MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — Martin County School District Superintendent Laurie Gaylord was out and about on the first day of school Monday morning, visiting school campuses to welcome everyone back.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Back To School
The district is coming back from school year in which they received an 'A' grade, a standard Gaylord hopes to continue.
Gaylord said a big part of the success comes from community support. This past year, Martin County residents passed two referendums, millage and sales tax increases to support education and schools.
Part of the money from the sales tax increase is allocated for replacement schools for Palm City and Jensen Beach Elementary.
"It will also provide some needed security updates and the continued maintenance and renovation that continues," said Gaylord. "We’re really appreciative of the fact our community supports education so much."
Something familiar this year, according to the superintendent, is tight security. Martin County School District campuses have a single point entry and require for photo ID before you’re allowed in.
In addition, all campuses have at least one deputy on campus keeping the more than 18,000 students in the district safe.
There are some safety changes this year as well. All students will be issued RF ID badges. Students and staff said it’s a small measure that means a lot in terms of safety.
"One badge system that works for transportation. It works for the media center. It works for their lunchroom count," said Gaylord. "So I think that’s a good system and hopefully we’ll be able to report on it in a few weeks and let you know how it’s going."
As far as hepatitis A treatment and prevention goes, Gaylord said all food service workers were offered a free vaccination. Additionally, all employees insured by the district are eligible for a free vaccine.
