Dayton School Board appoints Ryan Paulson to Position No. 1

DAYTON–The Dayton School Board interviewed and appointed Paulson to Position No. 1, which had been vacated by Korinda Wallace in June of this year, at its November 1 meeting. Also discussed were two administrative models for the 2024-25 school year; and heard other elementary and high school business.

Paulson replaces Wallace, who had been elected to the position in 2022. Paulson was the only potential candidate interviewed since Wallace left.

He moved to Dayton about two years ago and works as the Public Works Director for the City of Dayton. He said he is familiar with how meetings are run from participating in the City Council meetings. He added that he takes pride in Dayton and wants to make Dayton a better place to live. Paulson said Interim Supt. Rich Stewart has moved the district in a positive direction and wants to see that continue.

Board Chairman Jeff McCowen acknowledged the position had been vacant for some time, and that Paulson is a "great fit." Paulson will take the oath of office during the next meeting.

The Board reviewed two administrative models for the 2024-25 school year. One option is to continue as they have under Stewart with one part-time superintendent, both elementary and secondary principals, and the dean of students. The other is for a full-time superintendent, one K-12 principal and a dean of students. The cost differential is $32,000 less if they choose the second option of which Stewart and the two principals preferred.

During the previous meeting on October 18, the administration provided their reports. Stewart pointed out that High School Principal Guin Joyce would acting in his role as superintendent during the meeting and in a few others in the future to fulfill the requirements of her superintendent internship. In her report, she said they continue to focus on their three goals of school climate, communication, and academic excellence. For building school climate, the week of October 30 was a busy week with the first quarter ending on November 1 which was also Homecoming Week. Activities included daily dress-up themes, food truck lunch, a Color Run, Stud Volleyball, Powderpuff Football, a lip sync contest, a pep rally, the football game against Gar-Pal and the dance held at The Club. Classes also participated in decorating the golf carts that were used to bring out their class designees for Homecoming Court on the football field during the game, as well as "Pole Painting" in the commons where each class painted a pole around the homecoming theme "Greek Gods and Goddesses." Joyce added they are continuing to give out Bulldog BRAVE tickets when students exhibit the positive traits of Bold, Responsible, Attitude, Valued and Empathetic.

To meet the communication goals, they are also holding regular Student Advisory Lunch Talks (SALT) sessions where Joyce, the Associated Student Body (ASB) President and one male and one female representative from each class, will participation in discussion on select topics.

The first was on the dress code. Student-led conferences were held just before the end of the first quarter where students were given an opportunity to review their progress in the classes, as well as in meeting the requirements for graduation with their parents and advisors.

For academic excellence, they are setting up a data dashboard for easy access to student data that will show where students need support or interventions. Also, regular staff professional development days are continuing this year.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox reported that the Tri-State Steelheaders Salmon Program is expanding for the fourth grade by adding another tank at the elementary school entrance. They will have enough salmon to release in the spring that they plan to have all elementary school students participate in releasing a fish. The Tri-State Steelheaders come each month to teach about the fish and how to care for them in their tanks.

The Pacific Science Center was able to come with their mobile science center and offered students two different STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based workshops. The PTSO held the fall carnival which is their big annual fundraiser on October 21. Kids come in costume and play games and do other Halloween or fall themed activities.

A Board Retreat is scheduled for November 7 from 5–7 p.m., for discussion on the capital levy.