elect GOODWINE LACEY GOODWINE 2025

Building the Future Our Students Deserve

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but there’s more work to do. In my next term, I will continue to lead boldly and creatively, focusing on solutions that give our students and staff every opportunity to succeed.

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1. Launch the First-Ever Student Housing Program

I plan to work to create a campus dormitory for students who need it the most. The number of DPS students living in group homes, combined with the number of unhoused students, indicates an urgent need to expand into student housing. This program would provide a safe, stable, and supportive living environment, so students can focus on learning instead of worrying about where they’ll sleep at night.

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2. Safer Builders for Our Schools

We are fortunate to have an excellent Safety and Security Team in Dayton Public Schools—one that continually improves, strengthens, and becomes more prepared every year. I want to build on their success and ensure that every parent, grandparent, caregiver, student, and staff member feels absolute confidence that they are safe while in our care.

School safety is more than locked doors and cameras—it’s about creating environments where students can learn and staff can work without fear. It’s about making sure every building is secure, every emergency plan is practiced, and every adult in the building knows how to respond in any situation.

In my next term, I will work to:

• Continue upgrading building security systems and entry procedures for all schools.

• Provide regular training and drills for both staff and safety personnel.

• Strengthen a district-wide culture of safety where protecting one another is a shared responsibility.

Because when students and staff feel safe, they can give their best every day—and when families know their children are protected, they can trust us with what matters most.

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3. Empowering Staff to Reach Their Professional Goals

I value the growth of every Dayton Public Schools employee because no person should feel trapped in their position due to a lack of education or experience. When our staff have the chance to earn new credentials, expand their skills, and take on leadership roles, our entire district becomes stronger.

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I championed tuition reimbursement for non-union employees because while our unions were already taking care of their members, non-union staff deserved the same opportunity to advance their education. We made it happen, and now more employees can pursue degrees, certifications, and training without the burden of paying for it alone.

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I also earned my Class B CDL and Career-Technical Workforce Development (CTWD) teaching credentials, enabling me to help others follow proven methods to obtain their licenses. People who show up every day—those who want to drive buses or teach classes—deserve leaders who will help them achieve their goals and open doors for their future.

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In my next term, I will continue to:

• Expand tuition reimbursement programs and ensure that all staff are aware of them.

• Create clear career pathways for teachers, support staff, and administrators.

• Partner with local universities, trade programs, and certification providers to make professional advancement more accessible.

• Support mentoring and leadership programs that prepare our current staff for future opportunities within DPS.

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When we invest in our people, we retain our best talent, reduce burnout, and create a school system where both students and staff can grow together.

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4. Expanding Student Experiences

Over the past two years, we have increased the frequency of field trips and broadened the scope of experiences our students are exposed to, as part of our commitment to the overall enrichment of every child in Dayton Public Schools. These experiences open minds, spark curiosity, and help students see the world beyond their classrooms.

In my next term, I will work to:

• Increase athletic partnerships with programs already serving K–6 students and add new sports that have not traditionally been offered in DPS.

• Expand academic enrichment, including Mock Court and our growing Debate Program so that students can build critical thinking, public speaking, and advocacy skills.

• Create opportunities for students to participate in STEM events, such as robotics, drone, and coding challenges.

• Strengthen arts programming that allows students to explore their creative talents in music, dance, theater, and visual arts.

My goal is simple: to find something for every student to connect with during their time in DPS—whether it’s on the field, in a lab, on a stage, or in a courtroom. When students discover their passions, they are more engaged, confident, and prepared for the future.

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5. Options After Graduation

In Dayton Public Schools, graduation isn’t just a cap-and-gown moment at the end of 12th grade. It happens at Preschool, Kindergarten, 6th grade, 8th grade, and High School—and at each of these milestones, families deserve to know we are preparing their child for the next step.

That means:

• At Preschool Graduation, we’re ensuring readiness for Kindergarten—socially, emotionally, and academically.

• At Kindergarten Graduation, we’re setting the foundation for reading, math, and curiosity that will carry them through elementary school.

• At 6th Grade Graduation, we’re preparing students for middle school success through strong study habits, confidence, and engagement in activities.

• At 8th Grade Graduation, we’re equipping them with the skills and awareness to choose high school programs that align with their interests—whether in STEM, the arts, athletics, or career and technical education.

• At High School Graduation, we ensure that every student leaves DPS with clear, supported options—college acceptance, career-ready certification, skilled trade pathways, or military enlistment.

Families need to see that we are working at every stage to make sure their child’s journey in DPS is a series of meaningful steps toward opportunity, not just a series of ceremonies.

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6. Strengthening Parent, Caregiver, Nonprofit, and Business Collaborations

Strong schools are built on strong relationships. In my next term, I will focus on bringing parents, caregivers, community organizations, and local businesses closer to Dayton Public Schools so we can work together for student success.

This means:

• Creating consistent communication channels ensures that parents and caregivers are informed about what’s happening and how they can be involved.

• Partnering with nonprofits to expand tutoring, mentoring, mental health, and enrichment programs.

• Building business partnerships to provide internships, career exploration, and sponsorship for student activities.

• Hosting regular collaboration forums so all voices—families, community leaders, and educators—can help shape district priorities.

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When we unite the power of families, community organizations, and businesses, we create a support system that lifts every student and strengthens the entire district.