By ALICIA LEONARD
The Walton County School Board(WCSB) met for the second regular meeting of the month at South Walton High School in the media room on May 20, 2014 at 5 p.m. Before getting down to business on the agenda, announcements were handled, including honoring Walton Teacher of the Year, Susan Marino, and Freeport High School athlete Gabe Moore.
Principal for Emerald Coast Middle School (ECMS) Jeff Infinger honored Marino for her awards, including Walton Teacher of the Year, and the Governor’s Shine award, awarded to only three teachers in the state for impacting their student in a positive manner through the classroom. “We are very proud of her and appreciate having her work at Emerald Coat Middle School,” Infinger told the board.
Freeport High School athlete Gabe Moore was honored by the board
proclaiming a “Gabe Moore Day” on May 20, 2014 for the district. The highly decorated, record-breaking, all around athlete appeared humbled and thankful for the recognition. Moore received a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas for track and field this year. A 4.0 student, Moore told the audience he was very grateful for the honor and “I’ll try to represent Walton County well in Arkansas.”
The board passed the consent agenda before them unanimously, as well as items under the action agenda including personnel recommendations, a 10 cent increase in meal prices, and a uniform dress code for students at West DeFuniak Elementary School(WDES).
Principal Darlene Paul from WDES spoke to the board about a survey that was sent out, asking parents how they would feel about a dress code for the students. Over 400 surveys were sent out and 263 were returned as approving the idea, 92 were not pleased with the idea and 28 were neutral to the idea. Three colors were chosen, gray, navy blue and a brighter turquoise blue for the t-shirts that will help identify students on campus. Paul said the Parent Teacher Organization(PTO) was already geared up to help families that might not be able to afford the t-shirts, and students are able to donate their shirts as they leave the
school for other students to use.
Under facilities and construction, the board approved the Maximum
Guaranteed Price (GMP) for the Walton Middle School construction at $26,769,000, as well as the relocation of students to the WISE center during the rebuild. They also approved the WISE Pre-K program students to be relocated to the Maude Saunders Elementary School campus in portable building during the rebuild.
The board discussed south Walton land appraisals for a possible new school site. No action was taken since it was discussion only. More discussion will take place on the land at a future meeting.
In closing statements board member Dennis Wallace said he was happy
to see the turnout at the last two meetings held at SWHS. Board members
Sharon Roberts and Faye Leddon both thanked retirees and sent condolences to the family of long-time employee Clarence Johnson. Board member Gail Smith told the board the art program held by Rosemary Beach was “amazing” and how much she enjoyed seeing the kids and their art.
The next board meeting will be held at the DeFuniak Springs district office on June 3. Workshops will begin at 3 p.m. and go until the 5 p.m. start of the regular meeting. Workshops will include the student progression plan, code of conduct, and budgets. To see more about meetings and times, go to www.walton.k12.fl.us.
