Dayton Public Schools, the University of Dayton and Premier Health announced the approval of a property-tax-sharing plan at the Dayton Public Schools board meeting April 16 for the development of onMain, Dayton’s Imagination District, on the former Montgomery County fairgrounds property. 

"We appreciate the Dayton Public Schools board approving this crucial step in the long-range planning and vision for onMain, a development that aligns with the University's and Premier Health's institutional missions and values," Eric F. Spina, University of Dayton president, said. "It builds on the longstanding relationship the University has with Dayton Public Schools. We look forward to growing the number of talented DPS students who will learn, lead and serve as part of our UD community."

The plan will allow infrastructure improvements to the 38-acre site to support the development of buildings and community spaces, while providing significant, long-term financial benefits and other tangible and intangible benefits to Dayton Public Schools, its students and faculty.

"Dayton Public Schools, the University of Dayton, and Premier Health have long collaborated as part of a shared commitment to the communities we serve and care for," said Michael C. Riordan, president and CEO of Premier Health. "The school board's support of this agreement strengthens our commitment to partner in providing career opportunities for Dayton Public Schools students while providing key support to onMain, a transformational development that will benefit the Dayton region for decades to come." 

University of Dayton will:

• Provide two additional Flyer Promise Scholarships each year to DPS graduates.
• Work diligently to try to ensure DPS students are aware of the availability of the Flyer Promise program.
• Work closely with DPS to identify programs and/or pathways for DPS educators and professional staff to access training programs through the University to advance the expertise and qualifications of DPS personnel.

Premier Health will:

• Create a series of programs to cultivate interest in health care careers and provide opportunities for training, volunteering and employment.
• Conduct at least one hiring event/interview day at DPS high schools for graduating seniors; designate a representative to the DPS Career Tech Work Based Advisory Board.
• Counsel high school students on participating in health care-related volunteer opportunities, job shadowing and employment at Miami Valley Hospital.
• Work with DPS to design a summer program for high school students to gain exposure to health care professionals (nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacy techs, etc.).
• Present to middle and high school students and their parents at DPS sites about health care careers and the Premier Sinclair Academy and Premier Health Wright State University RN Academy.
• Provide an annual report summarizing the number of events held and participation.

Additionally, the CEO of onMain will convene an annual meeting with Dayton Public Schools Superintendent and the presidents of UD and Premier to evaluate the status of these programs and identify new and mutually beneficial opportunities among the three institutions. 

The DPS superintendent also will have the option to participate as a member of onMain's advisory committee.

"Dayton Public Schools is excited to be a part of the onMain partnership," said Dr. David Lawrence, Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools. "Through this commitment from the University of Dayton and Premier Health, DPS students will have more opportunities to attend college, explore career paths that interest them, and ultimately create rewarding and fulfilling careers."

The property tax revenue sharing plan will begin once the first building is opened at onMain. The educational and training benefits provided by UD and Premier will begin during the 2024-25 school year. 

onMain was established after the University of Dayton and Premier Health bought the former Montgomery County fairgrounds property in 2017, resulting in an ambitious development plan to transform the area into a walkable urban neighborhood focused on innovation and entrepreneurial activities creating 3,000 jobs; 1,600 housing units; and multiple community spaces.

onMain leadership continues to seek funding for future development, including a cornerstone structure dedicated to cutting edge digital transformation work. 

For more information contact...

Cara Zinski-Neace, University of Dayton | czinskineace1@udayton.edu | 937-229-3257

Ben Sutherly, Premier Health | bwsutherly@premierhealth.com | 937-499-5261

Alex Kincaid, Dayton Public Schools | amkincai@daytonpublic.com | 937-542-3054