School Board concerned about Trap Team travel

DAYTON–Whether a co-ed group of students should utilize an AirBNB rental for overnight accommodations was discussed by the Dayton School Board during its January 17 meeting, and the decision tabled until the next meeting.

School directors had reservations about the FFA Trap Team's proposed overnight stay when it attends a future Idaho meet.

"I have a little bit of a reservation myself with the proposed day," said Board Chairman Jeff McCowen. "Information is a little bit limited. I am not 100 percent positive of the location of the trap shoot, but the proposed location to stay seems like it is a fair distance from the shoot itself. They also chose an AirBNB which also raises some concerns. It would be my recommendation to table this until the next meeting, when we could hopefully get more information on it."

Directors Aneesha Dieu, Zac Fabian and Ryan Paulson all expressed concern.

Dieu recalled issues from a previous overnight trip involving students, and believed policy was supposed to have been changed. "In regards to AirBNB's I had already stated that I don't approve of a bunch of kids staying in a BNB," Dieu said. "At least with hotel rooms it separates kids, especially when you have males and females staying in the same places."

Fabian asked Business Manager Jana Eaton if staff is trained to fill out the forms. Eaton responded "that it was reviewed and sent back for more information. It goes through the principal and the superintendent for signatures before it goes to you."

"So I did a two-second search on trap shoot and I already got an address and phone number," Fabian said, "which on the form it is 'to be determined,' but it was already signed and approved by the principal. So that is concerning." Fabian also point out that the AirBNB chosen is over an hour away from the shoot in the other direction.

"I agree with Aneesha [Dieu], the AirBNB's should be out of the question" Fabian said. 

Board Member Ryan Paulson stated that he noticed another discrepancy on the form submitted to and signed off by the principal. "This is probably just housekeeping," Paulson said, "but it says number of students: five boys, one girl, adults one man, one woman. But on the list that they give, there are nine individuals not counting the two adults. So how many kids are actually going?"

"We absolutely want these kids to go and do this thing," McCowen concluded. "We certainly want them to go and participate and have a fantastic time, but we have to look out for them, too." 

Student representative Madison Richardson was not present on zoom but submitted her report which included a note that the FAFSA night was held January 9, and will happen again on January 31. Seniors were selling chocolates to fundraise for the senior trip, and the freshman class was selling Krispy Kreme Donuts to fundraise for their class events. 

The Athletic Director's report was also provided via document. High and middle school basketball and wrestling are underway with the kids adapting and improving each week. Spring Sports are expecting to start practice February 26. Spring sports include baseball, softball, golf, and track. Currently none are signed up for golf, and Waitsburg is hoping to do a co-op with Dayton for track. Numbers for middle school and high school baseball sign-ups are low, and they are looking into how they can utilize the little league program to help with middle school baseball. In addition, the board also approved the hire of Jeff McCowen as the new High School Baseball coach. 

Principal Amy Cox said the school will be hosting a Grandparents/Special Friend Day. Students will be able to invite someone to come see their school and classroom and see what they do each day. The students have also started their winter Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments and hope to get the results soon to see both growth and pitfalls. She also said they are planning a Read and Rock Event on February 29. This event will invite members of the community to come in and read books to children and bring in Walla Walla DJ to have a dance party. 

Secondary Principal Guinevere Joyce was not present but presented a document with updates about activities such as the Freshman and Senior fundraisers, FAFSA Night, Spirit Week, and ways to improve attendance. 

Superintendent Rich Stewart was absent, also submitting a report. Stewart has had three levy events, with more planned. With adverse weather, he prefers delayed starts rather than cancellations when possible. He and other members of staff have been diligent in getting up early to check road conditions.

The superintendent applications have closed with nine total applicants, Stewart reported. The board has hired an outside company that will help vet candidates, handle background checks, follow up with references. He will give his recommendations and then the board will move forward with the candidates that they are ready to interview..

The administration is looking at several grants for the school that include new two-way radios, flat screen interactive boards, and a small-school modernization grant, he said. 

John Delp also provided a winter report which included maintenance to the boilers, condensation pump, and preparations for the anticipated cold weather. The board praised the transportation staff, maintenance staff, the county, and the city for their diligent work in making sure roads and sidewalks have remained cleared and safe.

Since this meeting the school did experience two closure days on January 18 and 19 due to boiler repairs. The most recent update says that the boiler had been repaired on January 19.

Business Manager Jana Eaton gave a brief budget report to the board stating, "Everything balanced with the treasurer, we are on track, we are finding grants, we had our first big claim of the modernization grant. We just continue to monitor the revenue and expenditures to do the best we can and make sure we are where we need to be."

The board tabled discussion about the first and second reading of school policies until they meet in person again.