 35 years old and burning too much fuel.

He said, “There are some things that are just wearing out. We have an old system.”

Stewart spoke generally about the Board looking for his replacement since his position is temporary. He advised against combining the superintendent position with principal positions.

Stewart also said the budget was being monitored closely.

Finally, the Board approved Carl D. Perkins Grant Assurances and a policy review.