I take no pleasure in writing this letter.

The Ohio Association of Public Schools Employees Local #627, bargaining agent for bus drivers, has officially notified the Dayton Board of Education of its intention to strike on April 21, 2015. It is my hope that a resolution to the current contract disagreement will be reached and a strike will not occur. Negotiations between the Dayton Board of Education and the Ohio Association of Public Schools Employees Local #627 are in process.

Should bus drivers vote to withdraw their services, all Dayton schools will remain open. This will be accomplished with bus drivers who choose to work, teachers, substitute teachers and all classified employees (secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service staff, security, maintenance and operations). Closure of the schools during a strike is contrary to the educational interests of the students and contrary to the general public interest.

School hours will remain the same; however, bus schedules may be changed. The school board will use the Dayton Public Schools website, DPS Facebook page, and local radio and television stations to report any changes in the normal schedules.

All attendance regulations and procedures and other school rules and regulations will continue to be in effect. While we do not anticipate problems, security measures will be taken to ensure the safety of all students, school personnel and school property.

The ultimate mission of Dayton Public Schools is to enable children to learn. Student learning is the primary and fundamental goal of our system, and no other factor is more important.

Feel free to contact the district hotline between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. at (937) 542-3010 with any questions. An additional 24-hour fact line with  a recorded message will be provided to update callers daily at (937) 542-3434.

Sincerely,
Lori L. Ward
Superintendent