District to consider superintendent options

DAYTON–The Dayton School Board was advised to consider options for a permanent superintendent by interim superintendent Rich Stewart; advised of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS); change to meeting time from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and other district business reports at the meeting on September 20.

Stewart presented his self-review to the Board based on the State's standards for superintendents. He rated himself in the middle two categories as basically or proficiently meeting standards for most areas rather than unsatisfactory or distinguished. He advised the Board to review it and evaluate him based on the same standards and then discuss areas of improvement. This is to prepare them for doing the same with a permanent superintendent for which Stewart suggested they begin considering their options. One option is to continue with the current model of a part-time superintendent, a dean of students, and both elementary and secondary principals. The second is having a K-12 principal with a full-time superintendent either with a dean or not. Another is to have a combination principal and superintendent position with or without a dean. The Board had been looking for someone to continue to do both when they signed on with Stewart who said he would not take a combined position. He said the last option is not desirable because each role has its own focused duties and the principal needs to be physically present. This was the mode of operation under Guy Strot. Staff had commented on the lack of accountability in having someone in the combined position of principal and superintendent.

Stewart shared how MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) is not only applied to the elementary and secondary schools but in the whole district which provides continuity and follow-through on initiatives. MTSS is a framework that helps educators identify students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional strengths and challenges and provide differentiated support for students based on their needs.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox affirmed a committee is working to develop the MTSS and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) to implement Bulldog BRAVE campus wide. Once finished they will share the information with parents and the community. BRAVE stands for bold, responsible, attitude, value, and empathy. They are shifting to a perception of Dayton as one school and to reflect that a photo was taken at the beginning of the year will all staff members rather than separated out by schools.

Cox said they have restructured the staff and Wendy Richards is now the lead as an interventionist instead of teaching her own class. She and Jamie Rushing will be receiving additional training to become reading specialists. Stewart added the staff is working with the Education Service District and a literacy professional.

This year the elementary school is focused on building the ELA program (English Language Arts) to improve test scores. Several educators will work with 50 or more kids each day for 90 minutes. Each week staff will also meet in groups to review data and student needs. The leadership team is developing other goals to support academic achievement, culture and safety and will present them to the Board once complete.

Dayton Elementary has a new Sensory Walk down the main hallway to teach students how to refocus, regulate and calm down. The idea came from parent Misty Yost and Business Manager Jana Eaton took initiative to secure grant funding for it. Also, for the first time ECEAP preschool is offered all five full days a week for three- and four-year-old children. They are also integrating them more into the school including having lunch in the lunchroom.

Guin Joyce reported the secondary school is still focusing on school climate, communication, and academic excellence. The school year started with an assembly to invigorate the student body with enthusiasm. They will be holding more school assemblies and found that they are best held at the end of the school day. Academic assemblies will be held in the middle of the day like one they have scheduled with a guest speaker from Gear Up. Every week students have an advisory period added to their day shortening the other periods. There they have reviewed the student handbook and will go through the Character Strong program. One change to student expectations is those with cell phones are required to have them put away when in the classroom to better be able to focus on learning. This year lunches are no longer offered for take-out so students who wish to eat school lunch must do so in the lunchroom. To enhance family communications, parent information nights are being offered every two months on a specific topic. One already was held on the effects of regular cell phone use and school use of the Bulldog Room for students. Joyce also spoke about the MTSS program for student success using academic and behavioral interventions.

The accreditation the school recently received requires a school improvement plan. Joyce presented the plan the team had developed over last school year. The goals are like those stated above – school climate and improve positive communication and student attendance. To gauge success meeting the goals they will use the SMARTIE system–Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Relevant, Time-Bound, Inclusive and Equitable. Each goal has listed specific activities with a timeframe, as well as who will lead them, the resources used, and data acquired to evaluate.

Stewart gave Head Custodian John Delp's facility report on maintenance, operations, and grounds. He recognized Board Chair Jeff McCowen for his work leveling the ball fields. McCowen in turn thanked Badger Construction, Kyle's Towing, Konen Rock Crushing, Columbia County, and school staff for their help in the project. They continue to work with McKinstry to prepare for the HVAC in the elementary and middle schools and plan to do some of the "rough in work" over the longer school breaks this school year. They are also getting the boilers, pumps and classroom controls going for the heating system.

Jana Eaton reported the district finished out their fiscal year in August with a higher than projected ending fund balance of $668k for the general fund.