PTA update and district honors: two school leaders recognized at Escambia County School Board meeting

At its December meeting the Escambia County School Board heard a report from the Escambia County Council of PTAs and presented two district leadership awards.

Melanie Gamble, speaking on behalf of ECCPTA, told the board the council supports 32 active local units and highlighted recent volunteer efforts including a meal at the Ronald McDonald House and participation in Wreaths Across America at historic St. John's Cemetery. Gamble said more than 70 student submissions were entered in this year’s district Reflections Arts program and the council added a people’s choice award with voting available by QR code displayed in the McDaniel Building.

The board also presented its Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award and named a Kramer (listed in the transcript as "Aaron Kramer") as the district’s outstanding assistant principal for 2025–2026. The recipient, referred to in the acceptance remarks as "Ms. Kramer," thanked colleagues and described programs she led, including a capstone night that awards $2,500 in scholarships and incentive programs that the transcript credits with generating over $40,000 in student incentives. District staff also named Tara Palaciano, principal of Bailey Middle School, as the district’s outstanding principal of the year; Palaciano said Bailey had moved from a C to a B school grade and thanked mentors and staff for their support.

The recognitions were presented during the district’s awards segment prior to routine business and public comment.