From Walton Sun
The Walton County School Board is investigating the construction of a freestanding middle school in South Walton.
During the board?s regular meeting Nov. 22, Superintendent Carlene Anderson expressed need for a new middle school in South Walton. Under current class size reduction regulations, Emerald Coast Middle School has reached capacity.
?Miramar is growing rapidly. I feel that it?s only going to continue to grow,? she said. ?We?ve been attaching a Band-Aid to a very large wound that we need to address. It?s not sufficient for the future.?
Without a new building, the district may have to install portable facilities. In addition to overcrowded classrooms, Anderson is concerned about the lack of educational facilities for the middle school students. Emerald Coast Middle School does not have a library, media center or a science lab. Students check out books from the county book mobile.
According to Anderson, the school is trying to secure a piece of property in South Walton owned by the Department of Environmental Protection. Currently, the land is being leased by the county for debris disposal.
?We?ve not made contacts, we?re just looking,? Anderson said. ?But, I feel it?s important we don?t sit around and wait.?
A representative from the school district will address the Board of County Commissioners at its next regular meeting, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at the South Walton Annex.
?I would like to have the support of the county commissioners. With their assistance, we can work smarter,? Anderson said.
The Walton County School Board is investigating the construction of a freestanding middle school in South Walton.
During the board?s regular meeting Nov. 22, Superintendent Carlene Anderson expressed need for a new middle school in South Walton. Under current class size reduction regulations, Emerald Coast Middle School has reached capacity.
?Miramar is growing rapidly. I feel that it?s only going to continue to grow,? she said. ?We?ve been attaching a Band-Aid to a very large wound that we need to address. It?s not sufficient for the future.?
Without a new building, the district may have to install portable facilities. In addition to overcrowded classrooms, Anderson is concerned about the lack of educational facilities for the middle school students. Emerald Coast Middle School does not have a library, media center or a science lab. Students check out books from the county book mobile.
According to Anderson, the school is trying to secure a piece of property in South Walton owned by the Department of Environmental Protection. Currently, the land is being leased by the county for debris disposal.
?We?ve not made contacts, we?re just looking,? Anderson said. ?But, I feel it?s important we don?t sit around and wait.?
A representative from the school district will address the Board of County Commissioners at its next regular meeting, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at the South Walton Annex.
?I would like to have the support of the county commissioners. With their assistance, we can work smarter,? Anderson said.