For the first time in the history of Putnam County Schools, two high schools have earned a "B" grade from the state, data released today by the Florida Department of Education shows.
For the 2010-2011 school year, Palatka High School and Crescent City Jr./Sr. High School earned "B's".
PHS scored a "C" in the 2009-2010 school year and CCJSHS scored a "B" last year. Interlachen maintained its "D" from 2009-2010. The grading system was created by then Gov. Jeb Bush in 1999.
Putnam County School District Assistant Superintendent Mary Beth Hedstrom said the two schools earning "B's" validates three years of working to implement local curriculum, and highlights intense focus on standards by local teachers.
PCSD Superintendent Tom Townsend said while the district concentrates on growth at the individual student level, the two "B's" indicate work done in classrooms throughout Putnam schools.
"Our district focuses on the measurement that matters most -- your children's growth," Townsend said. "However, the state measures us by the grading system, and by that standard, our high schools have never performed as well."
