As part of an initiative to keep our community stakeholders informed of the accomplishments across our district, Superintendent A. Russell Hughes gave the first annual State of the Schools address on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. During this presentation, he recognized the School Board of Walton County, and the many people in the district who have helped to facilitate the high level of success accomplished since he took office. He shared his commitment to the children of our district, and stated, “Everything we do is all about the children. It has been, and forever will be…that will never change. That is why we do what we do…our children deserve it!”

Sonya Alford, Director of Human Resources welcomed the audience and special guests to the event, followed by an invocation by Rev. Wayne White. Facilities Director, Mark Gardner introduced the Walton High School Jr. ROTC who presented the Colors; 2018 Teacher of the Year, Joan Kennett who lead the Pledge if Allegiance; and Casey Clark from Freeport High School who sang the National Anthem. Kay Dailey, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, introduced Superintendent Hughes.

In his address, Superintendent Hughes shared his vision for Walton County School District, and highlighted significant areas of progress and success experienced in the district since he came to office. Among these include our district ranking (WCSD is an A+ school district for the first time since 2014); marked academic improvement; accelerated graduation rates; accommodation of increased student enrollment (now over the 10,000 student threshold); facilities growth; district fiscal responsibility; forward momentum of our Fine Arts programs; improvements and expansion in our Food Services program; development of innovative programs in Career and Technical Education; advances in our Technology department; and increased student safety and mental health training.

Mr. Hughes recognized his special guests, School Board members, Cabinet members, District administrators, School Advisory Council members, and students from schools across the district. Refreshments were provided by the Walton High School Culinary department.

You may view the State of the Schools address at https://youtu.be/SdoNj4QOhqY

Congratulations to the Walton County School District students who participated in the State Science and Engineering Fair March 25, 2019 – March 29, 2019 in Lakeland, FL!!

Aaron Wilmouth, 7th grader at Walton Middle School, impressed the judges at the State competition with his project "Squishy Robots" which placed second in its category. Aaron was also awarded a special certificate from ASM Materials Education Foundation!

Aaron's project is also a Broadcom Masters Nominee: 
https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/…/Flyers/Program-Overv…
WCSD is extremely proud of Aaron and this EPIC accomplishment!