June 22, 2016
Contact: Jill Moberley, Public Information Officer
Jmoberle@dps.k12.oh.us
For Immediate Release

Mark Baker is an alumnus of Dayton Public Schools

     Dayton Public Schools is welcoming back one of its own. The Dayton Board of Education announced the appointment of Mark Baker as the district’s new director of athletics during a
June 21 board meeting. He will assume his duties July 1, 2016. Not only did his successful sports career begin at Dunbar High School, but his academic background is well-suited to the district.
     Baker comes to the district from the Middletown City Schools where he was a consultant responsible for professional development of teachers and the Connections Mentoring Program for students. He started his career in 1996 as a community involvement advisor for the city of Dayton.
     His extensive background in coaching and playing basketball has earned him much acclaim. He served as head coach of the boys’ basketball team at Middletown High School for three years, having previously served as head coach at Trotwood-Madison High School. He was an All-American player for Dunbar High School, and then became a two-time All-Big Ten selection for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He went on to play in Europe before being picked up by the Toronto Raptors in the NBA from 1999-2001.
     Baker is also known locally for hosting the annual Mark Baker Basketball Camp that is a free week-long basketball training camp for children who live in the inner city. In addition, he is the founder of the Mark Baker Foundation for Youth that provides academic, social and athletic assistance to student athletes.
     Baker succeeds Jonas Smith, who announced in March that he was leaving the district after 11 years as athletic director. Smith’s last day is June 30.

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