The Washington County, Florida School Board met on Monday, May 11, 2026 in Chipley, as seen below.
Presentation of Superintendent’s School Scholarship
Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susan Saunders, recognized Chipley High School Senior, Karley Welch, as the recipient of the Florida Prepaid 2-Year Florida College Plan valued at approximately $8,000.
(Pictured left to right: Susan Saunders, Karley Welch, Superintendent Thomas Register)
Fitzhugh & Essie D. Carter Education Foundation Grant Awards
Foundation Committee Chair Mr. Gary Clark presented on behalf of the Fitzhugh & Essie Carter Education Foundation, detailing the trust’s decade-long history of financial stewardship for the district. It was noted that the grant selection committee includes Board Chairman Taylor and Superintendent Register. For the current cycle, the trust’s annual grant allocated a total of $125,000 to the district. Vernon High School 62.5%, $78,125, and Chipley High School 37.5%, $46,875.
The fund supports the high schools’ specialized programs in agriculture, literacy, and athletics. Educators and students shared testimonials regarding how these funds facilitated mock trials, reading incentives, and athletic travel, emphasizing the trust’s long-term impact on the community.
(Picture of Fitzhugh & Carter recipients from Vernon and Chipley High Schools with Gary Clark)
VES/KMS Library Recognition/Presentation
Director of Assessment and Accountability Jessica Stephens honored Karen Mashburn, the media specialist at Kate Smith Elementary, who is retiring after 22 years of service. Her final year included a circulation of 59,442 books and $5,862 raised through book fairs.
Ms. Melissa Gibson presented the achievement for Vernon Elementary School’s media program and recognized 4th grader Eleanor Joy Gibson for record-breaking achievements in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program:
Single-Year Achievement: 1,053.5 AR points earned as a 4th-grade student.
Literacy Volume: Over 7 million words read during the current academic year.
Career Milestone: 2,451.5 total career AR points, establishing a new school record.
(Pictured from left to right: Melissa Gibson, Eleanor Gibson, Superintendent Thomas Register)
Food Service Recognition
Director of Federal Programs Jiranda White recognized the food service staff for being named “Trailblazers” by the Florida Department of Agriculture (FAX) for their summer feeding program initiatives. The recognition coincided with “Food Service Hero Month.” Ms. White also introduced Kim Marino, representing Southwest Food Service Excellence, as the new general manager in the district’s nutritional programs.
(Picture Ms. White with food service staff)