The Florida Council of 100 developed the PASS Program to close the achievement gap in education.  Identified schools are selected to participate by representatives from the PASS Program. A chief executive officer (CEO) of a major Florida corporation is teamed with the school principal for three years. The CEO assists in incorporating successful business strategies into school management techniques. In addition to mentoring the principal, the CEO commits funds. Matching funds are provided by the Florida Department of Education and Council for Educational Change established by the Florida Annenberg Challenge, while the school district provides in-kind services. The team works hands-on with an education coach improving operations and academics. The goal of the PASS Program is to raise the school's grade to an "A" over the three-year life of the partnership.  We would like to recognize the following individuals:

• Woodland Johnson, Principal, Mort Elementary School
• Cyrus and Joanne Spurlino, Trustee, Spurlino Foundation
• Diana Baker, Spurlino Foundation
• Elaine Liftin, Council of Educational Change
• Brian Butler, President, Vistra Communications
• Sherry, Clarke, PASS Program Coordinator