Bay District Schools Launch 2025-26 Year: $1.6M in Upgrades, ESE-Pre-K Director Named, Debate Over Field Naming Honor

August 19, 2025

by Janet Pattison

PANAMA CITY, FL – The Bay County School Board launched the 2025-26 school year with its first meeting on August 19, 2025, addressing a packed agenda filled with infrastructure investments, staff appointments, and community updates. There were no discussions on the hot issues of last year which included violence in schools or improving reading programs.

Agenda Sparks Debate Over Facility Naming

A contentious moment arose when Superintendent Mark McQueen proposed removing two agenda items: one to name a practice field at Bay High after Coach Manley (Item 13C) and another to advertise revised job descriptions (Item 17A). While the board voted 3-2 to approve the amended agenda, board members Steve Moss and Jerry Register voiced strong opposition to removing the naming proposal. Moss argued that the item, initially approved in the agenda meeting, deserved discussion, emphasizing the board’s duty to taxpayers. “We’re elected officials; we owe it to our folks to discuss and vote,” Moss said, expressing regret to Coach Manley, whose 37 years of service went unrecognized due to the decision. The board’s vote sidelined the naming discussion, drawing murmurs of disappointment from attendees.

Public Voices Still Edited Out

The “Hearing from the Public” segment is still not available on live stream or the recorded version of the meeting.

Bay District Organizations

Bay District organizations provided updates. Mr. Hall, a local educator, celebrated a 97.3% teacher vote to retain their union, calling it a “mandate” and praising the district’s back-to-school events. He urged parents and teachers to collaborate openly with administrators to address challenges. The Bay Education Foundation introduced their new Take Stock in Children coordinator, and reported distributing 213 backpacks of school supplies, with 100 headed to Oscar Patterson. The Foundation also highlighted $25,000 in tuition assistance for 137 students and nearly $100,000 in classroom grants impacting 12,000 students last year. The Citizen Oversight Committee commended the district’s half-cent sales tax spending, spotlighting safety features at Tommy Smith Elementary, like windows that obscure external views for added security.

A Vibrant Start to the School Year

Board members shared glowing reports from school visits, noting packed campuses—1,200 students at Bay Point Academy, over 700 at Surfside, and over 800 at Mowat. Moss recounted a heartwarming, if challenging, moment helping a pre-K student out of a car seat during drop-offs. The board also celebrated Bozeman’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program for winning a state championship, with plans to compete nationally in October. Football fever was palpable, with the upcoming Arnold vs. Destin kickoff classic on Friday generating excitement.

Academic and Administrative Updates

Veronica Munoz, Director of Elementary Education, reported that 30 of 107 third graders met promotion criteria via the July FAST test, with 77 others eligible for mid-year promotion by November 1. Elena Simmons, Director of Secondary Instruction, shared that 72% of summer learning recovery participants completed courses, recovering 505 half-credits. A summer math program served 179 students, and a Classic Learning Test (CLT) boot camp helped 72% of juniors and seniors meet graduation testing requirements. Feedback from the District In-Service Day was overwhelmingly positive, with 86% of 928 teachers feeling prepared and 94% aligned with the district’s instructional vision.

Major Approvals Shape District’s Future

The board unanimously approved several key actions:

Erica Johnson as ESE and Pre-K Director: Johnson, praised as a “bulldog” for her work ethic, was appointed to lead ESE and Pre-K services, drawing accolades from colleagues like Dr. Whitfield.

Infrastructure Investments:
- A $203,097 design fee (LCI funds) for Nelson Building roof repairs to address chronic leaks.
- Lord and Son Construction as the construction management firm for the new Tyndall K-8 school.
- $981,459 (LCI funds) for turf installation at Vera Champlain Sports Complex, the district’s first turf project, set for completion by December.
- Elevator repairs at Arnold High School ($177,000, 4-1 vote) and Surfside Middle School ($78,500, unanimous).
- A $138,597.83 network switch refresh at five schools, with 85% funded by the federal E-Rate program (4-1 vote).

Financial and Policy Moves:
- A $174,000 contract with Carr, Riggs, and Ingram as external auditors.
- Kyle Shoots as the Value Adjustment Board representative for a one-year term.
- A policy revision for advertising and updates to the district’s approved position list.
- Additional staffing units funded by Title I and UNISIG for schools like St. Andrews and Margaret K. Lewis.

Focus System Renewal: A $303,926.83 renewal for the Focus student information system, covering ESE, 504 plans, and more.

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