Dayton Considers Middle School Spring Sports Combine

DAYTON—In his report to the Dayton School Board last week, Superintendent Doug Johnson discussed providing middle school students with baseball and softball programs through a joint effort with the Waitsburg School District.

There has been “a sudden interest” in participation, by seventh and eighth grade boys and girls, Johnson said. He said the district is now searching for coaches, for both programs. Johnson also said that Principal Paul Shaber has found a solution to some transportation issues for the combined sports programs through partnering with Columbia County Transportation.

The school board is in the process of selecting three or four strategic priorities to determine short and long-term goals for the district. The goals will serve as a guide for decisions regarding budgets and policy, Johnson said.

Top priorities identified in the January community visioning meeting are in the areas of personnel, facilities, parent/community outreach, communication and involvement, and early childhood.

Also at the meeting, the board approved a contract with Anderson Perry and Associates for engineering and related services for the upcoming asphalt project. Anderson Perry will begin working on the design and undertake the bidding process, Johnson said.

“The cost of this portion of the project is projected to be $20,000, and will ensure the project is completed in a fashion that meets local and state specifications, and will serve the school district, for years to come,” Johnson said in his report.

The board has given Superintendent Johnson a positive performance evaluation, and they approved the extension of his contract through the 2019-2020 school year.

Johnson’s evaluation focused on his progress in three areas; development of a strategic plan to provide direction for the district, his efforts to make Dayton a “school of choice,” and his communication regarding the progress of the Capital Project Levy.

In her report to the board, Elementary School Principal Pam Lindsley said the students are hosting a book fair during the week of March 15 for students and their parents.

She also said the testing schedule for spring and training for the teacher proctors has been accomplished. There is a second session for students in the academic support program, she added.

Students who need additional support in reading or math are invited to stay after school for one-on-one attention from teachers, paraprofessionals, and volunteers from the community, Lindsley said.

Because Principal Shaber was attending the State B Basketball Tournament, Superintendent Johnson reported on the state schedule for the girls’ basketball team. He also announced that the High School Knowledge Bowl Team, under the direction of Mr. Yenney, has qualified for the state competition, to be held in Arlington, Wash., on March 18.