Dayton School Board update

October 16, 2019

DAYTON—Good News in Dayton Schools:

The Dayton School District Middle and High Schools have partnered with HomeStreet Bank and the local food bank to provide snacks to students at the end of the school day. 976 snacks were served to students in the month of September. 

During the month of October, the schools have served more than 290 lunches to students. The monthly average in the past has been between 240 and 250 lunches. Lunches are not part of the snack program.

“It creates some lines on some days, but it’s nice to see so many kids,” Superintendent Doug Johnson said.

Clint Reser received a $500 grant to purchase supplies for a science enrichment class for 7th and 8th grade students.

Dayton students recently participated in the Taste Washington program, which brings locally grown fruits and vegetables. Warren Orchards provided some of the fruit for the day.

ESD 123 Superintendent Darcy Weisner and his team presented a plan concerning the upcoming search to replace Supt. Doug Johnson who is retiring at the end of this school year. Weisner was accompanied by their Human Resources Manager Kaylee Bolt and the Director of Communications, Molly Curtiss. The presentation included a plan of action and a tentative timeline. The Dayton School Board is considering the service.

Public Comment:

Jeremy Trump presented the board with his concerns regarding the Dayton Waitsburg Combine at the middle school level. Mr. Trump had concerns regarding the large number of athletes and the lack of games and matches. The Board is aware of his concerns and is working with the Administration to address the issue.

Reports:

Secondary Principal Kristina Brown reported that the schools are working with ELA and Math teams to use interim assessments. The interim assessments are part of the SBAC system and provide valuable data to teachers to use in order to guide instruction, she said.

Brown said teachers have formed Professional Learning Communities, and are working together to find solutions to problems faced while teaching, as well as working towards improving instructional strategies.

Community Wellness Prevention Initiative (CWPI) is currently in the process of reforming the Coalition for Youth and Families (CYF). The Coalition is seeking to support youth and families in making healthy choices while preventing drug and alcohol abuse, vaping and tobacco use, and violence. MS/HS Principal Kristina Brown said she participates in these meetings.

She said they MS/HS will be partnering with the Columbia County Health System for the upcoming Haz Mat drill.

There were no reports from the ASB. Students were busy with Homecoming activities.

Supt. Doug Johnson said enrollment is hovering around the 390 mark.

“This is slightly more than last year’s 385 average, and above our targeted budget figure of 382. Anything at our budget figure, or above, is positive,” he said.

The K-1 ELA curriculum has arrived and a professional development program will be held October 16th for teachers and paraeducators, Supt. Johnson said.

Action items:

The Board of Directors adopted two resolutions. They are proposing a two-year Education Program and Operations Levy and a three year Capital Improvements Levy. Both levies will go before voters in Feb. 2020.