Taft Elementary receives national honors

Taft Elementary School in Humboldt is one of five Iowa schools and 286 nationwide named to the 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools list for their overall academic excellence or for their progress in improving student academic achievement levels. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized the schools last week. The U.S. Department of Education will honor 236 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony on Nov. 18-19 in Washington, D.C. “Iowa’s Blue Ribbon Schools will help lead the way as our state’s education system works to give all students the best education possible,” Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck said. Taft principal George Bruder and Tamela Johnson, curriculum and professional development coordinator, will be in attendance for the three-day event that includes the ceremony and other activities.