As we enter a new semester, it is my pleasure to share the incredible achievements and milestones of the first half of the school year with our families and community members. It is truly inspiring to witness our students excel in academics, the arts, and athletics while our teachers and staff dedicate themselves to fostering a positive and dynamic learning environment. These highlights are a testament to everyone's collective hard work and commitment to the Okaloosa County School District. Let's take a moment to celebrate our successes!
OKALOOSA COUNTY EARNS A RATING FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
We are thrilled to reiterate that the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) has once again earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for the 2024-2025 school year! This marks a decade of consistent excellence, as Okaloosa is one of only three districts in Florida to achieve an A every year since school grades were first assigned in 2014. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and perseverance of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators. Their unwavering support and commitment to education make achievements like this possible, and I could not be more proud. With that said, we recognize there is always room for growth, and we remain committed to striving for even greater success by continuously supporting our students and staff.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACADEMICS, ARTS, AND ATHLETICS
The Okaloosa County School District proudly celebrates exceptional achievements across academics, arts, and athletics during the first semester.
In academics, Bruner and Meigs Middle Schools improved to a school grade of a B designated by the state of Florida, while Lewis and Shoal River Middle Schools achieved A grades. Several schools have consistently excelled, with Destin Middle School maintaining an A grade for 23 consecutive years, Ruckel Middle School for 23 years, Destin Elementary for 22 years, Niceville High School for 14 years, STEMM Academy for 11 years, and Plew Elementary for 10 years. Schools like Baker, Bob Sikes, Crestview High, Davidson, Elliott Point, Kenwood, Mary Esther, Northwood, Pryor, and Riverside have all consistently maintained B grades.
Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools were named to the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll with a Silver status, recognizing their success in broadening access for students and achieving strong results in Advanced Placement programs. National Merit Scholars were honored at Niceville (Lily Suttlemyre and William Cupp) and Choctawhatchee (Jonathan Curtis and Tina Le) High Schools, and a STEMM Academy student, Emmalynn Otzenberger, earned recognition in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
In November, eight Niceville High students presented marine biodiversity research at the 2nd World Congress of Marine Stations in Japan through the NaGISA program, showcasing their innovative work on an international stage. Fort Walton Beach High junior Reese Armstrong was named the District's 2024-2025 Sunshine State Scholar, representing Florida’s top STEM-focused 11th graders. Additionally, Niceville High School's Web Programming students excelled in Florida's 1st Congressional District App Challenge, earning first, second, and third-place awards for their creative apps: Memory Monsters, WordSay, and Auxilium. These achievements reflect the district’s unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for future success.
In arts, Okaloosa students achieved high honors, including elementary school finalists in the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest announced by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. Multiple submissions by middle school students were entered into the Art in the Capitol competition, with one student's artwork receiving Best in Show recognition and being sent to the Capitol, while other submissions earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors. The Choctaw High School Madrigals earned acclaim at the Annual Superintendent and School Board Members Joint Conference. Fort Walton Beach High School's Viking Band performed at the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl, their first national bowl game appearance since 1989.
In athletics, Baker School's volleyball team won their 22nd consecutive District title. Choctawhatchee High School saw standout performances, with Izzy Harter earning the title of District Cross Country Champion, the football team advancing to the Elite 8 as Football District Champions, the volleyball team making it to the District Regionals, and Jachym Baca was crowned District & Regional Champion in Boys Swimming. Fort Walton Beach's boys swim team also claimed the District Championship. Niceville achieved impressive results with their football team being crowned Final 4 Football Regional Champions and their cross-country team winning the District Championship.
Destin Middle School's volleyball team had an undefeated season, while Davidson Middle School claimed their third consecutive Football Championship. Ruckel Middle School's cross-country teams also captured MSAC Championship titles.
Okaloosa County School District proudly supports and celebrates its students' achievements across all fields.
BREAKING GROUND ON A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CRESTVIEW
On December 19, 2024, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Pineview K-8 School, which is set to open in August 2026! This historic event was made possible by the half-cent sales tax voted in by Okaloosa taxpayers. Although the sales tax does not directly fund the project, it has freed up resources in our Capital budget, making the project possible.
This is the first new school in Okaloosa since 2009, and it will significantly alleviate enrollment pressures at the elementary and middle schools in the Crestview area. Pineview School is being constructed on 40 acres of an 80-acre parcel, strategically located on the new Highway 90 Bypass currently under construction.
We thank Mr. JD Wingard for his willingness to sell this well-placed property to the school district. A big thank you to Jacobs/Titan and Lord & Son for their outstanding work, and to our School Board Members and all the dignitaries from across the county who attended and supported this project. The OCSD thrives because of the incredible community support we receive.
CAPITAL PROJECTS & RIBBON CUTTINGS
Building on the momentum that started last year, we've continued showcasing the completion of impactful school projects made possible by the voter-approved Half-Cent Sales Tax Program, which has also significantly strengthened our capital budget. Since its approval in 2020, this initiative has allowed us to make essential updates across the District, transforming our schools and enhancing the learning environment. While some improvements, like new roofs and upgraded HVAC systems, may not be immediately visible, they are vital to maintaining safe and efficient facilities. We have continued to celebrate these completions at the following schools during the first semester:
Baker School
New multipurpose building
Staff and student parking
Culinary lab expansion
Choctawhatchee High School
New front entrance
New multipurpose building
New flooring
New classroom doors
Crestview High School
New multipurpose building
Eight additional classrooms
Expanded dining room
New roofing on the cafeteria and Building 8
Chiller replacement
Niceville High School
New multipurpose building
Newly paved ROTC marching pad
New parking
Bruner Middle School
Tennis courts recoated and striped
Davidson Middle
AC replacement in gym
Lewis School
New front entrance with canopy
Newly paved car rider line
Pryor Middle
New classroom flooring
Ruckel Middle School
New cafetorium with state-of-the-art STEM classroom
PE pavilion and updated car rider line
Edwins Elementary School
New cafetorium and state-of-the-art music classroom
Newly paved car rider line
Florosa Elementary School
New roof coating
Kenwood Elementary School
New parking lot with car rider line
New roof
Plew Elementary School
New cafetorium with state-of-the-art music classroom
New playground
Shalimar Elementary School
New cafetorium with state-of-the-art music classroom
New playground
Wright Elementary
New cafetorium with a state-of-the-art music classroom
OKALOOSA NAMED PURPLE STAR DISTRICT
We are proud to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis has designated the Okaloosa County School District as a Purple Star District! This prestigious honor places us among only five districts in Florida to receive this recognition and underscores our steadfast commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
This designation reflects the dedication of every school in our District, each of which has met the rigorous requirements to be named a Purple Star School of Distinction. It is a testament to the hard work of our schools and staff, who go above and beyond to ensure military families feel welcomed and supported. Serving the highest percentage of military students in Florida, we embrace the responsibility of supporting those who serve our nation.
A special thank you goes to Representative Patt Maney for his instrumental role in bringing the Purple Star program to Florida. His leadership and advocacy have been invaluable in making this program a reality and ensuring our military families receive the recognition and support they deserve.
EXPANDING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Okaloosa County Schools is dedicated to expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, aligning with Governor Ron DeSantis' vision for Florida to lead the nation in CTE by 2030. With our proximity to military installations and defense contractors, we are uniquely positioned to develop a highly skilled workforce. Collaborating with One Okaloosa EDC, the CTE department is establishing agreements to provide students with valuable internships and apprenticeships that directly support local industry needs. Additionally, the District is expanding its AI and Machine Learning programs in elementary, middle and high schools, equipping students with cutting-edge skills for the future.
EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGIES - Esports
Okaloosa County Schools is excited to introduce Esports programs at Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville High Schools, as well as STEMM Academy and Shoal River Middle School, leveraging the rising popularity of gaming to promote both academic growth and mental well-being. This initiative, inspired by successful collegiate programs like those at Northwest Florida State College, aims to engage students in new and exciting ways. The program will initially be offered as an extracurricular activity, with plans to eventually incorporate it into the regular curriculum. Esports will begin with intra-district competitions, potentially expanding to state-level matches. Beyond fostering teamwork and competition, Esports provides students with opportunities for college scholarships and future careers in technology and game development, offering pathways for those who may not have interest in traditional athletic programs.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS
The Okaloosa County School District is proud to partner with our community to meet the needs of families and bring joy to students throughout the year.
Last semester, we hosted the Second Annual Thanksgiving Meal Initiative, providing 160 Thanksgiving meals to families in need. This heartfelt effort was made possible thanks to the generous support of our community partners: Jacobs-Titan, Florida Power & Light, Eglin Federal Credit Union, The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Forest Heights Baptist Church, and Publix of Niceville. Our dedicated district employees worked tirelessly to organize, transfer, and distribute meals, ensuring families experienced the warmth and care of our community during the holiday season.
In addition, our partnership with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) brought holiday cheer to over 300 students through the Angel Tree Initiative. Thanks to the generosity of school district staff, families, and community members, we collected and delivered gifts to make the season brighter for our students. We are deeply grateful to Sheriff Eric Aden, the OCSO team, and countless local businesses and individuals for their unwavering commitment to supporting our students and their families.
Together, these initiatives reflect the power of community collaboration and the dedication of our District to ensuring every student and family feels valued and supported.
CELEBRATING OKALOOSA COUNTY'S DEDICATED EDUCATORS AND STAFF
The success of the Okaloosa County School District is driven by the exceptional dedication of our teachers, staff, and district leadership, who work tirelessly to inspire and support our students. The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation awarded $52,529 in teacher grants, benefiting 19 different schools and supporting 14 first-time grant recipients. Our District provides enriching professional learning days, empowering teachers through conference-style sessions. These sessions allow educators to choose topics that best suit their needs and refine their teaching strategies. Elective teachers also collaborate within their subject areas, sharing best practices and planning innovative approaches for the year ahead.
As we gear up for the challenges ahead, we're excited to align our efforts and continue pushing forward. Learning Walks have fostered collaboration and reflection, helping us identify areas for growth and game plans for success. We are passionate about this work because it allows us to empower students every day. While we celebrate our achievements, we remain focused on the work ahead to ensure every student has the opportunities they deserve. This progress wouldn't be possible without the unwavering commitment of our teachers, staff, and administrators.
IN CONCLUSION
The first semester has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with achievements that highlight the strength and spirit of our school district. From academic excellence to artistic expression and athletic triumphs, our students continue to shine in every arena. Additionally, we are making significant progress in enhancing our facilities, with new cafetoriums, multipurpose buildings, updated infrastructure, advanced technology, and improved learning spaces that support both our students and teachers.
We are also thrilled to welcome two new members to our School Board—Mr. Brett Hinely and Mr. Parker Destin. Both have jumped right in to support our students and staff, working alongside the rest of the school board to ensure the success of our District. Their dedication and enthusiasm are already making a positive impact.
I encourage all families to stay actively involved in their child's education by using resources like FOCUS to track real-time grades and connecting with teachers or counselors for academic inquiries. Together, we are laying the foundation for our students' future success. Additionally, our district website now features a tool called Let's Talk, making it easy to submit questions, comments, or concerns and receive timely responses. Visit us at www.okaloosaschools.com.
We also recently released the Okaloosa County School District 2023-2024 Annual Report, which highlights our achievements and commitment to educational excellence. As an A+ school district, the report celebrates the accomplishments of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators working together to shape future leaders. Furthermore, we continue to prioritize transparency and strategic planning with our Master Facilities Plan, a detailed roadmap for all past, present, and upcoming projects across our 38 schools, outlining our vision for the next ten years.
Together, we are creating a lasting impact, and we sincerely appreciate our incredible team for their passion, hard work, and dedication to the success of every student in Okaloosa County. As we look ahead, I'm confident that the second semester will bring even more achievements and milestones to celebrate. Thank you for your continued support in making Okaloosa County a place where education thrives.
Let's continue working together to make the remainder of this school year a resounding success!
Sincerely,
Marcus Chambers
Superintendent