Dayton School District discussed possible staff reduction

DAYTON – The Dayton School Board held its regular meeting at 6 p.m., on February 15, 2023, in the high school library. All members of the school board were present; Chair Jeffrey McCowen, Grant Griffen, Aneesha Dieu, Zac Fabian, and Korinda Wallace attended using Zoom. Also present were Superintendent Rich Stewart and Business Manager Jana Eaton.

Dawn McGhan, Kristen Ramirez, and several of their students gave a presentation to the board. The students displayed work they created based on Inca art and gave a musical and movement performance.

The board approved the Consent Agenda, which included administrative items, hiring several sports coaches, and the resignation of Jacob Crawford, a recently hired science teacher.

The High School Associated Student Body ASB president Hudson Reser gave his report. He said the Christmas kick-off the ASB had planned fell on a snow day. In January, the ASB participated in a school-wide ski trip to Bluewood.

The ASB held a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt and raised $100 from its Valentine's Day rose sale. Events coming up for the group will be Spring Spirit Week and prom.

Amy Cox, the Elementary School Principal, discussed plans for Reading Week. Last year students met their reading goals and won the chance to duct tape the principal to a wall during lunch period. This year the expectation is, should the students complete the maximum level of their minutes of reading goal, for Cox to go bobbing for apples in a tank of fish while eating an ice cream sundae made with real freeze-dried insects. At the same time, a live boa constrictor named "Mr. Pickles," is wrapped around her body.

The six-day contest is called "Fear Factor for Reading" and is scheduled to begin on Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, 2023. Green eggs and ham will be served for breakfast that day. Members of the community are welcome to attend.

Guinevere Joyce, the Secondary School Principal, briefed the board on its updated mission and vision. Gear Up is sponsoring a parent night on February 28, 2023, during which dinner will be served. The focus will be on assisting families with GoGuardian and Skyward programs.

Stewart advised the board that at the next regular meeting, there would probably be a resolution giving the board authority to make decisions about program reduction.

Staff reductions may be necessary due to the loss of funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stewart said that staff whose positions will be eliminated would be notified by May 1, 2023.

Stewart recommended hiring Architects West to do design work for the school. The firm would work with the district's facility committee to develop proposals for structural improvements. Architects West Architect Ed Champagne attended the meeting via Zoom. The firm would assist in determining the path forward and how to fund any improvements or repairs. The Board unanimously approved hiring Architects West.