The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) recognized Walton County School Superintendent Russell Hughes at a meeting in early December. Superintendent Hughes was just named Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Department of Education.
Board Chairman William ‘Boots’ McCormick introduced Superintendent Hughes, saying “It’s the recognition of a good friend and a public servant of the county. Some of you may not know it, but Mr. Hughes was recently designated as the 2024 Florida Superintendent of the Year. Out of 67 counties, we have the best superintendent – I have said that all along, but finally, the state recognized it. So, as a token of our appreciation from the BCC, we’d like to present this (plaque) to you in recognition of that honor… Thank you for what you do for our children.”
After the applause, Superintendent Hughes said, “I certainly want to say ‘thank you’ to the commissioners for your work in the county. We have, I believe, one of the best counties in the state of Florida, if not the country. That wouldn’t be without the collaboration and support of each one of you.” Hughes turned toward former state representative Brad Drake and said, “Of course, your state work, sir, was undoubtedly a great part of what we do.
“We’re glad to bring this kind of result to Walton County. When I became superintendent, we were ranked No. 36 and are ranked now No. 3. We have no ‘C’ schools in Walton County. There are only four other districts in the state of Florida that can say that. So, we thank you for your support, we thank the citizens for allowing us to educate their children” he said. “We love children. That’s why we’re here.”
Hughes also recognized his wife, Lori Hughes, and Curriculum Instruction Director Crystal Appel.
Hughes closed his remarks, saying, “Our students and teachers are phenomenal, we have a wonderful board. Just thank you for this recognition and designation. I appreciate you all and God bless you all.”
The latest state school rankings were recently released and again there are no grade ‘C’- schools in Walton County.
Author: Sowal Editor
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