Education
Dayton School District Mission Statement
The mission of the Dayton School District is to provide all students with the power to achieve personal excellence.
Depending on what history accounts are cited Dayton and the surrounding area now comprising Columbia County was settled in the 1860’s and 70’s. Young children began their education in many small rural schools throughout the area. In the fall of 1881 Dayton High School was organized. According to Charlotte Hutchens who compiled a history of Early Columbia County Schools the first graduating class was in 1886. The present day facility, known as Dayton High School, was built in 1923. The estate of Dr. Marcel Pietrzycki, an early settler in Dayton, donated much of the cost for construction.
During the school year of 2009-2010 just over 500 students attended classes in the Dayton School District. The District provides classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and supports a small pre-school for qualifying students (ECEAP). A caring, knowledgeable, and hardworking teaching staff provide lessons that prepare students for post secondary education and entering the job force. In addition a strong support staff including custodians, secretaries, para-professionals, transportation staff, food services employees, coaches, and administration work diligently to provide what students need every day while attending class in Dayton.
When Dr. Pietrzycki provided the funding for the high school he began a strong community tradition for supporting public schools. Dayton voters have continually supported Maintenance and Operations levies, building bonds, and other funding propositions placed on the ballot. Many residents have provided trust funds used to provide graduating students with scholarships to college or other worthwhile programs that support the mission of the Dayton School District.
More information about the Dayton School District can be found on their website at www.dayton.wednet.edu or you can call the District office at 509-382-2543.