For Immediate Release Contact: Cathy Brennan, Public Information Officer 772-219-1200, extension 30444

March 1, 2007

Martin County School District
School Board Members Approve "STAR" Plan

Tonight, the Martin County School Board approved the District's "STAR" (Special Teachers Are Rewarded) Plan for the 2006-2007 school year. The Board's vote followed ratification of the "STAR" Plan today by instructional staff within the Martin County School District.

"This has been a long process," said Superintendent Dr. Sara Wilcox. "Even though both sides have reservations about STAR, we could not turn away from the potential to get more than a million dollars for our teachers. Hopefully, with improvements from the legislature on STAR, we can continue to work with the teachers' union to develop a plan that best meets the needs of our teachers and District," continued Dr. Wilcox.

Instructional Staff Voting Results:

Voted to approve the STAR Plan: 62.5%

Voted to reject the STAR Plan: 37.5%

78% of Instructional Staff voted

To comply with the March 1, 2007 "STAR" deadline, the Martin County School District will now forward the "STAR" Plan to the Florida Department of Education.