Walton School District nears 7,000 students

[wrobert]

I am surprised at any growth this year after reading that overall enrollment in the State of Florida fell 8,000. But the growth in students at south Walton schools is incredible considering the economic conditions. The next count in Febuary will show if people are staying or going I guess.

The complete article from the DeFuniak Herald Breeze http://southwalton.com/?p=1063

SOUTH WALTON HIGH
502 AUG 2005
525 SEP 2006
579 OCT 2007

BUTLER ELEMENTARY
707 AUG 2005
551 SEP 2006
666 OCT 2007

BAY ELEMENTARY
75 AUG 2005
276 SEP 2006
304 OCT 2007

EMERALD COAST
305 AUG 2005
290 SEP 2006
288 OCT 2007

[jdarg]

I think Butler and Emerald Coast's numbers were up in 2005 because of Katrina kids, correct?

These numbers show it all- that many families have moved here- SoWal is not just about the second home owners anymore. There are lots of kids here and we need the community structure to support us- good schools, parks, activities and programs for kids, etc.

On a bummer note, the school district lost an excellent principal. Dr. Haro is leaving for Texas, effective immediately. I hope this was a personal decision and he wasn't offered a better deal in Texas, i.e. I hope our school district did everything they could to keep him. He is a class act and we really needed him here.:(

[ShallowsNole]

Dr. Haro is leaving??? That is a bummer. I was hoping the high school could take some tips from him. :(