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Every child deserves a responsible mentor and tutor!
We Bridge The Gap Through Healing Relationships
At GrandParents Hands and Children Charities, we do not shy away from tough problems. We believe that the crisis facing Dayton’s youth isn't just an academic or financial one—it is a relational one. When the system is under pressure, students lose the stability they need to thrive.
We step into that gap. By healing relationships and providing consistent mentorship, we provide the foundation Dayton students need to show up, stay in school, and succeed.
The Crisis in Dayton: Why Your Support Matters Now (2026 Update)
The Crisis in Dayton: Why Your Support Matters Now (2026 Update)
To solve a problem, we must first look at it clearly. As of early 2026, Dayton Public Schools are facing a "perfect storm" of structural and financial challenges. This data illustrates exactly where the system is under the most pressure and why our mission is more critical than ever.
1. The Crisis of Empty Desks (Chronic Absenteeism)
1. The Crisis of Empty Desks (Chronic Absenteeism)
Chronic absenteeism—missing 18 or more days a year—is the primary driver of low performance in our city.
The District Rate: Currently sits at 40.7%.
The High School Peak: Among 9th–12th graders, the rate spikes to 52%–56%.
The Reality: More than half of Dayton’s high schoolers are missing the instructional time they need to graduate.
2. Significant Performance Gaps
2. Significant Performance Gaps
The Ohio Report Card serves as a stark reminder of the achievement gap between Dayton and its neighbors.
2-Star Rating: DPS holds an overall 2-star rating on the Ohio Report Card, indicating it "needs support to meet state standards."
The Disparity: While neighboring districts like Oakwood or Centerville consistently earn 5-star ratings, Dayton students are entering the workforce or college with significantly fewer resources and lower proficiency markers in core subjects.
Silver Lining: Despite these crises, the district’s Career-Technical Education (CTE) programs have seen success, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars, showing that when specialized resources are provided, Dayton students can excel.
3. Staffing Instability and "Virtual" Learning
3. Staffing Instability and "Virtual" Learning
A stable learning environment requires consistent relationships between teachers and students. Currently, that stability is fractured.
High Turnover: The annual teacher turnover rate in Dayton's urban center ranges from 16% to 22%, creating a "revolving door" that prevents long-term mentorship and consistent instruction.
Virtual Fill-ins: Due to a shortage of in-person educators in critical subjects like Math and Science, the district has relied on Elevate K-12, where students learn from a screen with only a facilitator in the room rather than a dedicated subject-matter expert.
4. The 2026 "Fiscal Cliff."
4. The 2026 "Fiscal Cliff."
The expiration of federal COVID-relief (ESSER) funds has triggered a financial emergency that is forcing the district to prioritize survival over expansion.
The Deficit: The district is projecting a $9 million budget gap for the 2026-2027 school year.
Emergency Reconfiguration: In February 2026, the Board of Education voted to reconfigure schools—including consolidating preschools and restructuring K-8 buildings—to cut costs and manage overcrowding in North Dayton. These transitions, while financially necessary, often lead to "learning disruptions" as students are forced to change environments.
Our Solution: Mentorship as Human Infrastructure
Our Solution: Mentorship as Human Infrastructure
This data proves that Dayton's problems are structural. While the district fights for levies and budget reconfigurations, GrandParents Hands and Children Charities provides the "human infrastructure" that the budget currently cannot.
Mentorship is the bridge. A mentor can be the single reason a student with a 50% attendance record decides to walk through the school doors. When a student shows up, state funding improves, classroom stability increases, and the cycle of absenteeism is broken.
"We don't just see a 2-star rating; we see thousands of students with 5-star potential who just need someone to stay."
See the Change in Motion
See the Change in Motion
For a deeper look into the current district challenges and the 2026 reconfiguration plans, you can view the February 17, 2026, Dayton Board of Education Business Meeting.
Join Us In Healing Dayton Public Schools
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