By Ali Moreland
The Washington County School Board (WCSB) held its regular meeting on Monday, May 11. The meeting included recognitions for student achievement and employee service, community investment in district programs, and board action on the relocation of Vernon Elementary fifth grade students to Vernon Middle School.
The meeting opened with several recognitions highlighting student achievement, staff service, and community partnerships. Chipley High School senior Karley Welch was recognized as the recipient of the Superintendent’s Scholarship, a Florida Prepaid 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarship, valued at approximately $8,000. The Fitzhugh & Essie D. Carter Education Foundation also presented its annual grant allocation of $125,000, supporting programs in WCSD schools, with funds contributing to academic enrichment through programs in agriculture, literacy initiatives, and student athletics.
“It’s more than just equipment,” said John Works, Assistant Athletic Director and PE teacher at Vernon High School, “it’s about the experience that the kids are getting.”
Additional recognitions included the retirement of Kate M. Smith Elementary media specialist Karen Mashburn after 22 years of service, during which she recorded 59,442 book circulations in her final year. VES also showcased their Accelerated Reader (AR) achievements, including a recognition of fourth grader Eleanor Joy Gibson, who set new school records for both single-year and career reading milestones. The district’s food service staff were also honored after being named “Trailblazers” by the Florida Department of Agriculture for their summer feeding program efforts, with the recognition coinciding with Food Service Hero Month.
A key action item addressed during the meeting was the approval of the relocation of fifth grade students from Vernon Elementary School (VES) to Vernon Middle School (VMS) beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. The measure passed in a 4–1 vote following discussion. The proposal, which has been under consideration through recent workshops and community meetings, is intended to address space limitations at VES due to growing enrollment and expanded student services, including VPK, ESE programs, and mental health supports. District leaders have also noted anticipated benefits for students, including increased access to middle school extracurricular opportunities and continued instructional continuity as students transition with their current teachers and support staff.
“I am excited about the move and look forward to the increased opportunities that our students will have because of this move,” said WCSD Superintendent Thomas Register.
The meeting concluded with continued planning for upcoming budget and scheduling priorities as the district moves toward the end of the school year.
WCSB will meet for their next regular meeting on Monday, June 8 at 5:00 p.m.
Staff Report 
AMBER PATINO