The Monroe County School Board Tuesday voted to name the Marathon Middle/High School Football Stadium the Michael H. Puto Stadium after local celebrity and long-time school booster Mike “Mr. Marathon” Puto. Puto, who grew up in Marathon and attended Marathon schools, has long supported and raised money for local schools, the School District, and all things Marathon.
“I think this is a great thing to do,” said School Board Member Sue Woltanski. She was echoed by all the other school members, as those attending the board meeting applauded the move.
In other action, the board voted to approve design plans for the proposed baseball stadium complex in the Village of Islamorada at Founder’s Park which will be used by athletes at Coral Shores High School and other area schools. Negotiations are ongoing with the Village Council regarding the use and licensing agreement for the property, but given an agreement on that front can be reached, the project would break ground after the current baseball season is over and potentially be in use for next season. The plans and other information about this project are attached to the meeting agenda, which can be viewed here.
Board members heard a legislative update from Kate DeLoach of the Southern Group. The group represents and advocates for the Monroe County Schools in Tallahassee and she gave the board an update on various legislation that may affect the district.
There were two reports to the board regarding Career and Technical Education (CTE) and English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum currently under consideration for adoption for kindergarten through 5th grade students. CTE classes are offered at all three high schools in the county, including teaching Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Marine Engine Repair, Firefighting and many offerings in the area of Information Technology. ELA curriculum finalists are currently under review; parents, teachers and community members who wish to learn more about what curriculum is being considered can visit this link on the district website to learn more.
Board members also discussed how much they’ve enjoyed visiting area schools and reading to students during this week’s Literacy Week. All schools in the county have been holding various events promoting reading, writing and literature during the course of the week in coordination with the “Read, Write and Blue Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida” statewide event.