Taylor retires from Munson

Munson Elementary School Principal A. Jack Taylor retired last Friday, May 9. Santa Rosa County Schools Administrative Intern Sherry Smith has been named Interim Principal for the remainder of this school year as well as for the next school year.

Taylor has served as Principal of Munson Elementary School for the past four years. He has been a school administrator for the last 32 years and prior to that he was recognized as an outstanding classroom teacher.

During his 39 years in Santa Rosa County, Taylor has always maintained certification as a classroom teacher and/or administrator.
Munson Elementary School has made Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind requirements for four of the five years Taylor has been principal. Three of the past five years Munson Elementary School qualified for local Recognition Funds due to student achievement on FCAT-SSS and NRT.

In 2006-2007 Munson Elementary School did not make Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind for the first time in five years. However, Munson was graded an “A School” based on Florida FCAT scores and received State Recognition Funds for this achievement.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida.

Smith says she is excited to embark on this new position at Munson. She says this is her first year with Santa Rosa Schools Administrative Intern Program and her first assignment to a school administrative position. “I am a local girl; I attended the University of West Florida. I am excited to be named the Interim Principal at Munson Elementary. I feel this school is very important to the community and parents have told me how crucial it is to the community that the school remains open and successful,” says Smith.

“I plan to devote myself fully to ensuring the success and education of the children of this community.”

 I am not really nervous about the job because I am strong in my faith that things will work out for the good and although I have had a few moments in the job that have given me some pause for concern, I know that I am well equipped to continue the great work of the principals who have worked for Munson School,” Smith says.

Smith was introduced to the faculty and the School Advisory Council on April 17 at the SAC Meeting at the school. She says she intends to fully support the faculty, the parents, the community, and the students in Munson.

The Munson School community is located in the north eastern section of Santa Rosa County. Vast forest lands stretch through out the area with numerous state supported recreational areas and parks.

The first classes at Munson Elementary School began in 1912 serving grades 1-12. Today Munson Elementary School serves grades K-6. Students promoted from the sixth grade at Munson Elementary School go on to attend Central High in the Santa Rosa School District.
Munson Elementary is a full Title I school with about 75% of the student population participating in the federal free/reduced lunch program. Most of the students come from middle to lower class families.

According to the most recent School Improvement Plan, Taylor describes the rural school as being in a lower socioeconomic demographic. “A substantial percentage of our students reside with grandparents, single parents, or in blended family settings,” said Taylor.

Taylor also mentioned the school’s status as a school of choice. “Seven students come to us from other schools in the district that did not make Adequate Yearly Progress.”

“Students have access to computer workstations within their classrooms, all with internet capabilities. Most students utilize the computer an average of 30 minutes each day. Munson Elementary School has been the recipient of the Golden School Award for our utilization of community volunteers for the past 18 years. Our current partners in education are: Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Target, Stones Studio, Munson Masonic Lodge and VT-6 Squadron from Whiting Field. Each partner plays a significant role in supporting Munson Elementary School with a supply of volunteers, cash donations, or gifts of materials/supplies for education and /or motivational activities for our students,” Taylor said.
Munson Elementary School currently has a population of around 120 students.