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DAYTON-The local School Board (DSB) heard information about bonds and levies; and about the Senior Life Class, at the work session on October 5.
The DSB held their monthly work session on October 5 where Superintendent Rich Stewart provided information about bonds and levies followed by a brief discussion.
Dayton was not awarded the $5 million state grant that McKinstry helped the district apply for. Stewart said that they need to address the building needs which will cost more than what can be obtained through other grants and the general fund. He also suggested that some attention needs to be given to bus transportation. In general, many of the district's needs are deferred including some maintenance which he said can be problem if the needs become emergent all at once. He'd like to see the district be preventative instead of reactionary to maintenance.
A packet of information was provided to the Board about bonds and levies for the Dayton School District, as well as two options of firms to consider for consulting for deciding on funding efforts. He explained the difference between bonds and levies. Bonds are 20-30 years for up to $25 million which would allow the district to do large building projects or modernize the existing schools. They pass with a 60% majority vote but are more difficult to pass.
He thought that because of the age of the building, they would qualify for a 50% State match which would add about $12 million for a total of $37 million. Bonds are sold to an investor who is repaid with interest through the property tax collections. The other option is a running a levy which would be for one to six years for specific projects or needs and requires a simple voter majority to pass. Several levies can be sought at once, separately or together.
In the packet some data was provided to show that Dayton School District currently receives a levy where residents pay $1.50 per $1000 assessed property value which is in the bottom third of all school districts in the State. Steward clarified that in actually, the amount is $4.10 per $1000 because of a special tax the State adds to spread the taxes out from "property rich" districts to those that are "property poor." The Dayton School District is considered more "property rich." Therefore, most of the $2.60 is sent to the State and spread out to other districts.
Two firms were suggested to work with for deciding on funding efforts. Stewart said at minimum they need to run the usual levies for enrichment, transportation and capital and technology improvements. These pay for special ed, activities and athletics, bus transportation, security enhancements and renovations.
It was determined that seeing the needs assessment will help with prioritizing. Stewart added the assessment would also help show which of the options should be pursued to cover those needs.
The board also heard a presentation about the Senior Life Class which was given by High School Teacher Kristine Warren who has been teaching the class since 2017 with input from current senior Eve Talbott.
Warren spoke about the senior-only class on life skills she introduced in 2017. Along with input from current senior Eve Talbott, Warren said each senior class decides what topics will be taught and are given suggestions based on subjects' previous classes have chosen, though new topics are encouraged.
Some examples are how to fill out job or scholarship applications or create a resume. Simpler every day examples include making phone calls, dining etiquette, folding laundry and car care.
During COVID the seniors suggested the subject of mental health. Senior Eve Talbott offered her perspective in that she likes that the students have a say on what the class will be about and can practice what is learned and apply it in life.
