Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I hope you had an enjoyable and safe summer break. We are looking forward to a successful start to the school year.

As we look ahead to this school year, we stay committed to preparing our students for the potential challenges they may face in their academic journey. To assist them in meeting these challenges, we depend on our excellent teaching staff to continue to raise the bar in their classrooms and build on our District's strong foundation. I am proud of our many accomplishments in our schools, and I look forward to creating more opportunities for our students to be successful.

This year, we look forward to getting back on track in educating our students and moving our District from a "B" to an "A". While both District and School grades are important, the District continues to strive to meet the emotional needs of our students through guidance counselors at all schools, District mental health counselors, and our school psychologist.

As students return to school, they will have opportunities to participate in various academic, elective, and industry certification courses. We will continue to offer dual enrollment at the Florida Panhandle Technical College, Chipola College, and Gulf Coast College, as well as many online course options. Our middle and high schools continue to offer electives such as band, JROTC, AVID, and STEM classes. Our District will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision, in which all students will receive a Free nutritional breakfast and lunch.

Washington County wants to continue our goal to provide excellent instruction to every child to be an academically successful student and socially responsible citizen. We are equipped with an instructional Contingency Plan in the event we are challenged with all unprecedented circumstance that impacts the continuity of student learning;  Washington County will continue to utilize resources and community partnerships to include guidance from the Department of Health if we should have to implement our Distance Learning Plan to continue to support the needs of all students.

Therefore, on behalf of the Washington County School District, School Board Members, the leadership and administrative teams, professionals, and support staff, I welcome everyone to join in preparing our children for their future. Feel free to contact me if I can assist you at any time during the school year. I have an open-door policy and always invite your commentary.