DAYTON — The search for the new superintendent of our area’s largest school district is coming to a close.
On Monday, Feb. 19, the Dayton Public Schools Board of Education and Alma Advisory Group will conduct their final interviews with the three candidates.
>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Local school district announces finalists in superintendent search
Dr. David Lawrence is currently the Interim Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools, but he’s hoping to remove ‘interim’ from his title.
Lawrence has been with Dayton Public Schools since childhood. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1984.
He came back to the district professionally in 1995. Since then, he has worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator.
“I think we can be winners again,” Lawrence said.
Dr. Alesia Smith is a finalist. She’s currently the Chief of Schools for Cincinnati Public Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Since I’m not from Dayton, I have to learn Dayton right and the only way to learn Dayton is to be in Dayton,” Alesia said.
H. Allen Smith II is in the running too. He’s currently a School System Leader in Mansfield, Texas.
“You have to start with culture, and I think culture trumps everything else. Culture tops everything else, okay,” H. Allen said.
On Tuesday, the board is expected to vote on the next superintendent.
According to a previous News Center 7 report, a spokesperson with the district said the three candidates have decades of experience in public education.
The district began its search in October 2023, following the resignation of former Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli.
>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Parents put Dayton Public School superintendent candidates in the hot seat
Earlier this month, Dayton Public Schools parents had the chance to ask questions to the candidates.
Questions included topics like the improvement of graduation rates and busing issues.
News Center 7 will provide updates following the final interview and vote.
We will continue to follow this story.
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