By By Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
Teachers and administrators filled the seats in an Escambia County courtroom Thursday afternoon to hear praise from school board members on their recent accomplishments.
Much of the applause was generated for Huxford Elementary School, which is one of only two distinguished Title I schools in the state.
Huxford was chosen for the honor for excelling academically and for having high attendance numbers, Principal Betty Warren said.
As part of being named a Distinguished School, Huxford Elementary will be honored at the National Title I Conventional in Long Beach, Calif. in January.
Also Thursday, school board members recognized A.C. Moore, Rachel Patterson and Huxford schools for reaching and exceeding state accountability goals. Because of their performance, the schools earned extra money from the state to use as they choose.
A.C. Moore received $16,500, Rachel Patterson received $8,500 and Huxford received $25,000.
A.C. Moore Principal David Nolin thanked everyone involved in the school's achievement.
Rachel Patterson Principal Susan McKenzie, who is new to her job, said she &#8220walked into an ideal situation.”
Also during the meeting, Superintendent Billy Hines recognized Kyle Ferguson of W.S. Neal High School, who has been named a director for the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.
He also recognized Escambia County High School's business education and marketing program, which has been named one of the top 10 programs of its kind in the state.
Adam Prestridge contributed to this report.