Overheard on The Web: Destin High School edition

Don't build it. — By: Punky Po — MAy 7
Other schools have declining populations. Too bad the Destin kids have to go to school with the common folk. Crestview needs a high school first.

 These are the Elite... — By: drjmarcus — May 7
It was clearly said in the article, they want the school so they can stay away from the "Rif-raft" in Fort Walton Beach. Who apparently are a godless bunch, since they say they are concerned with having a "Christian Community" and having their own upper-scale high school would help that apparently. A Destin high school makes no sense, and there are no logical, common sense arguments for one. The only reason would be so that the Elite can have their own exclusive club. I suppose they want to ignite some high school rivalries, the rich white kids of Destin against the godless riff-raff from the other side of the tracks (or bridge). Honestly, I wouldn't doubt it happening though. Heck, Senator Gaetz will probably pass a few bills with ear-marks to get it done, or maybe he'll just pay for it out of his own pocket, as a way to give back to the rich community that got him elected. Gaetz High School, what a ring...

 wow By: jayb53guy - 09:19:40 pm on May 7, 2008.
Maybe some of us don't feel like taking our kids to high school 15 miles away and having to drive back and forth for school functions. I am not elite, I am enlisted in the Air Force, so what if I want to live where I do, what makes it anyones business but my own?

 It is our business... By: drjmarcus - 09:27:59 pm on May 7, 2008.
Awww, boo hoo, you have to drive 15 miles in your vehicle to take your kids to school? And you have to go multiple times in a day to attend school functions?
Your more than welcome to live where you desire, but you chose to live where you did and you knew that you would have to drive 15 miles to drop your kiddies off, and thats your business. But when it comes to prioritizing dollars for the Okaloosa County School District, thats EVERYONE'S BUSINESS.
As I already said, there is literally no logic argument for a Destin High School. The Schools that were quoted in the article in Baker and Laurel Hill are not exclusive High Schools either, they are K-12 schools, which the article failed to mention.
Taking these kids away from other school, depriving the schools of the dollars they would have received for those kids, and building a new multi-million dollar complex will not solve the problems, especially in the current budget crisis we are in.
Just be thankful that you have the opportunity to participate in your children's education. As most children are in single parent homes or in broken families. Many parents each work multiple jobs just to survive, and when your priority is to provide for your children and put a roof over their head and feed them, participating in school functions is not high on the list of the hierarchy of needs.
God Bless!

once again By: ckhagen - 09:37:40 pm on May 7, 2008.
If you don't like the idea of a Destin HS, I propose we close FWBHS, build one in Destin, send a portion of FWBHS students to Choctaw and the rest to Destin. We'll see how the FBWHS parents like wearing the shoes on the other foot.
I grew up in Destin, but did not attend any of the schools in the area, so I could care less. But, having lived on the East end of Desin half my life, thinking about potentially having to ride a bus or drive to FWBHS every day was pretty frightening because of the time involved and the amount of road covered.
I've never in my life visited another city, the size and population of Destin, that did not have it's own HS. I find it utterly ridiculous that it still doesn't. It has nothing to do with being "elite" (uh, 80% of the people I know from actually LIVING there, are certainly not "elite"). It has everything to do with meeting the needs of families in the area and seeing tax dollars FAIRLY redistributed.

 :) By: Drew - 09:39:12 pm on May 7, 2008.
I hate you Charlie Saleeby. I really, really do.

 high school By: FIRECHIEF - 10:11:08 pm on May 7, 2008.
With the price of gas, the trip wouldn't be so bad if your traded your Beamers and Hummers in on VW Bugs. Like I said before, let Peter Bos built the high school and name it after him.

 ?? By: WileyCoyote - 10:13:20 pm on May 7, 2008.
Close all government schools NOW.

 high school By: Ty2 - 10:36:39 pm on May 7, 2008.
Am I elite when I send all my property tax dollars to Okaloosa county to pay for your school drjmarcus?  Am I elite when our property tax dollars pay for Okaloosa county sherrifs we have so few of in Destin?
That elite money gets spent so well
and nobody says boo, but if Destin wants a high school it's just being elite and snobby...jeaslousy and class envy are ugly traits, especially when you've been lapping up our tax revenue for so many years...
 
high school By: DaveM - 10:51:34 pm on May 7, 2008.
The superintendent says, "the student body would be too small." Well if that's a fact than she might as well propose closing the schools in Baker and Laurel Hill and begin busing those students to Crestview.

 Distorted Info By: motherof2 - 11:09:28 pm on May 7, 2008.
Some of the items listed in this article are lacking in all the facts and are misleading. First of all if you "move" Destin Middle to the track and field area of the property (which is not possible in the first place to "move" a brick and mortar school) and then "build" the high school where Destin Middle now sits, there would be no room for athletic facilities at all. Destin Middle sits on 22.5 acres and doing what is suggested here would take up the entire property. Go to the Okaloosa County website and look at the ariel view of the property and you will see this to be true.
Mr. Saleeby doesn't provide all the facts to his research in the following statement: "Eleven of the top 20 high schools, as identified by U.S. News and World Report, are as small as Destin. The number five high school has 410 students, and a 100 percent “college readiness index.” One small school on the list offers 16 AP courses, two less than Fort Walton Beach High School." What he fails to point out is the top 11 schools do not even have open enrollment. The students must apply to attend and are accepted on merit or through a lottery. That makes these schools totally different from our public high schools in this county who are required to accept any student for enrollment who lives within their zone. Some of these schools are either charter or magnet schools which means they can pick and chose who they want to allow to attend. If you check many of these schools they have an extremely low minority and economically disadvantaged population. That I am sure is what they are looking for in Destin High. And that is fine if they want to develop a charter school of their own. That is exactly how our local charter schools, Liza Jackson and OWC Collegiate High operate. Both schools require students to apply or get on a waiting list for an opening and when one does come open they use the lottery process so it is not open to just anyone. Also, the number 5 school he refers to that he states would be smaller than Destin and is 100% college ready also had 100% participation in AP, but each student only took 3 AP exams a year with only a pass rate of 61.2%. That means that slightly less that 40% of the AP tests taken received failing grades. If you look at our districts statistics, I am sure he would find them to be comparable or maybe even better than the one school he points out in his "research". And comparing apples to oranges by stating that our county's big high schools are not in the top 100 of this one survey is misleading. As I pointed out the majority of these schools in the top 100 are not open enrollment and choose their student population through the application process based on student merit or through a lottery. That makes his statement very misleading and judgemental.
As a previous poster pointed out, his comparison's to other "panhandle" high schools is not accurate. Baker and Laurel Hill are both K-12 schools and the numbers he gave are only the number of students in grade 9-12. Therefore, there are students in grades k-8 that funding is also received for and it helps support those facilities and programs.
And to insinuate that their would be "less violence" because that is a "christian community" is merely an opinion and not a fact. Compared to the Atlanta area from where Mr. Saleeby relocated from, our schools have a very small percentage of violence. And I feel that our communities across the bridge from Destin share the same Christian values as he does and to insinuate otherwise shows his ignorance to our county as a whole. And if Mr. Williges feels that Mr. Saleeby should take a bow for his performance in providing partial and misleading facts in the argument for a high school that would drain an already strained county and state budget, that shows his ignorance as well and its a good thing he is no longer an elected steward for that city. But I do feel tha Mr. Cyron Marler has a much better outlook on the situation since the Marler's are lifetime residents of that City and certainly appears to have more sense in this situation. He poses a great argument that the kids should go to bed earlier if they are to tired in the morning and questioning how the student themselves would feel. I think the council was wise not to take any more action on this ludacris crusade by a few individuals from Destin. I guess we will really see how many are behind Mr. Saleeby come Monday evening at the Board Meeting. I will have to make it a point to watch the televised meeting on Tueday evening to see for myself. And if Mr. Saleeby can get a response, I would like to know Representative Sansom's view since he is a resident of Destin and Senator Gaetz's view as a former Superintendent who didn't get a high school built for them during his tenure. We elect a Superintendent and Board Members to be responsible stewards of our tax dollars that go toward education in our county and I feel they do a fine job with what they are given. They have to look at the big picture as a whole and make the best decisions for ALL students in Okaloosa County. With the many tough decisions they have to deal with that will never make everyone happy, I think they do it well. I am sure there is more to come on this issue after the meeting on Monday.

 I'm surprised By: beachmouse - 11:12:01 pm on May 7, 2008.
That someone is trying to use the US News school rankings to prove a point. While they aren't quite as horribly flawed as in years past, when they would have Florida schools listed as being in the top 20 in the country and those same schools were getting C and D grades from the state of Florida, they still use some really freaky methodology. Many very excellent schools aren't listed as all, and they still give silver and bronze rankings to schools that aren't fit to send your dog to.

 Destin High By: OppositeMan - 01:43:18 am on May 7, 2008.
The privelidged children (and parents) of Destin deserve (and demand) everything they dream of! Why shouldn't they have it?! They are used to the culture of instant gratification. That's how it should be. They want it. They are rich. What's the problem?

 one more thing By: OppositeMan - 01:49:44 am on May 7, 2008.
motherof2,
Could you please expound a bit more? You are too terse.

 # By: Mr.Necessary - 02:15:00 am on May 8, 2008.
Bus the Middle Schoolers to FWB, and convert Destin Middle School into a high school.
Problem solved..."NEXT"!!

 Destin By: CitizenX - 04:58:48 am on May 8, 2008.
It is way past time to start reducing the size of schools. All levels of school have grown extremely large. This leads to inefficiencies and to a lower level of education.
It would be good for Ft Walton High to be reduced in size and good to have a school of no more than 700 students. The quality of education of both schools would be superior to what it is now.
All of this mindless blather of who is superior or doesn't want to associate with the common folks is just trash talk. It has nothing to do with the real world. Lets us discuss what is good for the students education.

Oh yes, it would save on fuel.
 it's not that far By: qopop - 06:14:01 am on May 8, 2008.
repeating what I said earlier about distance
FWBHS is 14.12 miles from the Commons and it is 9.75 from Benning Drive(most live much closer to the bridge don't they)
Niceville high is 10.75 miles from the commons (15.03 from Benning Drive)
and South Walton High is 15.88 from the Commons
Choose the school that is closest to you and have your child go there. All of these are closer than my child currently drives to get to school coming west of FWB.
If the Christian education is important to you build a private Christian high school, or send you children to one of the Christian Schools in the County. You are not going to get a Christian education in a public high school and with open enrollment you won't be able to keep the "low haning pants crowd" out.

 Punky Po By: MSAwildcat14 - 06:24:52 am on May 8, 2008.
What do you mean Destin kids have to go to school with "common folks"? Are you saying that Destin ppl are "better" than everyone else?

 good idea but not a chance By: Kimo - 06:40:31 am on May 8, 2008.
Expanding Destin MS to be a combined MS/HS is such a good idea, it doesn't have a prayer because it actually makes sense and it doesn't line enough pockets.

 Okaloosa taxes lowest in FL By: Kimo - 06:42:19 am on May 8, 2008.
I noticed a lot of comparisons to successful schools in other areas. Check out their property taxes. Oka Cty property taxes are lowest in FL. You get what you pay for.

 Nice By: jayb53guy - 06:50:53 am on May 8, 2008.
drjmarcus I am not even going to entertain your comments. Its not worth my time, and I will not stoop to your 10 year old level.
Its not my fault my wife and I have worked hard to provide a nice home for our children and think they deserve a high school in the city they are living in.
Grow up.

 to the adults... By: steph - 07:19:24 am on May 8, 2008.
I'm a junior at fwbhs and i live in destin. All you adults that are stereotyping and saying all Destin people are "rich and elite" need to get over yourselves. Your basing that assumption off of like 10% of the Destin population. I bet my parents make less than all you Ft. Walton people do. I love going to FWBHS and I love ALL the kids there. I don't think that I am any better than them. You need to stop judging ALL of us because a FEW of us are ridiculous. I'm sure there's people in your communtiy your not proud of either.
Thanks for listening!

 "low hanging pants" By: fdubgirl - 07:53:31 am on May 8, 2008.
I think that if Jesus could hang out with prostitutes and leapors, you as a Christian could allow your children to hang out with kids with "low hanging pants" Oh, and what was the story my daughter was telling me about a girl from Destin drugging and beating another girl from Destin and leaving her in a storage room for dead? I missed that on the news, or is it just a rumor. These were supposedly FWB High school students from DESTIN. Does anyone have any information about that story?

 To Ty2 By: drjmarcus - 08:31:13 am on May 8, 2008.
Your not 'elite' when you pay your tax dollars to support all the children in our county, yours included.
Your not 'elite' just because you live in an area that doesn't require as many law enforcement, as the 'riff-raft' have been effectively kept out. Besides, didn't you read the other article about record citations on the beaches for alcohol use? Not to mention the tons of other crimes. Besides, Destin has a decent police force, no to mention several County Sheriff Offices. What makes you think they are lacking? Is there some explosion of crime in Destin that I'm unaware of?
The 'elite money' does get spent very well. To repair your private beaches, to build various convention and other centers for the 'entire' county, and to even expand and upgrade the roads, when there are many other parts of the county that are in desperate need for regular maintenance.
Taxes are duty, and it tends to be the middle class that bears that burden more than any. On paper it would appear that most of the 'elite' do not pay their fair share.
Regardless, if you have kids or not, your tax dollars pay for your children, our future, for our kids to go to school. They pay for kids from low income backgrounds to get a decent breakfast so they can have the fuel to learn, they pay for tutoring kids in need, and they pay for our teachers.
Besides, even if they built a school in Destin, there would still have to be teachers that would need to work in that school, and most of them will probably have to live in Crestview and commute over an hour to work, as housing isn't exactly affordable around Destin.
I do like the idea of closing one of the many high schools in the south end of the county (North end only has 1 real high school, Crestview. Baker and Laurel hill are K-12 schools). Then build a large high school in Destin and bus half the kids from Fort Walton Beach. That way you can save your precious time and not have to burn 5 gallons of gas to commute to the high school to drop your kids off because they apparently aren't in the mood to ride a bus.
The sad thing is, many of the elite lack basic common sense, and because 1 elite voice speaks as loud as 10,000 common folk, the school will get built. As I said previously, Senator Gaetz probably has a lot of favors to return.
Its funny, the population in Destin is decreasing, they are even closing schools in Destin, yet they feel the need for building a brand new, multi-million dollar school. Keep in mind, this takes away funding from current schools.
Logically speaking, if a New High School was to be built, the logic thing to do would be to build another in North Okaloosa county, as they have had to already redraw lines and offload a lot of overpopulation in Crestview High School to Laurel Hill and Baker, that, as I said earlier, are K-12 schools and NOT exclusive high schools. So logically another High School in the North End of the county, which has the highest population in our county and is the fastest growing, is the most logical.
God Bless!

 high school cliches... By: Ty2 - 08:35:16 am on May 8, 2008.
the anti Destin school folks seem to fall into two categories, class-envymongers pretending Destin residents are all snobs elitists driving "beamers and hummers" and those who had rather see our school as a tool for social engineering, who want Destin kids to "mix with others not like them", instead of just letting communities have their own schools funded by their own property tax dollars.

 MSAwildcat14 By: drjmarcus - 08:44:38 am on May 8, 2008.
Destin folks are no better than "common folks" but try telling them that! We have to use that terminology otherwise they would get confused easily.

 jayb53guy By: drjmarcus - 08:47:11 am on May 8, 2008.
Thats fine, its not your fault you really don't know any better. All "common folk" are at a "10 year old level" to most elite, so I don't take offense to your comments.
Plus to most elite, the "common folk" are not worth their time, unless they have something to give them, such as landscaping or maid services. And even then the only time they are worthy of is the time it takes for you to render payment.
It is your fault that you and your wife have worked hard. You have gone out of your ways most likely to provide for your families and perhaps even saved a nice nest egg. Success and Prosperity are the American Dream! I'm not attacking you for this, as it is something i wish for everyone.
What I was discussing earlier were elite attitudes that value a human based on their net worth, and that embrace the ideals that they are entitled to certain perks and a deeper sense of attention due to their level of social standing in our society.
Your rationalization that you don't want to drive 15 miles multiple times per day in order to participate in your child's education was an ignorant argument. The truth of the matter is you most likely can afford it, especially if you have a large vehicle. And if you can't then you should downsize or perhaps budget a little better.
There are numerous kids that attend FWBHS, Niceville High School and Crestview High schools that drive 20+ miles to get to school.
But I said, if gas is an issue then have your kids ride the bus. And if the buses don't go out to your area, then that would be something that you could talk to the district about, as hiring a bus driver and paying for gas, even buying a new 'elite' bus, would be incredibly cheaper than building an entirely new school, and staffing it, not to mention the additional utility burdens it will put on the county. New Schools require new furniture, water, electricity, teachers, and maintenance.
The best bet would be, at your next elite meeting, to either concentrate on getting buses, or to construct your own private school. Bring in a corporation like Green Dot, they have been doing marvelous work! Or, as a third option, build onto the current middle school and turn it into a middle/high school. You could even take the elementary school they are closing and convert that into a miniature high school if thats what you really want.
I do apologize for appearing to be a '10 year old' that is not worth your time, but as I said, I don't take offense because I know you don't know any better.
Trying to rationalize to an elite is like debating religion... They have their minds set, and they are going to do what they want and get their way, because their world-view has shown them that is how it works, instant gratification, desires fulfilled.
But I guess its our own fault for not being elite ourselves, we should have listened to Oprah and utilized the power of "The Secret" to manifest wealth and success...
God Bless!

 My experience By: kayak4life - 08:56:30 am on May 8, 2008.
I laughed my butt off when I read this statement:
“We moved here because this is a Christian community — I’d feel much safer with my child in neighborhood schools than somewhere else.”
I AM a Destin parent, and my child IS a middle schooler right now...Christian Community my a$$! My daughter tells me some pretty raunchy stuff she sees and hears at school. These kids hear and see this at home, or unsupervised in front of a tv/computer. We are not rich, but we are a long way from poor or lower class....parenting your child takes work, and effort. There IS a sense of entitlement here...sorry, but there is. I live here, my child has been at this school for most of her 3 years of middle school.
True story...My daughter has decided to leave boys by the wayside for now because she is really working hard to build her academic skills (she is an 8th grader, but she just completed 9th grade math and is currently taking 10th grade science...and no, she isnt a dog lol) She only goes to school half days. She is asked out by the boys and she politely turns them down...for this she is called a lesbian because "everybody does it" she is told. She has been bullied EXCESSIVELY...why? because she stutters, and at times severely. Two boys just spent 3 days serving "in school suspension" because, after warnings from the VP, they were undeterred in harassing her. She was called "whore", "bitch", freak", "retard", and one of the boys told her he wanted "in her pants". This is not isolated, this is typical.
Christan community? Safe? No one has physically injured her...but I can assure you she has suffered emotionally and it has effected some of her grades. She cries, some days she doesnt want to go to school, she has lost weight (that she didnt need to lose) because she doesnt eat much at times...everyone wants to be fair to the boys, not punish them excessively, but no one considers the impact this has on her because they dont see bruises or cuts.
My longwinded point? My daughter started at a different middle school in this district, and we moved out here so she could go to what we believed was a better school. It is hard to watch your child suffer. She is a good kid. One of her teachers actually wrote in an email to me, "thank you for raising such a polite and inquisitive child". She volunteers at the school, and the staff love it because she is a hard worker, polite, and respectful. Look, no school is perfect and no kid is perfect (including mine), but to promote this as better, safer, and Christian....Well, as my grandmother used to say, dont piss on my leg and tell me its raining!

 Ty2 By: drjmarcus - 08:58:47 am on May 8, 2008.
That is a great idea! Let the property taxes of communities fund their local schools! What a great idea!
That way everyone gets what they deserve! The individuals in poor communities will get the quality of education they deserve, just as the folks in the rich communities will as well!
While one school struggles to find the money to keep the lights on and buy textbooks less then a decade old, the other school will be "struggling" to decide which company to hire to maintain their swimming pool, or landscaping.
Great idea man! Because everyone knows that the quality of education is exactly the same, regardless of the community you live in, or the level of your net worth!
God bless!

 ha By: G-UNITFOYD - 09:16:11 am on May 8, 2008.
These people remind me of Hillary Clinton,,
Get with it, you lost!!!!!Give up already!!!!

 Insurance By: drjmarcus - 09:16:27 am on May 8, 2008.
I wonder, what would the yearly property insurance be on a large facility, such as a High School, in Destin, so close to the water?

 drjmarcus By: Ty2 - 09:28:34 am on May 8, 2008.
which schools have they closed in Destin? and why are my tax dollars which have been spent on other schools for years not worthy enough to be spent here? class rhetoric and using the owrd elite every third word don't make a compelling enough reason to deny a community it's own school...if we did fund our own private or charter school I am sure you would sit quietly and not begin deriding it as a snobby elitist institution since it was built here right? by the way the term is "riff-raff" not raft like you would float on, as a class monger and pot stirrer I would think you would have all the inflamatory buzzwords down pat.

 - By: drake - 09:35:31 am on May 8, 2008.
Next thing you know they'll accuse the school staffs of wizardry to get their way.

 hmmm By: navy guy - 09:35:50 am on May 8, 2008.
Let's give Destin to Bay County. If it weren't for them our property taxes wouldn't be as high as they are now.

 Kayak4life By: koop32 - 09:42:52 am on May 8, 2008.
I just wanted to you to pat your child on the back and say " Hang in There".
I have seen the brutality of the middle school bunch and I know that it is awful.
Tell your daughter that eventually it will get better and may God Bless you and your family.
You are in my prayers.

 navy guy By: Ty2 - 09:43:01 am on May 8, 2008.
"Let's give Destin to Bay County. If it weren't for them our property taxes wouldn't be as high as they are now."

Wow, that must be a joke...oir you can't read tax rolls.

 Ty2 By: drjmarcus - 09:46:38 am on May 8, 2008.
Sorry, you are correct, it is "Riff-Raff" and "Riff-Raft" I apologize, as I'm not accustomed to using that terminology, I appreciate you setting me straight, as I know you are probably well studied in such syntax.
Your tax dollars are very worthy and help fund already established schools very well. Schools that the community of Destin are currently taking advantage of.
Its not that your tax dollar are 'unworthy' to be spent in Destin, its that there lacks any real common sense reason to spend those 'unworthy' dollars in Destin to build a school for the sole purpose of giving a community what they want. It is not something that is "NEEDED" especially in the current budget crisis.
There are a lot of things we as people "want" and "Desire" for ourselves, our families and our communities. Unfortunately, when a person grows up, they realize that sometimes needs surpass wants.
If you did convince a company to invest into your community, or helped to even fund a local private school for the citizens of Destin, via funds that did not impact the Okaloosa School District's budget, then I would applaud it and support it.
Destin does not need a school, but it desires it in order to increase property values, bring convenience to families, and so that residents will not have to leave Destin for any reason. That way you will be able to totally live and shop 100% in Destin, the only thorn in your sides is the fact that your children have to leave the protection of your community, by law, to attend a public institution.
In summary, a High School in Destin is not needed, and is a wasteful use of funds, no matter how you slice or dice it.
God Bless!

 Ty2 By: drjmarcus - 09:46:38 am on May 8, 2008.
Sorry, you are correct, it is "Riff-Raff" and "Riff-Raft" I apologize, as I'm not accustomed to using that terminology, I appreciate you setting me straight, as I know you are probably well studied in such syntax.
Your tax dollars are very worthy and help fund already established schools very well. Schools that the community of Destin are currently taking advantage of.
Its not that your tax dollar are 'unworthy' to be spent in Destin, its that there lacks any real common sense reason to spend those 'unworthy' dollars in Destin to build a school for the sole purpose of giving a community what they want. It is not something that is "NEEDED" especially in the current budget crisis.
There are a lot of things we as people "want" and "Desire" for ourselves, our families and our communities. Unfortunately, when a person grows up, they realize that sometimes needs surpass wants.
If you did convince a company to invest into your community, or helped to even fund a local private school for the citizens of Destin, via funds that did not impact the Okaloosa School District's budget, then I would applaud it and support it.
Destin does not need a school, but it desires it in order to increase property values, bring convenience to families, and so that residents will not have to leave Destin for any reason. That way you will be able to totally live and shop 100% in Destin, the only thorn in your sides is the fact that your children have to leave the protection of your community, by law, to attend a public institution.
In summary, a High School in Destin is not needed, and is a wasteful use of funds, no matter how you slice or dice it.
God Bless!

 taxes By: Ty2 - 09:49:31 am on May 8, 2008.
I pay taxes on properties in Ft. Walton I own as rentals and your taxes are low by comparison, it's my money you are using over there, not yours we are using over here.

 taxes By: Ty2 - 09:49:31 am on May 8, 2008.
I pay taxes on properties in Ft. Walton I own as rentals and your taxes are low by comparison, it's my money you are using over there, not yours we are using over here.

 Sorry Steph By: kayak4life - 09:51:50 am on May 8, 2008.
I completely understand what you are saying...we live in Destin and we arent one of the rich people either. However, your estimate of 10% may be low. There is incredible pressure at the middle school to wear only Abercrombie & Fitch clothing, wear sorellis, carry vera bradleys, and so on. Perhaps it has changed some since you were in school here.
You sound like a level headed young woman, and I hope you will work hard, attend college, and have a great life!

 Ty2 By: drjmarcus - 09:58:36 am on May 8, 2008.
Your right, folks in Destin probably do pay a lot more in property taxes than anyone else in the county. See my post earlier RE: Community Property Taxes funding their own schools.
By the way, after you post a message don't refresh on that page, for some reason it will repost your message again. I tend to go back to the original comment list prior to my best in order to avoid this.
God Bless!

 Koop32 By: kayak4life - 10:11:21 am on May 8, 2008.
Thank you for your kindness! I will pat her on the back, and you are right, it will get better.
In every school there are good kids and bad kids...Destin is no beter, no worse

 kayak4life By: drjmarcus - 10:27:19 am on May 8, 2008.
I sympathize with you and wish you and your daughter the best.
Its hard enough being a kid these days, as so much more is expected of them. Being bullied doesn't make it any easier.
I heard that FLorida just passed anti-bullying legislation that will apparently help reduce these types of incidents from happening.
Your daughter sound like a bright girl, and her mother sounds like a brilliantly understanding, level-headed, intelligent woman.
Again I wish your family well.
I will keep her in my prayers.