DSD Board discussed student cell phone policy

DAYTON – The Dayton School Board held its June 18, 2025, meeting at the high school library at 6:30 p.m.

Superintendent Jeremy Wheatley, Board Chair Jeffrey McCowen, directors Grant Griffin and Ryan Paulson were present in the library. Aneesha Dieu joined the meeting on Zoom, and Pat Davidson did not attend.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included hiring Jamie Trump as the high school assistant volleyball coach, Cody Chapman as the high school head football coach, Joe Howard as the middle school girls’ basketball head coach, and Ajay McNarland as the high school head golf coach. Additionally, Athletic Director Sam Korslund will volunteer as the high school football assistant coach.

Staff members departing include HS Cheer Coach Brianna Collier, HS Head Football Coach Lucas Collier, and Mike McGhan as the HS golf coach. Elementary Teacher Angela Kenney and school bus driver Jason Griffin are also leaving their positions.

Principal Amy Cox presented highlights of the school year and ideas for the upcoming year. Cox said she will focus on the Bulldog BRAVE program in the secondary school after seeing its effectiveness at the elementary school.

Superintendent Wheatley presented a survey from students who left the Dayton School District. Twenty-three students transitioned to online learning, twenty-two enrolled in the Waitsburg School District, and eighteen moved to the Walla Walla district. Most students transferred to take advantage of educational programs not available in Dayton, although many reasons for transferring were cited in the survey.

“We did not renew the contract with our current counselor. We anticipate support of some kind, but want to evaluate our needs and provide support as needed, which could be full-time, part-time, or contracted support via an outside agency. We will evaluate counseling support in August,” said Wheatley.

Only one teacher was let go due to budget-driven staff reductions. Retirements and transfers have kept reductions to a minimum.

The board conducted a first reading of Policy 3245 concerning students use of telecommunication devices. In a significant departure from past policy, the district aims to essentially ban the use of cellular phones and Bluetooth-connected devices on campus during the regular school day. Students would not be allowed to use their phones or have them visible during the school day, except in the event of an emergency or with the prior approval of a school administrator. This rule would include lunchtime and breaks during school hours. A medical exemption would be available.

The district found that phones and connected devices are a distraction to learning. In Washington State, the Department of Education encourages districts to develop policies to limit cell phone use, stating, “Reducing the use of cellphones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused by social media.”

Student cellphone use in the district was implicated as a factor in a majority of disciplinary problems. Wheatley said it was a matter of keeping kids safe.

The board ruminated on the issue, including a suggestion for more parental input before finalizing the policy. Ultimately, the board passed the policy unanimously on its first reading.

Also approved by unanimous vote was the irrigation bid awarded to Palmer Land Works, a budget extension, the following year’s fee schedule, and the new employment contract for the K-12 Principal.

There was no executive session, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.