The following report was released April 23 by the Dayton Christian Schools Board of Trustees and administrators:
Dayton Christian Schools Inc. (DCS) recognizes that God, through His Word, the Bible, is the absolute authority and basis for all truth. Under that authority, desiring to work with the local church and evangelical community, we seek to assist Christian families in their biblical responsibilities to train their children to become Christlike and fulfill God's purpose for their lives in the home, church and society. This is the Mission Statement for Dayton Christian Schools.
Building life purpose and godly character have been and must continue to be an integral part of our mission. The existence of programs such as athletics, the international student program and student ministry trips, and the carrying out of those programs, is important to the extent that they help us accomplish our mission.
One of our stated ministry goals is "following the Bible." This means that we strive to follow biblical principals in all of our practices, policies and guidelines. It is our desire to take whatever steps are necessary to restore a clear and good conscience. "And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men" (Acts 24:16).
Recent newspaper reports have raised questions regarding programs integral to accomplishing our mission. In particular, the Dayton Daily News has raised issues relating to our athletic programs (primarily basketball) and our international student program.
As a result of these articles, Dayton Christian Schools conducted an internal investigation and, in addition, asked Dr. Daniel Raisch to conduct an outside, independent investigation. Raisch is associate dean at the University of Dayton School of Education-Allied Professions and a former superintendent of Oakwood Schools. In his report Dr. Raisch said:
"I had access to all records and personnel I identified as essential. I also agreed to speak with anyone who wished to speak with me. I interviewed or received comments from faculty, staff, coaches, parents and others. I also have received insights from one of the writers of the Dayton Daily News series on athletics and foreign students and from the commissioner and the assistant commissioner at the Ohio High School Athletic Association."
INVESTIGATION SUMMARY
I. International Student Athletic Eligibility.
We, as a system, failed to allocate the necessary resources to manage the scope of information required to process our international students.
This failure resulted in the unintended forwarding of information to OHSAA that was inaccurate, thus leading OHSAA to forfeit the DCHS boys' and girls' 2000/2001 basketball season.
II. Falsifying Visa Applications.
DCS does not file visa applications.
DCS does provide the sending family a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form contains information used by the sending family to make application for a visa. Even though the Form I-20 does not require that the name of the host family be entered, DCS frequently entered host family names in the "remarks" section of the form in hopes of expediting the process. We have determined that there was at least one instance in the "remarks" section in which this information was inaccurate.
III. Athletic Recruiting.
There have been several suggestions, and even allegations, that DCS recruits athletes.
To date, our investigations have not confirmed these allegations; however, we are still investigating and cooperating fully with OHSAA in its investigation.
IV. Financial Incentives for Athletes.
DCS has not offered in the past, and will not offer in the future, any athlete financial incentives to attend DCS.
DCS does and will continue to provide financial aid to assist any family desiring a Christian education that does not have the means to pay full tuition (Proverbs 21:13). Five hundred fifty-five students were provided financial aid totaling $1.3 million during the 2000-2001 school year (21 of the 555 were international students.)
CORRECTIVE STEPS/ACTIONS TAKEN/PLANNED
In reporting his findings on Dayton Christian's policies and procedures and the enforcement of them, Raisch noted that "important steps have already been taken to show that Dayton Christian is serious about its obligations to its constituents and to the community."
His recommendations include:
I. An immediate, comprehensive review of personnel working in athletics and with international students related to athletics.
ACTION:
A. DCS has authorized the assignment of a full-time athletic director for Dayton Christian High School.
B. DCS has authorized the assignment of an individual with sufficient resources to properly administer its international student program.
C. Due to poor judgment, wrong decisions or even the appearance of the same, appropriate discipline of personnel has been exercised.
II. A review of policies, procedures and guidelines; in particular, those that were related to the athletic program and the international student program.
ACTION:
A. Only international students from approved agencies are eligible to participate in athletics at DCS. This will prohibit a few of our current international students from participating in sports next year.
B. A committee is being formed to review and recommend changes to our athletic and eligibility program.
C. A committee is being formed to review and recommend changes to our international student program.
III. A complete review of the administrative structure, including roles and relationships.
ACTION:
A. DCS has secured the services of an outside consultant to review the DCS organizational structure and to recommend changes. This review will also address communication issues within our school family.
B. A group of local pastors was consulted by DCS for counsel and input. They were quite helpful and made many valuable suggestions.
Whenever, because of our actions, the name of our Lord is reflected in a negative way, it limits our ability to spread God's Word in our community. Our actions, regardless of circumstances, have hindered our ability to minister effectively. We ask for your forgiveness as we seek to correct this situation.
We acknowledge our failure in two critical tenets of the Christian life: to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:22) and "that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (Romans 14:13). We seek your forgiveness for the hurt this situation has caused.
We also believe that God has allowed this ministry to go through this trial for the purpose of purifying each of us individually and corporately. "For you have tried us, O God; you have refined us as silver is refined." (Psalm 66:10 NASB)
Thank you for your many prayers and expressions of support.