School Board gives oath to new and returning members

DAYTON-The School Board gave oath to returning and new elects and assigned positions; update on permanent superintendent application process; interim Superintendent planned levy meetings; and reviewed policies during the December 20 meeting.

The oath of office was given to those Board members who were re-elected – Grant Griffin and Aneesha Dieu, as well as to Zac Fabian who was elected following his appointment to the position. Jeff McCowen was voted in as chairman for a second term and Fabian was voted in as vice-chair. Other representative positions were assigned. McCowen was renamed as representative for community outreach and public relations which he shares with Fabian, as well as for classified negotiations. Fabian was also chosen for each Facilities Rep which he shares with Griffin and as the WIAA representative. Griffin also is the representative for budget and finance with Dieu who in addition is the legislative rep, as well as assigned as rep for certified negotiations and curriculum. Newly appointed Ryan Paulson is the other curriculum representative in addition to being the custodial negotiations rep.

Interim Superintendent Rich Stewart told the Board that the district had received one application for the permanent superintendent position. He also informed them that he had met with staff about the school levy and plans to do the same in the community to present information about it and garner support.

Business Manager Jana Eaton reported the general fund is being expended as expected; and has applied for grants to repair the lift in the high school that is down. Stewart added the grants are for $500k which will also help in paying for asbestos abatement and the heating boiler and controls.

Policies reviewed were the school nutrition requiring the district to maintain compliance with the State by scheduling elementary students for an additional 30 minutes of recess time was reviewed. Changes to the highly capable program were approved for kids to be added to the program who may not do well on a traditional assessment. Another change was for principals to be free to negotiate long-term contracts which would give them greater job security. The policy dealing with school threats specifies a two-pronged approach to threat assessment determining whether the student threat is to themselves or others and with a focus on suicide prevention.

Alumnus, staff member and parent Carly Benavides spoke during public comment about the many ways she has given to the school and community, but she has concern that many students and staff have left and not returned. She said that she understands that change takes time, but it needs to come from the top down. She expressed disappointment in the lack of transparency and communication, but she hopes for a change for the better for the district.