Palm Coast, FL - Indian Trails Middle School in Palm Coast was named a "School of Excellence" by the State Board of Education on Wednesday.
The announcement naming Indian Trails a "School of Excellence" was made at the State Board of Education meeting in Jacksonville. To be eligible, according to the guidelines, schools have to be an A or B school in each of the most recent three school years and had to rank at the 80th percentile or higher for their school type for at least two of the last three years.
“This is a result of the hard work and commitment by Principal Paul Peacock, his faculty, staff, students, and parents,” Flagler Schools Superintendent James Tager explains. “I have challenged everyone in the District to 'Drive with a Purpose,' and this goes to show the possibility that can be achieved through the effort of significant adults working collaboratively toward academic achievement for all students.”
The "Schools of Excellence" program was included with HB 7069 in the Florida Senate last spring and rewards the state’s top performing schools. In all, 640 elementary, middle, and high schools received the designation, and they keep the designation for up to three years.
“Being designated a School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education validates the effort of our scholars and professional educators. We so appreciate the support of our school board members, district staff, parents and community to provide the best environment for our scholars to thrive,” says Paul Peacock, Principal of Indian Trails.
"Schools of Excellence" must also have the following administrative flexibilities, according to a release by Flagler County Schools:
- Calculation of class size compliance based on the average number students at the school level.
- Exemption from any law or rule that requires a minimum period of daily or weekly instruction in reading.
- Principal autonomy as provided under s. 1012.28(8), F.S.
- Instructional personnel may substitute one year of employment at the school for 20 inservice points, up to 60 points total in a five-year cycle, toward renewal of a professional certificate.
- Exemption from compliance with school district policies establishing times for the start and end of the school day.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
