Dayton school board prepare for year-end activities

DAYTON – The Dayton School Board met at 5:30 p.m. on May 21, 2025. Superintendent Jeremy Wheatley and board members Grant Griffin and Pat Davidson were present in the school library. Board Chair Jeffrey McCowen attended remotely on Zoom. Aneesha Dieu joined about 26 minutes later on Zoom. Ryan Paulson did not attend.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included approval of a $3,000 donation to the school library from Neighbors United for Progress, a trip to Silverwood for the band, and an overnight trip to the State Softball tournament in Yakima for the team. Minor changes to the Dayton Athletic Code of Conduct were made in the consent agenda.

The board listened to the ASB report and discussed the Touchet River Run, which the ASB now hosts as a fundraiser. The run is 3.89 miles for adults and 1.4 miles for kids. The event was scheduled for Monday, May 26.

Student representative Lila Hutchens is graduating this year and gave her last report to the school board after serving for two years. She spoke about recent activities, including the sixth-grade trip to Camp Wootan and the HS Leadership Class that helped the camp program. She presented the results of the ASB elections for next year:

President – Lucy Trump

Vice President – Alexa Jones

Secretary - Cindi Howard

Treasurer – Denver Hutchens

Public Relations Manager – Jordan McCowen

Public Relations Manager Assistant – McKenna McCowen

Graduation is on June 7, 2025. Before graduation, seniors will go to Coeur d’Alene for a lake cruise, mall trip, Triple Play, and the Olive Garden.

Athletic Director Sam Korslund gave an update on spring sports and said registration for next year had opened.

Amy Cox gave the principal’s report and discussed the Cinco de Libro event on May 5, 2025. She said students in elementary school are going on walking field trips around town, including the courthouse. There are also some more distant trips, such as to the Lyon’s Ferry fish hatchery.

Wheatley said the roofing project on the gym will begin on May 28, 2025, and pressure washing in preparation for the project has begun. The project should be complete by June 20, 2025.

Wheatley said there have been reductions in staff and classes. Notifications have been given, but no specifics have been elaborated on. He will present the budget next month.

John Delp, the head custodian, said installation of the new boilers was nearly complete. The board did not approve the Palmer Landworks, LLC irrigation bid for the sports field due to an unexpected increase in the bid. The board will continue to pursue a solution.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m..