Dayton Public Schools will avoid state takeover this year, under the state budget agreement sent to Governor Mike DeWine.
The deal puts a temporary moratorium on the creation of new Academic Distress Commissions (ADC), the state-appointed groups that step in when school districts repeatedly receive failing grades.
An ADC would have stepped in at DPS this fall if its scores didn’t improve. With the approval of the state budget, the district will avoid that fate for at least for one year.
Dayton Public Schools Vice President Jocelyn Rhynard says she’s relieved.
“I have had people reach out to me to say how relieved they are that their kids aren't facing this. I was lucky enough to be able to tell my own children that they didn't have to worry about it anymore,” says Rhynard. “City officials are relieved this been resolved for now. It's very very good news.”
Rhynard has advocated for the permanent dissolution of state ADCs. She says the groups have been unsuccessful in turning around struggling school districts.
“The school districts themselves have had some major issues about the way the Academic Distress Commission has come in and made changes,” says Rhynard. “We're convinced that keeping local control of our school districts is the best way to do it.”
Several bills related to changing the state takeover process circulated in the Statehouse this year. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in the coming months.