School Board Ponders Levies, Math Needs

DAYTON—At their regular meeting last week, Dayton School District Superintendent Doug Johnson gave the directors some preliminary background information regarding the two levies that are set to expire in February. Johnson also stressed the importance of passing a resolution to place a levy proposal on the election ballot no later than December 4, in order to be received by the County auditor on December 11, as required.

Johnson said the M&O levy, which funds between 20-25% of the District’s budget, is coming to the end of a four-year run that began in February 2012. He also said the technology levy is also set to expire in February.

An $800,000 Capital Improvements Projects Levy failed in April, 2015, but Johnson said a communications upgrade still needs to be done, roofs need replacing, and the irrigation system in the athletic complex needs an upgrade, as do campus-wide exterior doors. There are still asphalt safety concerns and the high school lobby entry doors need new frames and door panels.

Johnson pointed out some new items for consideration, as well. These include installing security cameras in the elementary school, replacing some grounds equipment, and resolving some bus loading zone issues. He talked about some bleacher safety issues at the athletic complex and he said there is inefficient lighting on the field. Also, some floors and backsplashes in the bathrooms need to be replaced, he said.

“We need a facility to help our children continue with their goals,” said Johnson

Johnson said community input will be sought at a forum on Nov. 16. The location is yet to be determined.

Math requirements discussed

Superintendent Johnson told the directors that in 2014 the State Board of Education began allowing eighth-grade algebra students to include that course on their high school transcript. He said that there is some concern that those students might meet the three-year math requirement for high school graduation before their junior or senior year. He said that places them at a disadvantage in college where they are required to take remedial math courses, at a huge financial cost to them.

Several ideas such as dropping eighth-grade algebra or requiring math to be taken only in grades 9-12, were proposed, and it was agreed that further discussion needs to take place. According to Johnson any action taken by the board of directors in 2015 would create a policy for the 2016 incoming freshman class.