Dawn McGhan retires after 45 years of service

DAYTON — The Dayton School Board met at the high school library at 6:30 p.m. on June 16, 2026. Superintendent Jeremy Wheatley, Board Chair Jeffrey McCowen, and board members Ryan Paulson and Grant Griffin participated in person in the school library. Aneesha Dieu joined remotely. Pat Davidson was not present.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included a list of surplus property and the personnel report.

In this month’s personnel report, Dawn McGhan at the Elementary School will be retiring after 45 years of service. Also leaving are Jami Rushing and Hannelee Farrell from the Secondary School. Farrell left the Dayton School District to become the K-12 principal for the Kalotus School District. Chris Farrell resigned as the grounds custodian; a new grounds custodian has been hired.

Wheatley mentioned in his report that Jana Eaton has been working hard on next year’s budget report. He said that the recent resignations and retirements leave the district in a better financial position. He is working to fill those positions with staff members. Next year, the district will operate with two fewer administrative staff members and two fewer teachers.

The superintendent said the new gym floor is being installed. Finally, Wheatley mentioned that the school’s baseball team will travel to Seattle to attend a Mariners game and be recognized as WIAA spring sports champions.

Eaton gave the budget presentation, which showed the current enrollment is 326 full-time students, with 330 students budgeted. For the next school year, the district anticipates at least 43 fewer students.

The board approved the budget and Amy Cox’s contract for the next school year.

The board’s July 1, 2026, work session was canceled. There was no executive session, and the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.