Facilities Committee Ponders Next Moves

DAYTON - The Dayton School Facilities Committee met last week to take stock after the overwhelming defeat last month of a $20 million bond levy measure and to consider what next moves should be. About a dozen people, including staff, board members and members of the public attended.

The bond levy measure, which would have provided funding for a major renovation of Dayton High School, systems replacement in the elementary school and construction of a new commons building, was rejected by about 72% of voters in April. No recommendations came out of last week's meeting regarding what the district's next move should be to deal with facilities issues.

"The district needs to find a strategy for listening to the public," was one of the comments made at the meeting.

In a meeting summary provided by Superintendent Doug Johnson, a number of comments were given that were heard in the community leading up to the vote: - Asking the public for $20 million is obviously the wrong thing to do. - Declining enrollment seems out of alignment with larger classrooms and adding building space. - There is a negative perception of the school district. - The concept of voting no sends a message to make sure you only ask for what you need. - Community groups want to hear from school annually

- not just when we want money. - Where were the employees?

Perception was that employees did not support. - There was no champion from the public at large. - Does the public believe facilities are an issue? If not maybe we have to wait for the facilities to become a priority for them. - Should we consider knocking down and building new?

Suggestions were given for improving communications with the community and public perception of the schools. They included holding a community forum or "town meeting," conduction surveys of community members and conducting tours of the school buildings.

The group also felt the committee needs to work more closely with school employees to determine what they will support.

Johnson said that changing public perception of the schools will be a key factor in getting voters to support a future bond levy measure.

"We will be looking for opportunities to share the good news happening at the school," he said.