Walton County School Board hears some good news

 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act once again played a starring role in this week's school board meeting. Mary Lou Reed, executive director of the Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton counties, announced  $160,000 has been made available to Region 2 through the federal stimulus program, and can be used to fund summer jobs for students and other eligible workers.

"Four point six billion - that's with a ‘b' - at the federal level means $165 million coming to Florida. That provides funding for dislocated workers, education and training," said Reed.

Asked by board member Daryl Barnhill if laid-off teachers could be specifically targeted for information on the program, Reed readily consented to conduct such training.

"They would certainly qualify for the program as dislocated workers," said Reed.

In addition to announcing the funding, Reed, along with two other community agencies, asked that the Workforce Development office be considered among those seeking to obtain space for their operations in the old Walton High School that is being vacated this summer.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast and the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton counties both presented several impassioned speakers for their cause.

In addition to the external organizations seeking space in the old high school, Superintendent Carlene Anderson indicated that occupancy by the board's own facilities staff and possibly other school board offices should be considered for possible tenancy there.

The Board directed Anderson to meet with the interested parties and present specific proposals at the next meeting of the Board.

Superintendent Anderson updated the Board on the status of Florida's application for federal economic recovery funds, indicating that the request is ready to go forward to the U.S. Department of Education.

"Level funding means that we still have a serious hole in our budget," cautioned finance officer Jim McCall. Several Board members discussed the frustration of trying to convey the fiscal realities they face to legislative staffers in recent sessions board members attended in Tallahassee.

"They don't even understand what flexibility in designated funds means," said Mark Davis.

In other business:

- Extended congratulations to the Walton and Freeport High School Bands for superior ratings and commended Walton High School Senior Betsy Stevenson, who has been chosen as the Academic All-State Team by the FHSAA. The Walton Academic Team came in first out of 14 teams in the initial round and first out of 10 teams in the second round. The final round is Wednesday morning.

- Approved two contracts with the Florida Virtual School Connections Academy; serving K-8 students and 6-12 grade students. The service is provided to hospital and home-schooled students.

- Approved Michelle Tommey to the Walton Educational Foundation.

- Handled a matter of student expulsion.

- Approved purchase of equipment for the new Walton High School in the amount of $76,000, for lighting and new media center furniture. Savings of $130,000 are being realized by recycling of

old furniture, with new furniture to be color-matched.

 Board member Sharon Roberts raised a question about school safety, related to the recent shooting at Northwest Florida State College. Superintendent Anderson indicated that she has been in discussion with new DeFuniak Springs town Marshall Mark Weeks on this topic. A one-point-of-contact emergency call system is a high priority and has been put into effect.

The ACLU applauded the Walton County School District for its religious training manual in reaching religious neutrality. Superintendent Anderson indicated that with upcoming graduations and awards, it is important for educators to be aware and in compliance with the federal laws with regard to neutrality.

The news department of WZEP 1460 AM also contributed to this article.