FLEMING ISLAND—At Thursday's school board meeting, 11 elementary, junior and high schools were selected as "schools of excellence."

The prestigious honor is given to schools that score in the 80th state percentile for two of the last three years. 

Out of 4,230 schools in Florida, only 774 schools have designated the title in 2024, with the award calling around 25% of Clay County schools home.

Discovery Oaks Elementary and Lake Asbury Elementary scored 13 and 17 points above the state average, respectively, in math proficiency, while Fleming Island Elementary scored 90%.

Keystone Heights Elementary's math proficiency was 8% above the state average, while Thunderbolt's was 84%.

Both Orange Park Elementary and R.M. Paterson Elementary ranked as Florida's top elementary schools, with Paterson receiving number 10 and Orange Park number one.

Shadowlawn Elementary's third-grade ELA students ranked 88% proficiency, above the state's 55% average. 

For the junior high schools, Green Cove Springs showed 88% proficiency in Civics. Lakeside Junior High Civics students achieved 23 points above the state average.

Fleming Island High also graced the list with 91% proficiency in Biology.

In other news, Thursday also marked Mary Bolla's last meeting. The district two board member is set to retire her seat to the newly elected Robert Alvero.

In a tearful presentation, Bolla, superintendent David Broskie and board members reflected on her time there.

"Thank you to all of you who are truly passionate about our children and their futures." Bolla said, "I appreciate you all. Thank you so much."

Alvero is set to be sworn in on Nov. 19.