THE DISTRICT
Broward County Public Schools opened its 92nd year of education with a new leader, as the Board appointed James F. Notter the District's 18th Superintendent of Schools. Notter is in his 34th year in public education, including his 21st year in Broward County. Notter was named Deputy Superintendent in July of 2001 and added Chief of Staff duties in July of 2003. He was named Interim Superintendent on November 9, 2006 and officially assumed the role November 17. Notter officially began serving as Superintendent of the nation's sixth-largest public schools district on August 7, 2007.

The 2006/07 school year was the fifth straight year that 67 percent or more District schools were graded as A's or B's from the Florida Department of Education. It was also the third time in the last four year that more than fifty percent of District schools earned "A" grades. Overall, 121 schools earned A's, while 37 achieved 'B' grades; 133 schools maintained their grades from a year ago and 12 improved their marks.

The District received a 'B' grade from the Florida Department of Education, marking the fourth straight year Broward County Public Schools has received a 'B' or better mark from the state. Broward is one of 25 districts in Florida to receive only 'A' and 'B' marks (at least one 'A') each year during the state's district grading process.

Seven District high schools were included on Newsweek magazine's list of Top High Schools in the Nation for 2005/06. The list includes Boyd Anderson, Flanagan, Fort Lauderdale, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Nova, Plantation and Stranahan. The Pembroke Pines Charter High School was also mentioned on the list. The rankings take into account the number of advanced academic tests given at a school in May, divided by the number of seniors graduating in May or June.

The 2007/08 school year began with the openings of newly-built schools for nearly 2,600 students at Glades Middle in Miramar and Orangebrook Elementary in Hollywood. Eight schools also had classroom addition projects completed, adding 123 new classrooms (2,460 student stations). The schools (all elementary) included Bethune, Coral Park, Hawkes Bluff, Park Lakes, Park Trails, Sandpiper, Tedder and Westpine. Since June of 2000, the District has opened 26 new school campuses, increasing the number of classrooms by 13,229 and adding more than 6.8 million square feet of space.

DISTRICT RECEIVES SACS ACCREDITATION
In November 2006, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) approved the DistrictÕs full accreditation. The team identified a long list of District strengths, highlighted by a focus and commitment to improving achievement for all students; a comprehensive communication system, aggressive implementation and diverse use of technology; dedication to attracting and maintaining a focused, collaborative and talented professional staff and a focus on teaching and learning throughout the system.

DISTRICT HONORED FOR SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR BY COUNCIL OF THE GREAT CITY SCHOOLS
Broward County Public Schools was recognized by the Council of the Great City Schools for student achievement in each of the last six years. The Council of the Great City Schools is a coalition of 66 of the nation's largest urban public school systems. The Council works to promote urban education through legislation, research, media relations, instruction, management, technology, and other special projects designed to improve the quality of urban education.

SCHOOLS RECEIVE RECOGNITION FUNDS FROM STATE
One hundred twenty-six Broward County Public Schools received more than $12 million in funding, in recognition of their academic achievement and improvement during the 2006/07 school year. Broward's recognition total from the 2006/07 year marks the largest single District award in the state. Since the program began in 1999, the District has received $107,317,236 from the state in recognition funding. SEVEN HIGH SCHOOLS AMONG TOP IN THE NATION
Seven District high schools were included on Newsweek magazine's list of Top High Schools in the Nation for 2005/06. The list includes Boyd Anderson, Flanagan, Fort Lauderdale, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Nova, Plantation and Stranahan. The Pembroke Pines Charter High School was also included on the list. The rankings take into account the number of advanced academic tests given at a school in May, divided by the number of seniors graduating in May or June.

DISTRICT LEADER IN NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS
Two hundred forty Broward County Public Schools teachers achieved National Board Certification in 2006, the highest single-district total in the nation, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The District also led the nation with 180 new National Board Certified Teachers in 2005. Currently, the District has more than 1,000 National Board Certified teachers, the highest single-district total in Florida and second-largest total in the nation.

DISTRICT EARNS TECHNOLOGY AWARD
The District received the 2006 South Florida Business Journal Technology Award in the category of Best Use of Technology. The award was in recognition of the 90-plus District-wide technology projects that are being implemented over the next three to five years.

DISTRICT RECEIVES 2007 COMPUTERWORLD HONORS
Broward County Public Schools was named a "Laureate" for 2007 in the Computerworld Honors Program for extraordinary use of information technology in Education & Academia. The District was one of 23 laureates in the Education & Academia category. The District was also a finalist in the Education and Academia Category for the 21st Century Achievement Awards, presented by the Computerworld Information Technology Awards Foundation.

DISTRICT ENERGY CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Rob Jindracek, the District's Manager, Energy Conservation & Utility Management Department, was presented with an Energy Leadership Award on behalf of Broward County Public Schools at the 18th Annual United States Energy Association's Energy Efficiency Forum, held in Washington, D.C. Jindracek was one of two recipients of the Public Service Award, recognizing a current or former federal or state government official (non-elected) who has addressed energy efficiency in government operations and has served as an advocate of energy efficiency. Jindracek's staff is responsible for ensuring energy efficient operations and maintaining building automation and security systems at more than 280 school facilities in Broward County. Members of the department, charged with managing an annual utility budget exceeding $70 million, have successfully led programs to reduce the District's utility bills by $10.25 million.

GREEN SCHOOLS
In 2005/06, the School Board of Broward County approved a green initiative for a county-wide tree and plant analysis and evaluation. Driven by the canopy damage from Hurricane Wilma, the School Board wished to replace non-native trees with native Florida species that would withstand future storms and be environmentally stable. To assist in accomplishing this task, the School Board formed a partnership with the Broward Department of Environmental Protection (BDEP). The BDEP assists in providing training, and teacher assistance, while the School Board provides the materials and installation. The partnership connects campus landscaping with the curriculum and instruction in the classroom.

DISTRICT ATHLETES COLLECT SCHOLARSHIPS TO COLLEGE
Broward County Public Schools high school seniors earned 264 athletic scholarships for college during 2006/07, according to information received by the District's Athletics & Student Activities Office. This year's reported total represents an increase of 44 scholarships from last year, when 220 District students earned athletic scholarships. District high school seniors received athletic scholarships to 148 different post-secondary institutions in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Today's college-bound athlete must exhibit excellence and commitment in both the classroom and on the field. To receive athletic scholarships, students must meet the GPA (grade point average) and SAT eligibility requirements set forth by the NCAA and post-secondary institutions. Scholarships were awarded to students in 14 different sports: football, baseball, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, softball, swimming/diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

BECON-TV SHOWS EARN EMMY HONORS
Three BECON-TV produced television shows received nominations for 2007 Regional Emmy Awards by the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It's the Write Time and Science and Me: Growing and Knowing were nominated in the category of Children/Youth/Teens Programs and Celebrate South Florida: Music, Education & Fun was nominated for an Emmy in the Magazine Program category. In 2006, Broward School Beat was nominated and won an Emmy, while in 2005, Science and Me won an Emmy.

TRADEWINDS ELEMENTARY TEACHER NAMED TO USA TODAY'S ALL-USA TEACHER TEAM
Jill Putney, a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Tradewinds Elementary in Coconut Creek, was one of 20 teachers named to the USA Today's 2007 All-USA Teacher Team. The All-USA Teacher Team recognizes teachers who excel in a variety of teaching situations. Putney received a trophy and a $2,500 cash award - $500 for her use and the remainder to go to her school. Putney is the third Broward County Public Schools teacher to receive the honor, joining Jane Koszoru (College Academy @ BCC, 2004) and Henry Brown III (Hallandale Adult, 2001).

VIRGINIA SHUMAN YOUNG PRINCIPAL NAMED FINALIST FOR STATE HONOR
Dr. Mark Strauss, principal at Virginia Shuman Young Elementary in Fort Lauderdale, was named one of three elementary school finalists for the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership by the Florida Department of Education.~ Strauss was named Broward County Public Schools Principal of the Year at the 2007 ACCLAIM Awards. Last year, Valerie Wanza (Lanier-James Education Center) was named the winner of the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership for middle schools and Chip Osborn (Charles W. Flanagan High School) was honored with the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award for high schools.

SEMINOLE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER NAMED LAW TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Dr. Stephen P. Pollinger, a social science teacher at Seminole Middle School in Plantation, has been named the American Lawyers Auxiliary 2007 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Dr. Pollinger was awarded $1,000 at the organization's annual meeting, held in August in San Francisco. Dr. Pollinger teaches eighth grade gifted law classes. With the encouragement of principal Dr. Kris Black, the study of law has become a main focus of the Social Science Department's gifted program at Seminole Middle School.

NORTHEAST HIGH TEACHER NAMED FINALIST FOR STATE AWARD
Northeast High School English/Television Production teacher, Dr. Sandy Melillo, was named one of five finalists for the 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Melillo was named the District's 2008 Teacher of the Year.

SOUTH PLANTATION HIGH TEACHER A FINALIST FOR NATIONAL HONOR
Allan Phipps was named one of three Florida finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The National Science Foundation administers the awards program on behalf of the White House. Phipps teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Honors Biology and Honors Alternative Energy courses in the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Program at South Plantation High School.

WHIDDON-ROGERS TEACHER NAMED JUVENILE JUSTICE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Nancy Smith, an alternative education teacher at Whiddon-Rogers Education Center, was named 2006 Regional Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year. The honor recognizes the contributions of classroom teachers in Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities who demonstrate a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and ability levels.

EAGLE POINT ELEMENTARY SELECTED AS BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
Eagle Point Elementary School was selected a 2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School by the U.S Department of Education.~ U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings recently named 287 schools in the United States as 2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools.~ Eagle Point represents Broward County Public Schools as one of only 16 public and private schools selected for the honor in Florida. The award, one of the most prestigious education awards in the country, distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

DISTRICT HAS RECORD FIVE STAR SCHOOL WINNERS FOR 2006/07
The Florida Department of Education recently designated 77 Broward County schools as Five Star School Award recipients for 2006/07. These schools are among 820 statewide that will share Florida's most prestigious award for community involvement. To meet the award's rigorous demands, each school must document 100% fulfillment of 29 criteria that requires the full engagement of business partners, volunteers, students, families and the School Advisory Council in the educational process.~ In addition, qualifying schools must have a school grade of 'C' or above and have received the Department of Education's Golden School Award for excellence in school volunteer programs.

SCHOOLS EARN GOLD, SILVER SCHOOL AWARDS
One hundred forty-four schools earned the Golden School Award and 16 collected the Silver School Award for the 2006/07 school year. Three schools received the Golden School Award for the 10th time, nine schools collected the honor for the 20th time and six earned the recognition for the 25th time. Additionally, five schools received their 28th Golden School Award, representing the full term of the award. These awards are presented to schools that have demonstrated community involvement through their exemplary volunteer programs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
As of July 2007, schools reported 2,561 partnerships that provided 9,833 volunteers who donated 104,608 hours of volunteer time. The total of cash and in-kind contributions, including the value of volunteer time, amounted to $5.59 million.

During the 2006/07 school year, approximately 30,000 volunteers logged more than 1.1 million hours, representing more than $20 million in additional resources provided to the District by the local community.

52 DISTRICT STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALISTS
Fifty-two Broward County Public Schools students were named semifinalists for National Merit Scholarship awards that will be offered next spring. Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced approximately 16,000 nationwide semifinalists for the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The District students recognized represent 21 high schools. Last year, the District had 46 NMSC semifinalists, representing 16 schools.

STRANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL NAMED 2007 INSPIRATION AWARD WINNER
Stranahan High School was recognized as one of three College Board 2007 Inspiration Award winners. Inspiration Awards are presented annually to outstanding high schools that improved the academic environment and helped students achieve equitable access to higher education despite social, economic and cultural challenges. Stranahan High School, along with Denbigh High School (Newport News, VA) and G.W. Brackenridge High School (San Antonio, TX) will receive a $25,000 award to apply towards programs that encourage students to attend college.

TWO SCHOOLS HONORED BY MAGNET SCHOOLS OF AMERICA
Driftwood Middle School and Pompano Beach High School received Magnet Schools of Merit awards, presented by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) organization. The awards are presented to the top magnet schools in the United States, based on their commitment to high academic standards, curriculum, innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts and the consistent delivery of quality services to all school stakeholders. Driftwood Middle School also received the organizations National Magnet School of Distinction award for the fifth time.

NOVA HIGH DEBATE TEAM WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Members of the debate team at Nova High School won their fourth national championship in the National Forensic League National Speech and Debate Tournament that took place in Wichita, Kansas this summer. The competition featured 3,051 students from 941 schools including 10 from Nova High, the most from any Florida school. The team was coached by English teacher Lisa Miller.

QUEST CENTER TEACHER NAMED BROWARD COUNTY ARTS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Dr. David Lazerson, music teacher at The Quest Center, was named 2007 Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year. For the past five years, Lazerson has shown a passion for educating special needs students at The Quest Center and has taught them the extraordinary ways music can enrich their lives. In 2006, Lazerson was instrumental in securing grants, computer equipment and other gifts in excess of $60,000 for the school's students.

FOSTER CARE PROGRAM LAUDED
Broward County Public Schools was recognized by Casey Family Programs, a Seattle-based foundation charged with providing and improving foster care, for its outstanding Fostering Student Success Program. Recognizing that foster children are at inherently greater risk of not being successful academically, the program is designed to specifically support the educational stability and achievement of students in foster care.

BECON TEACHER EARNS DISTANCE LEARNING AWARD
BECON distance learning teacher Dr. Evelyn Nelson was honored with a Platinum 2007 Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching Award, presented by the United States Distance Learning Association. This award is the premier form of recognition for the distance learning industry. Dr. Nelson teaches elementary language arts and social studies through literature-based videoconferencing programs.

COMMIT 2B FIT CREATOR HONORED
Elly Zanin, the District's curriculum specialist for Physical Education, received the American Diabetes Valor Award for her role in the creation of the innovative health and fitness program, Commit 2B Fit. The award is for citizens who have worked for the betterment of the Broward community, to acknowledge outstanding service and leadership and increase awareness about diabetes and its effect on the general population. The Commit 2B Fit program itself received a national award presented by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

FLANAGAN JROTC WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Forty-nine Flanagan High School Naval Junior Resource Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets traveled to Pensacola to compete in the 2007 National Championship. After two days of academic, athletic and drill events, the Flanagan team placed first overall and claimed the championship.

STUDENTS EARN SILVER KNIGHT HONORS
Broward County Public Schools high school students collected 11 of the county's 15 Silver Knight Awards presented by the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald for the 2006/07 school year. The Silver Knight winners demonstrated both excellence in academics and contributions to the community. District students also earned 29 of 45 Honorable Mention recognitions, claiming 40 of 60 awards overall.

STAFF IN ACTION
Broward County Public Schools named Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School's Dr. Mark Strauss Principal of the Year, Indian Ridge Middle School's Kathryn Sullivan Assistant Principal of the Year and Northeast High School's Dr. Sandy Melillo Teacher of the Year. Dr. Strauss was one of three finalists for the state's Elementary School Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership, while Dr. Melillo was named one of five finalists for the 2008 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year Award.

Rob Jindracek, Manager, Energy Conservation & Utility Management, was presented with an Energy Leadership Award on behalf of Broward County Public Schools. The award recognizes a current or former non-elected federal or state government official who addresses energy efficiency in government operations and serves as an advocate of energy efficiency. The District's Energy Conservation & Utility Management Department manage an annual utility budget exceeding $70 million and have successfully led programs to reduce the District's utility bills by $10.25 million.

RECOGNITIONS
One hundred forty-four schools earned the Golden School Award and 16 collected the Silver School Award for the 2006/07 school year. Three schools received the Golden School Award for the 10th time, nine schools collected the honor for the 20th time and six earned the recognition for the 25th time. Additionally, five schools received their 28th Golden School Award, representing the full term of the award. These awards are presented to schools that have demonstrated community involvement through their exemplary volunteer programs.

Seventy-seven District schools (59 elementary, 12 middle and six high schools) received the Florida Department of Education's most prestigious award for community involvement, the 2006/07 Five Star School Award. Four schools received the award for the first time, while two (Central Park Elementary and Embassy Creek Elementary) maintained the record for the 13th year, representing the total length of the award. The Five Star School Award is presented each year to schools that demonstrate exemplary family, school and community involvement.

892 school volunteers received VAST (Volunteers Assisting Students and Teachers) lapel pins for completing 200 hours or more of service to the students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools. Forty-eight of the volunteers received special recognition for their fifth year of such service and 10 received the honor for 200 or more service hours per year for 10 years.

Broward County Public Schools was named a "Laureate" for 2007 in the Computerworld Honors Program for extraordinary use of information technology in Education & Academia. The District was one of 23 laureates in the Education & Academia category. The District was also a finalist in the Education and Academia Category for the 21st Century Achievement Awards by the Computerworld Information Technology Awards Foundation.

Stranahan High School was recognized as one of three College Board 2007 Inspiration Award winners. Inspiration Awards are presented annually to outstanding high schools that improved the academic environment and helped students achieve equitable access to higher education despite social, economic and cultural challenges. Stranahan High School, along with Denbigh High School (Newport News, VA) and G.W. Brackenridge High School (San Antonio, TX) received $25,000 awards to apply towards programs that encourage students to attend college.