by Kathy Foster
The Washington County School Board led off their March 9th meeting recognizing students, educators and school system personnel.
Chipley High School Students Nadia Kent and Karleigh Walters were announced as being the recipients of $6,000 scholarship given by the West Florida Electric Cooperative.
Julie Hartzog received the ‘Employee of the Year’ recognition from the School Board, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and One Florida Bank.
‘Teachers of the Year’ recognition went to Jolie Hartzog – Teacher of the Year and Carol Boswell – Rookie Teacher of the Year.
‘Black History Poetry Contest’ winners were Diamond Hamilton – 1st Place and Ada Ludyian-Ybarra – 2nd Place.
‘Black History Art Contest’ winners were Jabriya Hargrove – 1st Place, Symone McKinnie – 2nd Place, and Carolynn Vanderbrink – Honorable Mention.
VFW Post 12048, District 17, had members on hand to recognize Tami Parrish as the VFW Teacher of the Year.
March was recognized as ‘Theatre In Our Schools Month’ and ‘Music In Our Schools Month’.
Moving on to other agenda items, the School Board took the following actions:
- Approved payment of monthly bills, the Financial Report; and Budget Amendments.
- Approved minutes of the Feb. 10th Regular Board meeting.
- Approved a list of substitutes and volunteers.
- Approved supplement for Special Olympics Certified Tier 3 Coach.
- Approved purchase of cafeteria tables.
- Approved of Samantha Calzada contracted services to assist with the VMS volleyball program.
- Approved contract for service agreement between FPTC and Stephanie Halley.
- Approved out-of-state travel for KMS 3rd grade to Landmark Park in Dothan on April 16 and 17.
- Approved the bid from Air Conditioning Associates.
- Approved the Architect’s fee for a fire alarm system at FPTC.
- Approved Special Olympics supplement for Amos Spires for WAVE.
- Approved employment recommendation of Savannah Orr, paraprofessional at Kate Smith Elementary School.
- Approved employment recommendation of Cameron Goff, paraprofessional, at Kate Smith Elementary School.
- Approved resignation of Karen Owens, paraprofessional, at Kate Smith Elementary School.
- Approved employment recommendation of Mark James Batson, general maintenance technician craftsman NMC.
- Approved resignation of Candice Jackson, at W.A.V.E.
Board members also received an update on the half-cent sales tax instituted in the county one year ago. Board members were told that more than $1.1 million had been collected in the past 12 months and spent on technology and facilities. The sales tax will be in place for a total of ten years before it will be voted on again.