At its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 31, the Escambia County (Ala.) Board of Education discussed the recently released state report card grade, the upcoming vote to renew a city of Atmore tax that helps the schools and approved a field trip to Universal Studio for students at ECHS this spring, among other items.
This year's state report card grade for the Escambia County (Ala.) School System for 2018-19 was an 85, or 'B', compared to 2017-18, which was 79, or 'C'.
“I'm very proud, that as a district, we made some substantial improvements,” said Knott. “This year we are a solid 85, a B. We will continue to work to improve that.”
For the school that had some drops in grade, Knott said they have already started developing plans of actions for those schools and implementing them to address those issues.
Knott noted that both Flomaton High and Elementary made 'A's this year with 90.
Tax renewal
The City of Atmore will hold a vote to renew a 5 mil city property tax put in place in the 50s initiated, to go to schools inside the Atmore city limits, which are Rachel Patterson Elementary School, Escambia County Middle School and Escambia County High School. Knott said those funds are used for personnel resources in all three schools. The tax comes up for renewal every 20 years.
“The tax is up for renewal Nov 12. and I will be working to speak with faculties at the schools to understand what tax is for, and get word out to solicit support to go to the polls,” said Knott.
Voting will be held at Atmore City Auditorium Nov. 12 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“The tax generates approximately $350,000 a year,” said Knott. “We have the full support of the city, and this allows additional support for three schools above any local funding or state funds. This is not a property tax increase, it's simply a renewal of what has been in place.”
NAF implementation
The National Academy Foundation (NAF) Academy of Information Technology kick off was held Sept. 27 at Escambia County Middle School. Knott said this will be an extension of the collaboration lab at the school.
“The first year for students will be next year's ninth grade,” said Knott. “We did a kick-off to drum up support from the kids who are already involved in the collaboration lab we have at the middle school.”
Assistant Superintendent Beth Drew siad Brown Precision, Reliability Solutions, Coastal Alabama Community College, Provalus, Muskogee Technology and other companies with digital work space are involved to look at what skills are necessary for these companies need so the students will start to get prepared.
“The ultimate goal is to have children that are work-force ready in the IT field,” said Drew. “We know that regardless of what job you have, you're going to have to have information technology (IT) skills, so thats why we selected this particular academy.”
She said they are working with these IT-oriented companies to look at what courses to add to the curriculum to help students.
“When students get into ninth grade, the companies will come talk to the them about working for tht company,” said Drew. “Then in tenth grade, they will take a tour to see the facilities and see what the company does, what it's like to work for them. Between their junior and senior year, the students can do paid internships.”
Drew pointed out that with this program, the students have a relationship built with the companies prior and that there is a lot of interest not just Atmore, but in the county, of people who are very interested in helping and doing internships down the road.
She said students could graduate if they stay with the program with a National AF certification, which is nationally recognized.
Knott said Poarch Creek helped with $12,000 pay for the initial training, curriculum, materials and support.
In other business, the board:
-Approved an out of state trip for the Escambia County High School Choir to travel to Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. From march 12 through March 15, 2020 to participate in clinics and an evening award ceremony with other choirs.
-Approved an amendment to lease agreement with the Town of Flomaton covering the real property and facilities known as Hurricane Field located in Flomaton, amending the original agreement made Aug. 27, 1985.
-Approved the state mandated 4 percent raise for Superintendent Knott.
