Walton Schools Among 11 in the State Designated/Academically High-Performing School

[Dia]

http://www.wmbb.com/gulfcoastwest/mbb/news.apx.-content-articles-MBB-2008-04-30-0022.html

Walton Schools Recognized

Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008 - 05:40 PM

Walton Schools Among 11 in the State Designated as Academically High-Performing School Districts?We are proud to announce that we have been designated as one of only eleven schools in the state as an Academically High-Performing School District,? said Walton County School District Superintendent Carlene Anderson.
Last week, the Florida Department of Education designated the eleven school districts at the State Board of Education Meeting as one of the consent items listed on the agenda. Walton received the honor along with the following school districts: Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Gilchrist, Martin, St. Jones, Sarasota, Seminole, and Wakulla.
Florida Statutes, Section 1003.621, requires that ?each school district that satisfies the eligibility criteria in this subsection shall be designated by the State Board of Education as an academically high-performing school district.? The section is stated as follows:
?A school district is included if in the most recent year for which school grades are available, it meets the two academic criteria required by s. 1003.621, F.S.:
? Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, earns a grade of ?A? under s. 1008.34(7), F.S., for 2 consecutive years; and
? Has no district-operated school that earns a grade of ?F? under s. 1008.34, F.S
For each of those districts, the district meets the additional requirements of academically high performing school districts:
? Class size compliance ? This column records whether the district complies with all class size requirements in s. 1, Art. IX of the State Constitution and s. 1003.03, F.S., in the most recent year for which class size is calculated.
? Audit compliance ? The district has no material weaknesses or instances of material noncompliance noted in the annual financial audit conducted pursuant to s. 218.39, F.S.?
?We are working together as a team to continue striving for academic success in ALL schools and for ALL students in our schools,? said Supt. Anderson. ?This designation confirms we are moving in the right direction. I?m proud of our administrators, teachers, support and district personnel that work together everyday to ensure success for our children. Walton County School District is a great place to be.?

 

[ShallowsNole]

That's pretty cool. Admittedly, I'm a little amazed, but still pretty cool.

 

[wrobert]

That's pretty cool. Admittedly, I'm a little amazed, but still pretty cool.

Read the release, dear.

 

[ShallowsNole]

Read the release, dear.

Well, sugar, there is definitely some back-patting going on and I do see that the kudos are for the district, not the kids. I am glad the audits have been in order; could be worse...

 

[wrobert]

Well, sugar, there is definitely some back-patting going on and I do see that the kudos are for the district, not the kids. I am glad the audits have been in order; could be worse...

I see very little within the criteria that actually speaks to academic performance with the exception of no district operated F schools. I am trying to figure out just what the legislature was trying to do when this bit of legislation was passed. Just does not seem to make much sense.

 

[Miss Critter]

Is additional funding tied to this somehow?

 

[wrobert]

Is additional funding tied to this somehow?

Not that I can tell. The Super said that it shows that the district is going the right way academically, but I am not seeing it from what I can find out. I sure wish more information was easily available on this sort of stuff. I hate being spoon fed.

 

[Miss Critter]

I agree, but believe we are in the minority - not talking about sowal, but the general public.