FAQ regarding 2017-2018 School Year

August 9, 2017

Dear Parents,

I am writing to tell you that the Board of Education has taken action to prepare for a teachers’ strike. It saddens us that a strike is very possible and we are working on a resolution. No one wants our teachers to stay out of our classrooms and walk picket lines, but that is their decision so we must be ready.

We are taking steps to ensure that the schools will remain open should the teachers strike.

We will have security guards to keep your children safe and qualified substitute teachers to replace any teachers who do not report to work.

Each substitute teacher will have been screened by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation before stepping on campus. The substitutes will meet all the requirements of both the Ohio Department of Education and state law.

We are looking forward to having your children back in our classrooms.  In fact, this will be our best year yet for educating your children.  Each student will have a new Chrome book to use in the instructional day.  Some classrooms have new textbooks.  Phonics is even more deeply embedded in our literacy instruction, and we are bringing music back to DPS.  The first step is the drumline! There is more for students to discover and share with you as they return to school.

Students should plan to attend schools whether teachers go on strike or stay in their classrooms. Buses will maintain normal schedules and meals will be serviced in the cafeterias. The sight of uniformed guards and unfamiliar faces in classrooms might be unsettling to students. Please take a moment to explain the situation to your child or children. Help them understand that the guards are at school for their safety. Also, remind them to treat the substitute teachers with the same respect as their regular teachers.

If a strike is called the next few weeks will be difficult for all of us. We ask your cooperation and please call your building principal if you encounter any problems in the schools.

We will be updating our district Web site regularly to keep the community informed as the strike evolves, so check it daily.

PARENT FAQ

Sincerely,

Rhonda Corr

Superintendent, Dayton Public Schools