Superintendent Doctor Barber told the Santa Rosa County School Board on Jan. 16 that the district’s four‑year graduation rate rose to 90.9% for the 2023–24 school year, with 2,250 students graduating.

The announcement came during a recognitions segment that also honored students and staff selected for academic competitions and statewide programs. Ms. Parker of the district’s math and science department introduced the district’s “A Team” members who will compete April 24–26 in the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge in Orlando. The board also named two district representatives — Jackson Sanborn of Milton High School (named earlier) and Adam Penrod of Pace High School — as the district’s 2025 Sunshine State Scholars.

Katie Cranford, student government adviser at Milton High School, introduced Ashton Hall, a Milton High School student chosen for the Florida Senate Page Program. Cranford described Hall’s involvement with student government, advanced coursework and participation in the Florida Association of Student Councils.

The board received a transportation safety award presentation from Student Transportation of America representatives Pete Conway, vice president for the Southeast region, and Chandler Brown, STA director of safety, with Virginia Settles, the district’s transportation director, on hand to accept the recognition. STA said Santa Rosa’s location finished first in its Southeast region for accident and injury prevention, noting the district’s “safety culture” and partnership with STA.

Doctor Barber read a letter from Dr. Paul Burns of the Florida Department of Education announcing Santa Rosa’s designation as a 2024 Purple Star School District. The Purple Star District designation, created by the Florida Legislature in 2024, recognizes districts that provide coordinated services and supports for military‑connected students and families, the letter stated. Barber told the board that all 35 Santa Rosa County schools hold Purple Star School status and that the district designation will last three school years, after which the district may reapply.

Board members and staff applauded the recognitions and moved on to other business.