FCAT scholars recognized by school board

The Jackson County School Board opened its monthly meeting to a packed house Tuesday, when students from around the district were recognized for their FCAT scores.
Many additional items came before the board, but first came the introduction of about 50 students who achieved perfect scores in either the reading or math section of the FCAT during the past school year.
One student, Garrison Melzer, was recognized for a perfect score in both sections of the standardized test. At the time of testing, Melzer was a fourth-grader at Riverside Elementary School.
Pictures and names of all of the students can be seen on page 3A of today’s edition of the Floridan.
Students Chase Taylor and David Williams were recognized for their excellent performance at the most recent Beta Club national competition.
The theme at this year’s competition was “Oceans of Opportunity,” said Taylor. Competitors were given an array of objects and were required to draw a still life in two hours.
At the time of competition, Taylor was a student at Marianna High School, where he is now a senior.
Williams was a student at Sneads High School, but is now preparing to begin school at the University of Florida.
The school board was also recognized for its master board certification.
After most of the crowd departed, the board continued on with its regular meeting.
All items regarding facilities and construction were approved; including the disposal of junk property and change orders for modification on to toilets located inside portables.
This grouping of items also contained the approval of phase III drawings for work on the Malone gym, Marianna High School weight room/multi-purpose room, and the Graceville High School weight room and dressing rooms.
Phase III drawings for HVAC/DDC replacements were also approved by the board.
The board also approved student transfers and salary supplements for staff members who hold an additional duty, such as basketball coach.
On a final note, the week of Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2008, will be designated as Disability and Awareness Week. District school boards are now required to designate the first two weeks of October each year as such.