Small School, Big Changes

By Trista Villaro

High School Correspondent

DAYTON–After a few months of intense meetings, discussions, and waiting, the school board has decided on some significant changes for Dayton High School (DHS). At the end of February, Superintendent Guy Strot sent out a presentation to staff members, including a list of suggested changes for our school. Some of these suggestions were taken, and now DHS will be looking quite different in the coming year.

A school board work session was held to review Strot’s suggestions on March 2. Many community members attended and contributed their opinions. Alongside them were staff and students who also spoke during public comments. Many of these opinions were against the superintendent’s recommendations. On March 16, another monthly meeting was held, and these suggestions were voted on. Many of them were approved. Superintendent Strot then sent out an email to parents of Dayton High Schoolers on March 18, detailing the changes which will be made to the district in the coming school year. These changes will remove some staff from their current position and reassign them to a broader educational and advisory position.

Beginning Fall of 2022, the current elementary school Principal Amy Cox will be the principal of kindergarten through eighth grade (K–8). Guy Strot will become both the Superintendent and the High School Principal (9–12). Both Principals will also be working with the math department to develop a new curriculum. Hannalee Farrel will be brought in as the K-8 Behavior Specialist. Sarah Reser will become the high school Academic Counselor and the new ASB Advisor and Leadership class teacher.

The Strot also made a point to consider the possibility of new or different electives for next year. Hoping to engage the students’ interests and involve them and their parents in deciding what electives will be offered in the future.

Many of the students have expressed strong opinions about the coming school year. One junior student stated: “These changes needed to be made sooner or later, whether they should be made all at once is debatable.”