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DAYTON–The Dayton School Board voted unanimously to put resolutions 2023-01 EPO and resolution 2023-02 Capital Levy on the ballot for the February 2024 Special Election at their December 6 meeting.
The EPO is an Educational Program and Operations which funds the extracurricular activities for the students and also helps fund under-funded programs such as custodial, food programs, and transportation services.
The replacement levy being put before voters is for $1.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The Capital Levy is specific to the list of projects that the school been unable to work on due to a lack of funding.
Currently, Columbia County taxpayers are paying $0.20/$1,000 for the levy which has primarily been spent on technology. The board is seeking to raise it to $1.50/$1,000 to fund projects such as a new gym roof and floor, fencing, asphalt, and other needs.
In addition to the levy, the school district has also been seeking different grant opportunities. "We received a $5 million dollar grant to do our HVAC system in the library and middle school," said Rich Stewart, Interim Superintendent. "We are going after a $6 million grant to do the controls and windows at the high school and elementary schools. We don't want the taxpayers to have to pay for all needs which is why we are not going after a 20- to 25-year bond. We are asking for the levy and will continue to seek out grants," Stewart indicated.
After advertising for committee members to write "for" and "against" statements for the voter's pamphlet on the two resolutions, no candidates came forward.
The board also voted to sell the surplus of a 1974 Ford pickup. This item will be advertised for sale for 30 days. If there is no interest after 30 days it will go to a best offer sale for two weeks.
The board concluded its meeting with a work session to brainstorm superintendent search criteria. They plan to start the application process this week with preliminary interviews starting in mid-February and selection by the board in March.
