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DAYTON-The new interim Superintendent Rich Stewart presided over the School District No. 2 Board work session on July 6. The board approved staff changes and discussed setting priorities for the district including the budget, scheduling the Board retreat and topics for future study.

The Board approved the hire of Jacob Crawford as the High School Science teacher who will be replacing Doug Yenney as well as the resignation of recent hire Kindergarten Teacher Sue Ellen Butler who said in her resignation letter she is returning to Texas.

Stewart was welcomed by Chairman Jeff McCowen together with the other Directors, with the exception of Director Grant Griffen, who was absent. Stewart said the work sessions are intended to be business meetings between himself and the Board and the other meeting a regular meeting allowing public engagement. One of his recommendations was to add occasional study sessions on topics of interest. He suggested two topics of school transportation and food service. Director Aneesha Dieu suggested the topic of the agriculture studies and growing student interest and McCowen suggested the topic of mental health.

The Board set the retreat date for August 6 the purpose of working on the strategic plan and reviewing operational procedures. According to Stewart, the strategic plan would include a three-to-five-year plan with a budget to support it for such priorities as building security, staff monitors for student safety, maintenance and grounds, transportation, food service, instruction, staff restructuring including having a librarian, and having consistent policies and operations. The district will lean on ESD 123 to form a preliminary budget by early 2023 and a final budget by the end of the school year. Stewart will manage the budget that is approved by the Board.

Stewart also spoke about building communication and support for the schools specifically with the Citizens for Education group. Director Korinda Wallace expanded on this to include the need to promote teamwork and the willingness to work together for the good of the school and the community. Stewart pointed out that Elementary Principal Amy Cox was participating in a grant funded team building event with several staff. He also said the Board sets the tone by example. McCowen stated that the goals are all based in communication. He also mentioned the value of a general assessment to get a picture of foundational campus needs before problems occur.

Community members Jeremy Trump and Peggy Eakin affirmed the district’s choice to bring on Stewart during the public comment portion of the meeting. Eakin said he is giving the community “much needed encouragement.”