School enrollment count higher than expected

DAYTON-The District School Board was advised that student registration is up higher than anticipated for the year; a proposal made to have legislative student representatives; and heard updates on other program business during the first work session of the 2022-23 school year.

Interim Superintendent Richard Stewart announced that, "We budgeted at 330 students...as of today we have 357...which is a celebration!" He added that relational and cultural growth is happening rapidly in the district. Chairman of the Board Jeff McCowen stated, "I'm pleased with where we are at in a short amount of time."

Stewart then turned his attention to developing a Student Representative of a junior and a senior who would they attend legislative session at the capital to gain insight on the workings of governing bodies. This idea will be further discussed at the next board meeting on September 21.

Other topics of discussion at the work session included a presentation by Academic Counselor Sarah Reser on Character Strong and a Board Retreat Extension consisting of summary of the retreat held last month and discussion on Board goals and finding a permanent superintendent for the district.

Two of the methods the Board has implemented to bring about positive change in the district is through the reorganization of the administration and through implementing the Character Strong program for staff and students. Both were topics of discussion for the work session.

Academic Counselor Sarah Reser presented about utilizing the Character Strong program in the newly formed Leadership classes for middle and high school students. She explained they are working through six lessons about building community through getting to know their peers. She gave an example of an activity called, "Would you rather?" This allows the students a way to learn about each other through choosing between two options such as spending a week stranded in the middle of the ocean or a month in the cold winter. They practice the skills or both sharing and listening.

Another activity focused on choosing a concept that best reflects how each student wants to feel in the classroom and how the teacher can help them feel that way. Some of the concepts explore were to ask questions to seek understanding, listen for understanding and assume positive intent, and support one another's ideas and learning.

The discussion for the lesson focused also on learning from mistakes and "falling forward" through them rather than being set back. The classes took this activity and began working on developing a "community agreement" first for the classroom, then they'll develop it for the grade, school and finally for the district for specific ways to become a community.

The curriculum then focuses on implementing the ideas in the broader school environment. One group from the classes chose to do a birthday card project for every student including recognizing those whose birthdays fall during breaks. Another group is working with The Club to plan the middle school night on the second Thursday of the month with special activities and themes to draw kids with varied interests.

Another project is a Student Showcase where each student has an opportunity to be recognized. Reser said, "The kids are excited. The kids want a better school...They are just so excited about wanting school spirit back. Homecoming is really soon...The kids want to bring back a lot of things that were lost over COVID like lip sync."

Stewart moved on to discuss some of the topic from the Board Retreat in August. He relayed specific goals for the Board to form a "collective voice," to further develop a strategic plan and engage in active listening. He pointed out that the Board is behind on reviewing and approving policies and procedures. He then asked the Board what direction they think they want to go for finding a permanent superintendent for the following school year.

Board Director Aneesha Deui questioned whether he was able to do the job with the part-time hours. Stewart answered that he thinks a part-time position is reasonable and is one option. He also suggested a shared position with another district.

Deui then asked if they should advertise for the position or work with a consultant to find candidates. Stewart responded in favor of working with a consultant since they are well connected to find the right person to fit the needs of the district. He also suggested the use of a consultant for further development of the strategic plan to be in place before he leaves.

Deui requested the Board be provided with a cost analysis to show what the district can afford. Board Director Zac Fabian requested information on the cost of the added administrator position of Dean of Students filled by Hannalee Farrell which is one of the positions created by placing a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA). The other is Sarah Reser's position as Academic Counselor.

The Board decided to continue the discussion at the next meeting on September 21 when Griffin would be present, and the financial information would be provided.