Guy Strot, new Dayton Schools Superintendent, takes the helm

DAYTON–The District School Board received Guy Strot as he stepped into his new position at the District's Superintendent at the meeting on July 1. Board Chair Katie Leid acknowledged him by saying, "Guy, I want to welcome you on board. Welcome to your first day of work and your first board meeting." In addition to Strot taking the helm, the Board approved Resolution 2019-10 of Fixing and Adopting the 2020-2021 Budget.

District Business Manager Paula Moisio reported that the ending cash balance for the 2019-2020 year was higher than anticipated due mainly to onsite school closure because of COVID-19. In preparing a budget for the 2020-2021 school year, she relayed there are many unknowns that needed to be budgeted for, and then if needed, could be used.

"I built in about $15,000 for contingency because we just don't know what happens in the coming year as far as additional CARES money from the federal level or what else might happen with COVID so I wanted to build in that capacity to spend," said Moisio.

Strot expressed his plan to have students attend school all five days because the school has the square footage to accommodate the student populace. "The plan is every student will come all five days next year. We have the square footage here and the number of students that we can do that," said Strot. He indicated he will form three committees–one each for the elementary, middle and high schools. He anticipates to have an established plan to submit to the state by the first week of August, and will be sure to meet with the local health department to get approval.

To address the needs of each student, Strot will meet with parents of children with special needs or who are at risk to address the best approach to schooling for each of them. He will also plan to survey parents of students not returning to Dayton Schools to determine the reasons for vacating. Ultimately, Strot said he wants to "Meet every student's need in the best way we can."