Jason Catalano For School Board

This week we’ve talked education with several District 2 administrators, teachers, and board members. Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Walton County School Board Chair Jason Catalano and Vice Chair Jeri Michie for their annual Tallahassee fly-in to discuss priorities for our students, teachers, and families.

On today’s agenda: needs facing our local schools, continued support for student achievement, and ways we can strengthen educational outcomes across Walton County.

Thank you both for taking the time to share your perspective and for the work you do each day on behalf of Walton County students.

Spent the past couple of days at the Capitol meeting with legislators and staff, advocating on behalf of Walton County. I appreciate Senator Trumbull and Representative Abbott for their time, insightful conversations, and diligent work. Walton County School District, Florida, Florida

97.5% graduation rate is incredible! Well done to our students, their parents, teachers and support staff. To achieve this kind of result it takes everyone. So proud to be a part of this amazing community!

👨‍🎓👨‍🎓🧑‍🎓𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙩 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙥 𝙩𝙤 #1 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙤 .1%!! 🎉🎉

The results are in, and according to data recently released by the Florida Department of Education, the Walton County School District (WCSD) is proud to announce a 97.5% graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year. This achievement places WCSD as the #2 ranked school district in Florida for graduation, trailing the top district statewide by just 0.1%.

•South Walton High School (SWHS): 100% Graduation Rate
•Walton High School (WHS): 100% Graduation Rate
•Magnet Innovation Center (MIC): 100% Graduation Rate
•Freeport High School (FHS): 99% Graduation Rate
•Paxton School: 93% Graduation Rate
•WISE Center: 88% Graduation Rate

“These outcomes are the result of intentional work, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Superintendent A. Russell Hughes. “Keeping the Charge means not becoming complacent when things are going well, it means continuing to push forward, support students, and turn every negative into a positive. I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, school board, and community.”

Read the full release here: https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/article/2634038

Hearing of the tragic death of Charlie Kirk is affecting me more and more as the reality of his assassination sinks in.
As a husband, my heart aches for his wife—the dreams they shared and the plans they had for their life together stolen in a moment.
As a father, my heart breaks for his children—no more bedtime stories, no more early mornings with their dad pulling them onto his lap. Their innocence has been ripped away as they are left to grow up in a world that took their father from them.
As a Christian, my heart cries out to our communities. Have we dehumanized one another to the point that a disagreement can cost a man his life? Are we so far removed from who we were created to be that we can no longer hold differing opinions without hatred?
As an elected official, my heart grieves for our nation. How can a discussion of words and ideas lead to such a senseless and evil act?

We must change. I don’t think it is a coincidence that his organization was called Turning Point. That is exactly what we need—a turning. As a people, we must evaluate our actions, our words, and our hearts. We owe it to Charlie, and to each other, to turn and to change. This is not about politics; this is about humanity. We were created to reflect God in this world. We must seek Him in these days. We must turn from our evil ways. We need God to hear our prayers as we cry out for each other and for ourselves.

Jesus, forgive us. Heal our land.

EPIC 2025!!! There is something special about being in a room full of educators who put children first. Thank you to Superintendent Hughes for setting the vision and leading the CHARGE!

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since being sworn in. Serving on the Walton County School Board has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I didn’t quite understand the weight and significance of the role I stepped into then, but have been honored and humbled to stand at the gate and serve the students, parents and community of Walton County. Thank you for your trust.