WCSB Meeting

The Walton School Board meeting began with another round of Sunshine State Scholars. Superintendent Carlene Anderson said the group of students were further recognized as the school representatives at the district level. The scholars are: Gloria Whitley from Freeport High School, Michael Smith from Paxton High School, Charles “Chase” Carpenter from South Walton and Gregory Rose from Walton High. Carpenter, will also represent the district at the state level, heading to area competition next. These students show exceptional performance in math and science.

The board approved the personnel recommendations, taking the list in two separate votes to allow board member Darrell Barnhill to exclude himself from one vote due to a conflict. The board also approved tagging on a lighting bid from Jacksonville for athletic lighting. Bids came in for the removal of two old 8,000 gallon fuel tanks and instillation of a new system. This is part of a state requirement.

The board opened a public hearing on the new bullying and harassment policy. This was presented in an earlier workshop and at the last meeting. More corrections have been made and additional suggestions added. Several of these deals with wording not required by state statute, but included by Walton. The policy is a requirement of the state, which is addressing bullying and harassment after a student in south Florida committee suicide. The policy addresses bullying and harassment at all levels, including administration, staff, volunteers and visitors. It also addresses cyber bullying. Staff is already reporting school administrators taking time to investigate cases of bullying. After discussions, the Board approved the new policy 4-1 with Roberts the nay vote.

The Board approved an expulsion, approved an agreement with the University of South Florida to pay for an employee in a new state mandated program RtI. Darrell Barnhill said the requirement adds over 30 more tasks for a teacher to take care of. The RtI is a federally mandated program.

Board member Darrell Barnhill asked about the restrooms constructed or being constructed around the district. He asked to hire an architect to take a look at the various restrooms, such as the ones at the athletic fields, be reviewed for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

Barnhill then asked about information they received concerning the negotiations with the union. He said they were told the negotiations were complete and this would mean the Board could not hold another executive session. Board member Mark Davis agreed, saying the email he received from the bargaining unit contains things they did not approve. Superintendent Carlene Anderson told the Board she asked if they wanted to hold another executive session or proceed at the last meeting. Anderson said she has not seen the final document. Barnhill said, in the past, they have always been trying to get someone money and moved fast. The matter was not resolved.

The Board established transportation zones between Bay and Butler. Anderson said students are walking across the street and getting to a school bus stop outside the zone. She warned the Board to expect some complaints. Anderson said they only have zones between Bay and Butler and for Mossy Head. Several board members said there are other areas where parents drive children to bus stops in other zones. They also said there is a zone at Rock Hill Road. Anderson said allowing parents to take students to bus stops in other zones would help her. She also noted this can cause overcrowding in a school.