School discipline policy under fire

DAYTON-Several parents of high school students spoke out at the School Board meeting on May 19 expressing concern over perceived discipline issues within the school, after threats caused an emergency closure of the school while the situation was investigated.

The meeting was one week after school was closed due to the investigation into a credible threat to safety found on campus. The investigation concluded with finding the high school student responsible for the threat and determining that school was safe to resume the next day.

Due to this threatening situation, the parents present articulated what they consider an overall lack of discipline in the high school. Alum Jerrod Culley, who has a senior attending classes this year, sees a diversion in the direction to sustain a positive learning environment for students attending DHS.

"We are very concerned with the direction our school seems to be heading," said Culley. "We've spoke with parents, students, law enforcement and some faculty who share these concerns and would like the board to do the same to see what can be done to change direction. It does not appear to be a positive or healthy learning environment at this time and would encourage community members to look at this as well."

Problems Culley specified include "Drug and vaping, lack of discipline, and an overall negative environment."

Another parent of two in high school and also an DHS alum Emmalee Payne-Davis had similar concerns about discipline stating the lack of consequence for poor behavior is creating an environment focused mainly of troubled kids and not on student aptitude development or education.

"One of my biggest concerns is misaligned discipline," said Payne-Davis. "I feel as if we are opening ourselves up to a potential serious or even violent situation. Students who commit serious offenses only get a slap on the wrist after blaming a "bad home life".

High school staff is so busy dealing with "troubled kids" other students are left to fend for themselves affecting self-esteem, attitude, and their grades."

She said some staff members fear for their safety and the safety of their families because of threats that can't be addressed or resolved in a proper manner. In her opinion, she finds this an unsafe environment for our teachers or kids, physically or mentally. This behavior is causing a negative environment in the school, not only with the students, but between staff and administration.

Payne-Davis expressed the disappointment she sees in overall school pride. "As a DHS graduate, it is heartbreaking to see that there is little pride left in being a Dayton Bulldog," she said. "I'm hoping the Superintendent can improve communication and continuity with high school staff and students, and get these issues ironed out before we lose even more pride in our school, enrollment, and valuable teachers and staff. I am begging and pleading that this happens before a horrible, but preventable incident occurs that could affect the entire community."

One high school senior who requested to remain anonymous offered a perspective, saying there is a lack of continuity and definite policy which defines student, teacher, administration and community expectations in order to rebuild our school community.

One of the elementary school staff stated discipline issues are not only in the upper grades and to assure protection for students and teachers, policy on how offenses are handled should be reviewed.

Board Chair Dave Bailey concurred during the meeting that things at the school are not going well. The Board as a whole did not offer comment when requested.

Strot released an announcement that he and school board decided to hold the first of several community and staff forums on June 3 in the Dayton High School Library at 6 p.m. to discuss the elementary school and 7 p.m. to discuss the middle and high school. In the meantime, Strot expressed that he is always available to speak with anyone.

This heightened tension after last week's threat came during Prom Week for Dayton High School. Associated Student Body (ASB) representative and senior Mason Finney said to the Board, "It's Prom Week but we don't have a Prom so..." The students had decided they didn't want to hold a dance with requirements for masking and social distancing. Instead, this year a series of themed events would take place starting Monday May 17 with pole decorating in The Commons with Dress-up Day and Taco Truck Tuesday which was Jersey Day. Finney said he observed students who normally left school during lunch stayed to have lunch out of the taco truck. "I feel like it was a really big success." He also said everyone was upbeat enjoying the day. "That day, it was positive energy–everyone was getting along," Finney said. The day of the Board meeting was Tie Dye Day and also the ASB came in early to decorate with a mixed theme of "Spring, Out of this World with aliens and such" said Finney. He went on to say, "Friday we have stud volleyball planned which is our big event...there's a lot of excitement about that."

Lastly Finney for the "Senior Trip", the original plan was to go to Silverwood but Columbia County Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman rejected the plan because of the group mixing with other groups. The District's insurance coverage would then be an issue Strot said. The alternative plan is to go on cruise boat on Lake Coeur D'Alene, then to finish the day with overnight camping on school grounds and to attend school that next morning.

Graduation for seniors is on June 5. Davis also questioned the Board and staff why the graduates are limited to only 12 guests to which Strot replied that keeping distance between groups is a priority and so that distancing plays a big part in the decision.