A possible state takeover of Dayton Public Schools was likely on the minds of voters who returned two school board members to their positions in Tuesday’s election, but who also voted in a newcomer who campaigned on holding school administrators accountable for the school’s poor performance.
School board members Sheila Taylor, and Robert Walker will serve additional 4-year terms on the Dayton School board. Joining them and the remaining board members will be John McManus, an outsider in the race who says his message of accountability was heard by voters.
“I think the people of Dayton, they heard that message and I think they very much agree that it is time for a change in leadership at the Dayton Public School District, on the board, and perhaps amongst those who are in the administration of the district,” he said.
Board member Nancy Nerny has served on the School board for eight years. She trailed behind McManus by just 123 votes Tuesday. She says she’ll still work to improve the school’s performance.
“My heart is always with the district," she said. "I was a retired Dayton public school teacher and I worked as a volunteer so I will have time to go back and volunteer, but I also run the DPS Foundation, which is about six months old, and it will be another attempt to bridge what the community would like to do with it's schools both financially and programmatically.”
The Dayton Public School district is on academic watch for the next three years. They’ll need to raise their failing grade from the Ohio Department of Education to avoid the state takeover.
