Reduced educational program adopted

DAYTON-The Dayton School Board met for their regularly monthly meeting on March 15 and passed a resolution for the adoption of a reduced educational program for next school year 2023-24. An FFA presentation was given by teacher and advisor Jenn Crane and student Lila Hutchens followed by reports from the administration, athletic director, head custodian, and business manager.

With the transition of administrative staff between last school year and this school year, the window was missed for applying for Esser funding. This affects the budget for educational programming "including reductions in certificated, classified, and administrative positions for the 2023-2024 school year."

The Board approved the resolution that read they are making the decision at this time "so that employees who would be affected by said plan may be provided timely notification in accordance with applicable law and contract provisions."

It goes on to stipulate that the superintendent will make to the Board any recommendations about reductions. He will then notify those employees and make any necessary bargaining agreements. He is also required to draft an anticipated budget for next school with restricted expenditures based on the anticipated revenues and once approved he will be authorized to follow the reduced educational program.

Teacher and FFA Advisor Jenn Crane together with sophomore Lila Hutchens updated about some of the group activities including their recent trip to that State Capitol, celebrating National FFA week in February on campus and upcoming District and State events, as well as the annual plant sale and end of year banquet.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox shared about recent school events. On March 2, they held a Title 1 Math Night inviting families to come see The Reptile Lady, participate in bowling, and play Twister or with giant dice. They also held Reading Week that week along with Dr. Suess' birthday with themed days and reading challenges. She said the school is conducting Highly Capable testing to check for students who qualify for the program to better meet their needs. Currently there are eight identified.

Secondary Principal Guin Joyce told the Board that they inducted five new members in the National Honor Society on March 7. She said, "Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service and character," and being inducted "empowers students with opportunities to be leaders within their school and community."

She also shared that the students in the Careers class are halfway through Junior Achievement with guest teacher Judith Pilcher from The Bank of Idaho. She comes once a week to teach about "job related skills through activities focused on: Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity and Collaboration." Also, a group of staff and students held peer leader training for Sources of Strength for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. They are training about different coping skills and spreading messages of hope, help and strength around campus.

Student Representative Madison Richardson spoke about this too. The high school pep band was invited to play at the boys' basketball state playoffs. Joyce shared that they discovered the two competing teams shared the same fight song and they played it together at the end of the game. Two band members were given the opportunity to play in an honor band event recently. According to Joyce, seniors Sarah Shutters and Eve Talbott were happy to experience playing with an honor band again before graduation since they were not able to participate during COVID.

Superintendent Rich Stewart said the district is going for a grant for $50,000–$10,000 for the current year and $40,000 for next year specifically for working with students to keep them moving forward in their education and from failing. Mental health is usually a key component. They plan to contract with a professional to work with kids. Stewart suggested that the district needs to be more "data driven" to identify and address the gaps in student success.

Athletic Director Sam Korslund said spring sports are off to a good start with over 70 high school students participating. Middle school sports begin April 10 and they have over 30 signed up. Student athletes were invited to provide input for the new Bulldogs uniform design.

He is also informally recruiting athletes for next year and said that he has 27 boys for football and 18 girls for volleyball.

Head Custodian John Delp reported about maintenance, operations, and grounds. McKinstry will be starting the electrical upgrade this summer with getting all the infrastructure in place though there is a delay in obtaining the switchgear part to convert over to the new upgraded system until over Christmas break next school year.

The budget status report given by Business Manager Jana Eaton was favorable. She stated that the district is right where they want to be this time of year. She also said the district has been going through an audit and has been approved for a $64,000 FEMA grant.