Wakulla County School District continues a tradition of excellence with its fifth overall consecutive “A” rating.

Even though all of Wakulla’s elementary and middle school are “A” schools, the schools with the highest student learning gains in the District for the 2009-2010 school year were Shadeville Elementary School and Wakulla Middle School. Wakulla County Schools ranked 8th overall in the State’s 67 districts for point totals.  This is the highest ranking ever for the school district.

The School Level Administrative Awards were selected based on learning gains achieved aligned with student achievement. As a result, Principal Susan Brazier, Assistant Principal Dee Ann Hughes, Principal Mike Barwick and Assistant Principal Tolar Griffin all received the School Level Administrative Team Awards.  Superintendent Miller applauds the performance of all Wakulla County schools. He adds, “After all the cheers have died down and the news has been written, the enduring thing that is left is the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make our schools a better place for our students. Fortunately, Wakulla schools are full of dedicated teachers, staff members and administrators committed to that premise.”

Susan Brazier and Dee Ann Hughes have been the administrative leadership team at Shadeville since 2005. Prior to that, Mrs. Brazier served as assistant principal, guidance counselor and teacher.  A graduate of FSU, she is inspired by those she works with at Shadeville and their obvious love of children and their dedication and commitment to ensuring a safe, enriching, learning environment is available. Brazier adds, “The most exciting time of the school year is the opening day. The promise and belief that each child will soar to even greater heights is felt as the children enter the school ready to fulfill their dreams.”

Prior to being selected as assistant principal in 2005, Dee Ann Hughes served as a National Board Certified Teacher at Shadeville. Mrs. Hughes has dedicated more than 20 years of her career to Shadeville. She adds, “Since moving to the office, I now have the pleasure of seeing  and interacting with all of the children at Shadeville.” Principal Brazier claims, “When looking for a great administrator you should look for someone who is a great teacher. Her role is always evolving in this age of technology, exceptional student education updates and new academic programs. Mrs. Hughes is committed to providing a first class educational program and continues to play a large role in Shadeville’s success.”

The administrative team at WMS has been in place one short year. Principal Mike Barwick and Tolar Griffin were appointed to their positions summer 2009. However, Principal Mike Barwick is no newcomer to WMS. He had served as assistant principal, teacher and coach for 16 years prior to be selected as principal. A graduate of FSU, Principal Barwick enjoys each day at school. Barwick notes, “It is an honor to be the principal at an excellent educational institution. Fostering the climate and culture of this campus is rewarding.”

Assistant Principal Tolar Griffin was drawn to Wakulla County because of the high performing reputation that is known Statewide. Originally from Liberty County, he attended school in Calhoun County and later graduated from FSU. Griffin said, "Working with the students and top-notch staff makes my job enjoyable.”

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Beth O’Donnell, was selected as the Wakulla County School District Level Administrator of the Year at the August School Board Meeting. The selection was made by the district and school level administrators. Mrs. O’Donnell is involved in numerous activities that include WHS Medical Academy District Advisor, AVID District Director, and Wakulla County Coalition for Youth Founding Member.  O’Donnell adds, “Helping students is the number one reason I went into education and now I get to help students, parents, fellow administrators and teachers.”

Mrs. O’Donnell has dedicated more than 28 years of service to the school district as a teacher, guidance counselor and administrator. Originally from Michigan, Beth O’Donnell completed high school in Ft. Lauderdale and later graduated from FSU and FAMU with bachelor and master’s degrees.

Pictured above:  School Board Member Jerry Evans, School Board Member Greg Thomas, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Beth O'Donnell, School Board Member Becky Cook, WMS Principal Mike Barwick, School Board Member Ray Gray, WMS Assistant Principal Tolar Griffin, School Board Member Mike Scott, Employee of the Year Brenda Clemons, Shadeville Elementary Principal Susan Brazier, Superintendent of Schools David Miller, and Shadeville Elementary Assistant Principal Dee Ann Hughes

< Prev		Next >

You need to login or register to post comments.
Discuss this item on the forums. (0 posts)