Dayton School Board prepares for new superintendent and district reorganization

DAYTON – The Dayton School Board met in the high school library at 6:30 p.m. on June 19, 2024. School Board members present were Chair Jeffrey McCowen, Zac Fabian, Ryan Paulson (on Zoom), Grant Griffin, and Superintendent Rich Stewart. Aneesha Dieu attended the final five minutes using Zoom. No members of the public were present at the meeting or on Zoom.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included hiring Anna Fortier as an elementary school teacher, Shannon James as the annual advisor, and Sam Korslund as a bus driver. Two resignations were included in the consent agenda: Jamie Trump as the Camp Wooten Camp Director and Wes Harting as bus driver. Trump will remain in the district in her other job roles.

The approved consent agenda renewed several coaching contracts:

Jeff McCowen – Head Baseball Coach

Andee Thurston – MS Girls Head Basketball Coach

Mike McGhan – HS Head Golf Coach

Owen Lanning – MS Head Track Coach

Tara Brenner – MS Assistant Track Coach

Jana Eaton briefed the board on Associated Student Body (ASB) policies and procedures, focusing on the handling of ASB funds.

Stewart spoke on the implementation of a policy governance model for the board and said training and guidance could cost $25,000 and up. The expense would be based on the choice of consultants and methods chosen. He said less expensive online training is available. Stewart hoped most of the funding for this effort might come from private, local foundations.

The interim superintendent said he favored using Rick Maloney of Policy Governance Associates for assistance; however, it would be up to new Superintendent Jeremy Wheatley after arriving this summer.

Most of the action items on the agenda involved transferring signature authority for the district’s financial accounts from Stewart to Wheatley and from Guinevere Joyce to Amy Cox. Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, the structure of the district’s administration will be a full-time superintendent and a full-time K-12 principal. Cox was moved into the principal position, and Joyce’s secondary principal position was terminated.

Also in the action items were a resolution to renew membership in the WIAA for the coming year, a resolution to fix and adopt next year’s budget, a resolution to approve applying for a grant for football field improvements, and finally, cancellation of the July 3, 2024, School Board Study Session. All were approved without dissent.

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. The next school board meeting is scheduled for July 17, 2024.