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Highlands Today

Highlands County 'A' Schools Score Recognition Money

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By MARC VALERO | Highlands Today

Published: October 3, 2007

SEBRING — Staff bonuses are in the offing at seven Highlands County schools that will receive incentives totaling more than $500,000 for their academic achievement in the 2006-07 school year.

The state's School Recognition Program awards $100 per student to schools that achieve an "A" based on the school grading criteria or improve at least one grade from the previous year.

These funds can be used by a school for faculty bonuses, educational equipment, new technology or hiring temporary personnel to assist in maintaining and improving student performance.

Cracker Trail Elementary will use the money the the same way it did last year – for staff bonuses, Principal Rick Demeri said Tuesday.

The bonus goes to teachers and staff members, including daycare workers and long-term substitutes.
Even before the FCAT scores and the school accountability grades are announced, a school committee decides each March how to spend any recognition money the school may receive.

"I think they came up with a fair workable plan," Demeri said. The school has been doing it this way for years and it helps prevent disagreements, which sometimes occur in other districts when the money is awarded.

Each teacher will receive, before tax deductions, about $1,020, he said.

Sun 'N Lake Elementary Principal Diane Lethbridge said, "we are always excited to be able to receive additional funding to support our programs at school and to reward those teachers who work very hard."

The school staff and advisory council will work together soon to develop a plan for the money.
"I'm sure it will be a combination of teacher bonuses and materials or supplies for the school," Lethbridge said.

Sebring Middle School used 80 percent of last year's recognition money for staff bonuses and the remaining 20 percent for technology.

This year 10 percent of the money will be used to purchase library books, 10 percent for technology and 80 percent will go to staff bonuses, Principal Sandi Whidden said.

"Money or not, we are really excited to maintain that 'A,'" she said. It was harder this year with the grading standards being raised.

FCAT science scores and a new math component were added to the school-grade calculation process.
With 525 points being the minimum for an "A" grade, the school achieved a strong "A" with 561 points, Whidden said.

The following schools will receive recognition funds from the state:
- Avon Elementary – $73,352, improved from a "B" to an "A."
- Cracker Trail Elementary – $75,198, repeated as an "A" school.
- Lake Country Elementary – $55,254, improved from a "B" to an "A."
- Lake Placid Elementary – $78,760, improved from a "B" to "A."
- Sebring Middle – $83,675, repeated as an "A" school.
- Sun 'N Lake Elementary – $87,906, improved from a "C" to an "A."
- Woodlawn Elementary – $78,400, improved from a "B" to an "A."

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