We’ve decided to give the honorary title of “Economic Development Grand Master” to the only person who has shown true achievement in changing the economic fortunes of the City of Dayton to Dr. Percy Mack.
Paid less than Joe Tuss at the County, and almost half of what Maureen Pero at the Downtown Dayton partnership gets, Dr. Mack has taken the Dayton Public Schools out of “Academic Emergency” two levels up to “Continuous Improvement.”
If you are looking at why people have left the city- or why they are cautious to return, the number one reason is the schools. Those days are soon to be over. With new buildings coming online, charter schools not meeting standards, and a few standout conversion schools and the amazing Stivers School of the Arts, Dayton Public Schools is on it’s way to be a reason to live in Dayton again.
Kudos’ to Dr. Mack and all the professional teachers in the Dayton Public Schools.
I’m heartened to see some change in Dayton as well. It was good to read about it in the paper a few days back. Thanks for posting this. We linked to you, btw. I’m sure you and I don’t see eye to eye on a fair lot, but my family owns a lot of property in Dayton, we pay taxes, and it breaks our heart every year to see this city struggle.
Trotwood schools have moved up too. I agree David that the school districts are giving the area economic development departments a run for their money. The Trotwood school board president said it best, “Investors won’t be able to say they won’t come because of the schools anymore.”
I nominate Trotwood Superintendent Lowell Draffen as the runner up.
I agree. I have met Mr Mack on a nonschool occasion and I am very impressed with him. I know many parents who have students in Dayton Public Schools and they see the improvements. Kudos from me as well.