By ALICIA LEONARD
The Walton County School Board (WCSB) held their regularly scheduled meeting on Jan 19, 2016 at South Walton High School at 5p.m. The meeting was sandwiched between workshops dealing with utility easements and discussions on the completion of phases concerning the athletic fields at Walton High School.
In the first order of business, Teachers from across the county were announced as recipients of mini-grants made possible by the Walton Education Association (WEA). Executive Director for the association M.H. Carr handed out the awards and thanked sponsors for their generous donation to help raise over $42,000 dollars for 39 classrooms in the district in the last year.
According to the district’s website, some of those donors honored were: “Kristina Mackenzie with Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa through United Way of Okaloosa & Walton – Over $11,000 for all Walton Education Foundation Programs. Janet Greeno with the St. Joe Community Foundation – $7,500 for Classroom Grant Program. Brian Gilbert, Kevin Campbell and Ashley Williams with CHELCO – $6,000 for Classroom Grant Program.”
The WEA uses local donations by sponsors that are matched by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to help fund teachers with projects that they plan and submit to the WEA as part of the mini-grant process. Carr thanked all the sponsors, district employees and teachers for helping make the program such a success.
The second announcement made by district Superintendent Carlene Anderson was to recognize local Walton High School student Evan Cowie as this year’s Walton County Sunshine State Scholar. The award started in 1997 and brings together the state’s top students from each school district.
Per the Florida Education Foundation “Each Florida school district selects their top 11th grade student in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based on established criteria. These scholars, along with parents and teachers, convene to receive recognition for their achievements. They also have opportunities to meet with representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities, learn about STEM-related programs of study and internships, and experience why Florida is the best place to learn and pursue an exciting career.”
Evan’s parents, George and Terri Cowie, and his principal Russell Hughes were there to recognize Evan’s achievements.
Currently Evan is taking advanced classes as well as A.P courses, and holds a 4.2 GPA all the while dedicating a great deal of time helping with community centered service projects.
After announcements, the board approved the agenda before it, past meeting minutes, and then called for public comments. With none forthcoming, the board moved onto the consent agenda before approving it unanimously.
Under the action agenda portion of the agenda, board Chair Jason Catalano opened the public hearing on proposed revisions to the school board rules/policies. With no comment from the public, the board approved closure of the public portion of the meeting and moved to adopt the revisions. The board then moved on to approve agreements and contracts, executive financial summaries and personnel recommendations.
Under facilities and construction the board approved contracting outside legal council for a possible property dispute concerning Walton Middle School construction.
Under utilities, the board directed Regional Utilities Council to contact a property owner concerning an easement connected to South Walton High School allowing the use of the easement for utility pipe lines to be laid underground that would be used for handling water being returned to treatment facilities and spray fields.
Under administration, board member Mark Davis was approved as the board appointment for the 2016-2017 school calendar committee.
The board also approved the 2015-2016 collective bargaining agreement for instructional and support personnel.
Under board comments, District One board member Gail Smith announced her intention to seek re-election. Smith told the board she had pre-filed and felt the board was working well together and moving forward and she would like to be able to continue to be part of the effort to continue working on behalf of students, parents and teachers.
The next school board meeting will be held Feb. 2, at 5p.m. at the DeFuniak District office. To see more about district news and events go to www.walton.k12.fl.us.