Walton Co. School Board Meeting 2/19 at SWHS

[Jdarg]

Yes- it is our turn! We get a school board meeting south of the bay!!

After the Blithe Spirit/challenged material meeting, the school board made an excellent decision - hold the second meeting of the month at different schools in the county, so citizens would have the opportunity to attend an occasional meeting.

Walton County School Board meeting, Tuesday, February 19th, 5 pm, at South Walton High school.

Here is a link to the agenda:

http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/

What a wonderful chance to become an integral part of our school system! Thanks to the school board for making this happen!

[wrobert]

Yes- it is our turn! We get a school board meeting south of the bay!!

After the Blithe Spirit/challenged material meeting, the school board made an excellent decision - hold the second meeting of the month at different schools in the county, so citizens would have the opportunity to attend an occasional meeting.

Walton County School Board meeting, Tuesday, February 19th, 5 pm, at South Walton High school.

Here is a link to the agenda:

http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/

What a wonderful chance to become an integral part of our school system! Thanks to the school board for making this happen!

Yes it is about time. What has it been since Blithe Spirit? Six years? Now is the time to show people you care so many more meetings will be in the area.

[Jdarg]

Wow- even the Sun is posting a notice!

http://www.waltonsun.com/news/school...ton_board.html

Please take the time to attend and get involved. The School Board thought it was important to rotate the meetings, so the least we can do is attend the one in our neighborhood when it is here.

[Jdarg]

Bump. Meeting is TONIGHT! 5 pm

And a little FYI- we get a double header! School board meeting tonight, and next week, on Tuesday Feb 26th, at 6 pm, the high school will be holding the first of it's monthly parent "round table " meetings, which will be a chance for parents ot be at school once a month and ask questions and discuss issues at SWHS.

I'm going to start another thread for this!

[Jdarg]

I just returned from the meeting. There were 3 (count'em- 3!) attendees that weren't press, school employees, or architects presenting info on the New Emerald Coast Middle School building. The board really has to make an effort for these off-site meetings, including having to pay AV guys to set up audio and record the meetings. The permanent room in DeFuniak is all set up, so there is no cost to keeping the meeting "at home." Thanks to the board for making it easier for a least a few of us to attend!

Also, thanks to Walton GOP, who was very patient in explaining any unfamiliar business and procedures. ALeonard said she wanted to take a picture of us sitting together. I told him to keep checking his back- I just might try to put my Obama pin on the back of his jacket, like a "kick me" sign.

The meeting highlight happened before the meeting even began. Kevin Boyle, of the Seaside Rep and director of Blithe Spirit, presented the board members with a play poster signed by the student actors, and vouchers to redeem for tickets. It was a classy offer, and I hope they get tickets and come see the show!

The main topic was the new Emerald Coast Middle School Building. I am going to wait until the newspaper stories come out on this one- there was a lot of info and I am tired. One very interesting note- he building is designed with a cafeteria that can serve 2 buildings- the middle school, and a future elementary school building. A future elementary school? That's a new one on the radar for me- anybody know anything?

The meeting was winding down when Mildred Wilkerson brought up the evolution topic for commentary (this was not on the agenda- just a comment). Ms. Wilkerson, in no uncertain terms, said that Walton County is a very Christian community and the people would not tolerate the teaching of evolution. She went on to say that things that happened 100 years ago can't be proven as fact, so how can evolution be fact?

And with the strike of the dumbbell (a small hand weight is used as a gavel), the meeting was adjourned.

[NoHall]

I just returned from the meeting. There were 3 (count'em- 3!) attendees that weren't press, school employees, or architects presenting info on the New Emerald Coast Middle School building. The board really has to make an effort for these off-site meetings, including having to pay AV guys to set up audio and record the meetings. The permanent room in DeFuniak is all set up, so there is no cost to keeping the meeting "at home." Thanks to the board for making it easier for a least a few of us to attend!

Also, thanks to Walton GOP, who was very patient in explaining any unfamiliar business and procedures. ALeonard said she wanted to take a picture of us sitting together. I told him to keep checking his back- I just might try to put my Obama pin on the back of his jacket, like a "kick me" sign.

The meeting highlight happened before the meeting even began. Kevin Boyle, of the Seaside Rep and director of Blithe Spirit, presented the board members with a play poster signed by the student actors, and vouchers to redeem for tickets. It was a classy offer, and I hope they get tickets and come see the show!

The main topic was the new Emerald Coast Middle School Building. I am going to wait until the newspaper stories come out on this one- there was a lot of info and I am tired. One very interesting note- he building is designed with a cafeteria that can serve 2 buildings- the middle school, and a future elementary school building. A future elementary school? That's a new one on the radar for me- anybody know anything?

The meeting was winding down when Mildred Wilkerson brought up the evolution topic for commentary (this was not on the agenda- just a comment). Ms. Wilkerson, in no uncertain terms, said that Walton County is a very Christian community and the people would not tolerate the teaching of evolution. She went on to say that things that happened 100 years ago can't be proven as fact, so how can evolution be fact?

And with the strike of the dumbbell (a small hand weight is used as a gavel), the meeting was adjourned.

Wow--you just can't argue with that, now can you?

[Jdarg]

Wow--you just can't argue with that, now can you?

100 years ago. I about fainted. It was hard not to laugh inappropriately.

[John R]

So she doesn't believe that George Washington was our first president?

[NoHall]

George Washington? If she's over 40 she just got rid of her own grandparents, for heaven's sake...

Dang--my high school is more than 100 years old!

[Miss Kitty]

Time to fire all the history teachers!

[scooterbug44]

Wow, that's a whole lotta stupid wrapped up in faith!

Since I don't want to open the evolution can o' worms all I'll say is that some highlights of 1908 were:
1) We dedicated the Grand Canyon a National Monument.
2) New York City tried to pass a law making it illegal for women to smoke in public, but the mayor vetoed it.
3) They founded the Boy Scouts.
4) Orville Wright's passenger Thomas Selfridge becomes the first person to die in an airplane crash.
5) Henry Ford produced his first Model T.
But what do I know, I'm crazy enough to believe in evolution .

I love that they offered a signed playbill and ticket vouchers. I hope that they take them up on it, just so they see the subversive material in person.

[NoHall]

Wow, that's a whole lotta stupid wrapped up in faith!

Since I don't want to open the evolution can o' worms all I'll say is that some highlights of 1908 were:
1) We dedicated the Grand Canyon a National Monument.
2) New York City tried to pass a law making it illegal for women to smoke in public, but the mayor vetoed it.
3) They founded the Boy Scouts.
4) Orville Wright's passenger Thomas Selfridge becomes the first person to die in an airplane crash.
5) Henry Ford produced his first Model T.
But what do I know, I'm crazy enough to believe in evolution .

I love that they offered a signed playbill and ticket vouchers. I hope that they take them up on it, just so they see the subversive material in person.

Yeah, but can you prove it?

Let's leave the faith out of it...it's just a whole lotta stupid.

[Alicia Leonard]

ALeonard said she wanted to take a picture of us sitting together.


I was gonna use it for blackmail purposes But then I thought,........nah

Enjoyed seeing you guys at the meeting

[John R]

the brooklyn bridge was completed in 1883.

[TreeFrog]

The meeting was winding down when Mildred Wilkerson brought up the evolution topic for commentary (this was not on the agenda- just a comment). Ms. Wilkerson, in no uncertain terms, said that Walton County is a very Christian community and the people would not tolerate the teaching of evolution. She went on to say that things that happened 100 years ago can't be proven as fact, so how can evolution be fact?

"The people" would not tolerate.

Which people? All the people at our house tolerate it. Shoot, even the dog tolerates it (although I have to admit we tell her how to vote).

BTW, who is Midred Wilkerson? School board, parent, teacher, clergy, or ???

[TreeFrog]

It looks like the School Board is next on my list of local government meetings to visit, in my quest to find out how things work.

[NoHall]

"The people" would not tolerate.

Which people? All the people at our house tolerate it. Shoot, even the dog tolerates it (although I have to admit we tell her how to vote).

BTW, who is Midred Wilkerson? School board, parent, teacher, clergy, or ???

There's that sneaky liberal socialism...American's goin' to h3!! in a handbasket.

[Jdarg]

All in all, it was a very efficient meeting. I would say that I was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Wilkerson's unfortunate remark at the end was an bad end to an otherwise decent meeting. The board members really seem to know their jobs and related information, and Carlene Anderson was really "on her game" and ready with many facts and figures, or at least a decent answer to questions from the board.

I do encourage people to attend an occasional school board meeting. They are not only spending our tax dollars, but they are making the educational decisions for our kids.

[InletBchDweller]

The main topic was the new Emerald Coast Middle School Building. I am going to wait until the newspaper stories come out on this one- there was a lot of info and I am tired. One very interesting note- he building is designed with a cafeteria that can serve 2 buildings- the middle school, and a future elementary school building. A future elementary school? That's a new one on the radar for me- anybody know anything?
.

I heard that the Montessouri school (sp-1 I know) is leaving Rosemary and has bought some land close to Eden???? Anyone else heard this???

[rapunzel]

I totally forgot. I've been lazy because I'm used to being reminded of things like this....

My question -- are all members of the board up for re-election this year? Do they all have challengers?

Was Mildred the lady wearing red last time?

[ShallowsNole]

I totally forgot. I've been lazy because I'm used to being reminded of things like this....

My question -- are all members of the board up for re-election this year? Do they all have challengers?

Was Mildred the lady wearing red last time?

No, that would have been Sharon Roberts. SoWal put her in office two years ago.

I didn't forget the meeting, but was unfortunately tied up one block over until waaaaaaay after closing today. I hated missing it, but kudos to jdarg for a great report!

[wrobert]

BTW, who is Midred Wilkerson? School board, parent, teacher, clergy, or ???

Mrs. Wilkerson is a second term member of the School Board. You can find out more information about her here.
http://www.voterfocus.com/ws/WScand/...=4&committee=N

I thought she taugh science, but I really do not remember. She has prequalified for re-election and would be considered my opponent since I am seeking to represent the same district. She is the District 1 representative, meaning she does represent the area mostly east of 331 in sowal except for around the west side of eastern lake and close to the gulf. Her district boundary is the same as Scott Brannon's.

[GoodWitch58]

Mrs. Wilkerson is a very nice woman and IMO has done a lot for the education system in this county. More often than not, she is the one to bring the issues that most affect the students to the forefront for discussion.

She is serious about education and has devoted her life to it--she is probably just as serious about her faith, which probably accounts for her comment tonight.

This is not meant to be any kind of endorsement for her; rather, a statement that I have a lot of respect for her. She has accomplished a lot, and it was not always an easy path for her.

[wrobert]

What surprised me is the low turnout. And this is when something as important as a new school is being built in sowal. Tonight was the night to give them an idea of anything that may have been wanted for that new school. I guess things are not near as bad at ECMS as I had heard.

[TreeFrog]

WaltonGOP-

A couple of questions:

1-The mapping app at the WalCo web site shows the boundary between District 5 and District 1 as 395, with a short jog to the east at the 395/30A intersection that looks like it might take in beachfront properties down to about Seagrove Villas. I don't see any boundaries near Eastern Lake, as you indicate. Could you clarify?

2-I followed your link to www.voterfocus.com for Mrs. Wilkerson. But when I tried to come in to the top level/home page, it wanted my username and password. Is it a membership site?

[TreeFrog]

Mrs. Wilkerson is a very nice woman and IMO has done a lot for the education system in this county. More often than not, she is the one to bring the issues that most affect the students to the forefront for discussion.

She is serious about education and has devoted her life to it--she is probably just as serious about her faith, which probably accounts for her comment tonight.

This is not meant to be any kind of endorsement for her; rather, a statement that I have a lot of respect for her. She has accomplished a lot, and it was not always an easy path for her.

Thanks for your info on Mrs. Wilkerson. I didn't attack her personally, I just indicated that we at the TreeFrog house don't feel that she speaks for everyone in the community when she speaks out against teaching evolution.

[Jdarg]

Thanks for your info on Mrs. Wilkerson. I didn't attack her personally, I just indicated that we at the TreeFrog house don't feel that she speaks for everyone in the community when she speaks out against teaching evolution.

Yes, thanks Goodwitch. I had always heard wonderful things about her, and I am still thankful for her vote to keep Blithe Spirit in the WCSD curriculum. It was just such a shocker and unfortunate that her words were so forceful on such a controversial subject.

[GoodWitch58]

Thanks for your info on Mrs. Wilkerson. I didn't attack her personally, I just indicated that we at the TreeFrog house don't feel that she speaks for everyone in the community when she speaks out against teaching evolution.

TreeFrog: You are welcome. I did not think you did. And, in fact, I completely disagree with her stand on this issue; and she does not speak for my household either.

I just wanted it on the record that the woman has a history of doing good things for education in some pretty tough situations. Sometimes this Board can get carried away without all the information (sometimes I can get carried away with all the information).

So, I just wanted to say that while that comment may have been off the wall, I'd like to see it put into the context of her overall contribution to our area.

I was not responding to your comment specifically.

[wrobert]

WaltonGOP-

A couple of questions:

1-The mapping app at the WalCo web site shows the boundary between District 5 and District 1 as 395, with a short jog to the east at the 395/30A intersection that looks like it might take in beachfront properties down to about Seagrove Villas. I don't see any boundaries near Eastern Lake, as you indicate. Could you clarify?

2-I followed your link to www.voterfocus.com for Mrs. Wilkerson. But when I tried to come in to the top level/home page, it wanted my username and password. Is it a membership site?

1-Let me look at a district boundary map later today and get back to you. I am speaking from memory and not sure which is correct but I will find out.

2-The voter focus site is an external site the SOE uses. It probably does require a login for certain parts. Start at www.votewaltoncounty.com and it is in the candidate information. You have to choose the Primary for 2008 and then the candidate pages. It is a bit complex if you ask me, I always seem to have trouble finding the page.

[wrobert]

And I checked with the spouse and she was a science teacher at Walton Middle School.

[Busta Hustle]

I've recently read that Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties are actually losing students in the southern part of the counties. I also understand that the walton board bases the need for a new school on the fact that so many new neighborhoods have been approved by the BCC for the 395 area. There have been almost no sales in any those neighborhoods and some do not even have infrastructure. i do appreciate long range planning so my question is this: Is there a proposed date for construction to begin?

[Jdarg]

I've recently read that Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties are actually losing students in the southern part of the counties. I also understand that the walton board bases the need for a new school on the fact that so many new neighborhoods have been approved by the BCC for the 395 area. There have been almost no sales in any those neighborhoods and some do not even have infrastructure. i do appreciate long range planning so my question is this: Is there a proposed date for construction to begin?

I think the short schedule has the school opening June 2010.

The question of enrollment numbers came up,since the school is being built to acommodate 650. Current enrollment at ECMS is 300-something (don't know Seaside's numbers), but current enrollment in the 3rd-4th-5th grades at both elementary schools is currently 409. Both elementary schools are packed, and there are also so many pre-school age kids, but it is hard to count them. I think it is wise to look towards the future and build it big enough!

An interesting point- South Walton High School was projected to have enrollment at around 300. We are at 580. There is one empty classroom left- we are already busting the seams and will have to look at expansion soon I fear. The school was built too small, so let's not make the same mistake at ECMS.

Regarding using home sales as a measure of families moving here- in this market, that is an inaccurate measure. Many families are renting right now. My daughter's kindergarten class has had at least 5 new kids since the start of school.

[Busta Hustle]

thanks for that info...i've looked at the county website and for info on the schoolboard and can not seem to find any place dedicated to school capacities and policies in regards to overall population and potential growth. (so i have to ask more questions here) With Freeport being the more affordable place for housing of parents with school age children, how do the numbers look for their present schools...

[ShallowsNole]

Busta, remember also that the present Emerald Coast Middle, as an attachment to Butler Elementary, was built as a "band-aid." When SWHS was built, it was said that we'd never fill a high school and, at first, we didn't. So, Bay Middle was closed and the middle schoolers occupied one wing of SWHS. Then, SWHS boomed. Emerald Coast Middle was built behind Butler Elementary to (1) free up both wings of SWHS for high-school and (2) be an addition to Butler when a standalone middle school was built. So, new construction in SoWal or not, we are still short one middle school.

Thank goodness our School Board did not elect to build on the site of the old Blue Mt Beach landfill. That was actually the plan at one point.

[Busta Hustle]

Thanks Shallows...i'm kind of surprised the bcc or school board were not able to have land for schools appropriated from joe or other developers...maybe they did and i'm not aware of it...i know the new development in Mossy Head handles that in their declaration of future development. I'm not sure if Hammock Bay or Plantations or Owls Head
have school land exchanged for the right to develop Freeport in such huge acerage...i think i saw that the land purchase for the south side middle school was around $4 million for 40 acres...at $100,000 per acre?

[BrownEyedGull]

Regarding using home sales as a measure of families moving here- in this market, that is an inaccurate measure. Many families are renting right now. My daughter's kindergarten class has had at least 5 new kids since the start of school.

If and/or when we sell our house and move there, we will probably be renting as well. And we will be adding 4 additional kids to the schools! I say build 'em BIG!!!

We live in Forsyth County, Georgia and the newer elementary schools here are two stories. Great floorplans/layouts.
.

[wrobert]

able to have land for schools appropriated from joe or other developers...

Appropriated? That sounds a bit like taking. And even if they used their powers to take the land, they still have to pay fair market value. A $100K an acre is a good deal down that way.

Don't get me wrong, I was an opponent of the purchase because they did not have an easement to the property, just a license to use it. I had my doubts the easement would be obtained.

But I was surprised last night when they announced an easement had been granted by the BLM to use the land as long as a school was their. So that problem is solved.

http://www.votewaltoncounty.com/Dist...0Districts.pdf

This is the district boundary map. Yes it does jog over to 395. You are going to be seeing some serious line changes in 2011, I imagine. The district numbers are pretty lopsided so after the 2010 census they will have a clearer picture and will be redistricting those lines, again.

[wrobert]

After reading the Herald today and seeing the picture of all the people coming to talk about the ugly signs, then realizing that only three, yes three, public persons showed up at the SB meeting last night, it really gives me pause as to just what the priorities are for this area.

[Busta Hustle]

I believe the term used on the september 18th 2007 regular meeting for the school board was to accept the "donation of 42 acres of land" for a school from the developer in Mossy Head. At the same meeting the PURCHASE of 40 acres in south walton was discussed. Win some lose some?

[wrobert]

I believe the term used on the september 18th 2007 regular meeting for the school board was to accept the "donation of 42 acres of land" for a school from the developer in Mossy Head. At the same meeting the PURCHASE of 40 acres in south walton was discussed. Win some lose some?

The donation was in lieu of payment of proportional fair share impact fees which some at the district were estimating to be several million dollars.

[Busta Hustle]

and a much better deal for tax payers than what you mentioned about the county having to pay "fair market value"...FYI...purchasing land in 2007 at a premium price in south walton shows a huge lack of planning foresight for about 3 decades...so if you want votes vow to do better and stay ahead of the game...

[wrobert]

and a much better deal for tax payers than what you mentioned about the county having to pay "fair market value"...FYI...purchasing land in 2007 at a premium price in south walton shows a huge lack of planning foresight for about 3 decades...so if you want votes vow to do better and stay ahead of the game...

I guess I have a total lack of understanding of premium prices. I thought this was a bad deal when the property was land locked with no access guaranteed. But now that they have gotten the easement, I am not convinced that it is a bad deal. MAybe SJ or someone in the market will jump in here. I am told that most if not all of this land would be developable if that is even a word.

[Busta Hustle]

while you are waiting for that info consider this...What do you think that land would have cost in 2004 or 2000 or perhaps 1995?

[wrobert]

while you are waiting for that info consider this...What do you think that land would have cost in 2004 or 2000 or perhaps 1995?

We did not need a school then.

[Busta Hustle]

no, just the land for the school that was inevitable.

[wrobert]

no, just the land for the school that was inevitable.

So government should buy property everywhere that will one day be needed for a school or other governmental building now? Boy have our forefathers really messed up.

[Busta Hustle]

Butler, Bay, Seaside, Montessori, South Walton High...all in south side since? What seems to be missing? And no government should not buy land they need for schools of the future they should negotiate with developers who ask to build 10,100,1000 houses in the area as they did with Bonezzi in Mossy Head. Take Freeport for instance. Hammock Bay, J. Odom has provided acerage for the city park. Do you know if a school was provided for? Owls Head? Plantations of Freeport? Emerald Glenn?
Windswept? 3 or 4 other approved D.O's off Black Creek? 10's of thousands of approved houses...fore fathers might be taking it a bit to far back, but just maybe as recently as 2000 someone might have looked at what was happening at the building dept. and said gee cletus this place is changing! Waiting until after the biggest land boom in history and then deciding it is time to buy...

[wrobert]

And no government should not buy land they need for schools of the future they should negotiate with developers who ask to build 10,100,1000 houses in the area as they did with Bonezzi in Mossy Head. Take Freeport for instance. Hammock Bay, J. Odom has provided acerage for the city park.

We will just have to disagree on this point. I do not believe that a single developer should have to give up part of his assets to be able to move forward. The school benefits all of society, then all of society should pay for it.

Odom did not give the land for the park, it was part of a swap for water taps. And the BCC then agreed to fund the $5 million in park improvements, this project went out for bids, and guess whose company won the bid?

[jodiFL]

We did not need a school then.

Yes we did. All SOWAL students were sent to Freeport after Bay Elementary. The only reason they built Butler is because Bay needed so many things to bring it up to code that it was cheaper to build a new school. And had the parents here not raised so much ***L about Freeport getting ANOTHER high school before SOWAL got its first we wouldnt have gotten that. Funny that enrollment at SWHS was alot more than FHS on the first day. Any one here remember when the bridge was closed for several months and it was nearly impossible for the kids here to get to school in Freeport? Bus rides starting at about 5am? Kids not getting home until 6 pm? Yes it was inevitable and they should have been thinking about it long before 1995. And although I loved the "quaintness" of my kids starting school at Bay, it was kinda sad to not have wiring to accommodate the technology that was available at the time. To have the middle school age kids in the one room portables outside with them having to run in the rain to go to the restroom inside the main building. I can recall having to bring gallons of drinking water because of the antiquated well. While having your school on the historic register, circa 1938, is awesome ...having to deal with the problems of that scenario was a nightmare.

[Jdarg]

The revamped Walton County School District website is up- so much better!

http://newweb.walton.k12.fl.us/default.aspx