Dayton School Board hears Gear Up presentations

DAYTON – The Dayton School Board held a regular meeting at 6 p.m., on April 15, 2023, in the high school library. School board chair Jeffrey McCowen, board members Korinda Wallace, Grant Griffen, Aneesha Dieu, Zac Fabian, and Superintendent Rich Stewart was also present.

The board approved the consent agenda.

Seven students in Angela Kenney’s fourth-grade class gave a presentation on raising salmon, which they will release in the Touchet River in May. The students spoke about the entire salmon life cycle.

Middle school teacher Jeff McCann introduced three eighth-grade students who gave presentations about careers they researched as part of the Gear Up program.

Christian Gonzalez presented his research into neurological surgery or brain surgery. He said his goal was to graduate at the top of his high school, university, medical school, and residency classes. He wants to become one of the best neurosurgeons in the country, specializing in removing brain tumors. Gonzalez also hopes to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy or literature, start a charity and write a book about it.

Denver Hutchens discussed certified public accountant (CPA) as a career. He explained what a CPA does, who uses them, and why. Hutchens identified higher learning institutions offering training for certification. Hutchens admitted at the end of the presentation that he wasn’t interested in becoming a CPA after researching the topic.

The last student, Jaelynn Chapman, presented on becoming a homicide investigator. She spoke about the career path and skills needed to succeed in that career. She said that she has always liked solving mysteries and would like to help families of homicide victims find closure.

During public comment, Pastor Jeff Milsten was the only speaker. He first mentioned that he had provided board members with a two-page letter which he said provided clarity. He said it would be easier for the students and teachers to have Christian tools and history for teaching science, literature, and other subjects.

Milsten, a substitute teacher in the district, said he does not bring up Christianity in class. However, the students he believes know he is a pastor have asked him about 50 times about religious topics while they worked on assignments because “they know I can answer.”

After the administration asked him to stop, Milsten said he no longer talks about religion in class. He was asked to read Policy 2340, “Religious-Related Activities and Practices,” but feels it is unclear. Since he claimed students consistently asked him religious questions, he came to the board for clarification. Stewart said he would talk to Milsten at another time

Jana Eaton gave an update on the budget status.

The board approved a resolution declaring April 20, 2023, Crimson/Gold Pietrzycki Day and a WIAA Annual Membership Resolution. The board also approved the Dayton Athletic & Parent Code of Conduct Agreement.

The meeting adjourned just before 7:30 p.m.