“My approach is to bring staff, union leadership and others to the table before decisions are made. Of course, I’m disappointed about the vote of no confidence.
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“For me it excludes the important work the Board, my team, the teachers and I have done to resolve long standing challenges that occurred before my arrival to DPS, along with implementing a collective vision for an educational transformation in the district: One to One technology; the Males of Color Initiative; A new transportation fleet; up to date textbooks in classrooms, The Bring Back the Bands and Drumline Campaign, etc.
“My decision to step into a mediation process that had been going on for almost six months and in nine days, leading us to an accepted contract is something I’m gratified to have accomplished for the district. We re-secured a two-year contract with 3 percent annual raises, the district paying 90 percent vision coverage, increases in personal days, and reinstating step wage increases. It means teaching continuity that is a best case scenario for our students and families.
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“In his Convocation speech, Dr. Walker laid out a strong and focused Board vision that included expectations for our educators. There are tangible improvements and transformations happening in the educational climate in the district over the last 13 months that we are celebrating at our Back to School Rally on Sunday, August 13th, at the Ponitz Career Tech Center.
“As the adversarial climate hopefully fades, my belief is that our professional educators will come to understand district leadership’s approach to enhancing students’ intellectual development and preparing them to achieve their aspirations. As I demonstrated through my Town Hall meetings regarding busing with RTA and Daycare Centers, I heard public concerns and made changes based on the input of parents and the community about what was best for children.
“My leadership vision is to change the district culture to be more collaborative and solutions based. That is my plan for the future of Dayton Public Schools.”
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