Last week’s Administration Summit was not just an event – it was a reminder of the power of leadership, courage, and connection. Our 2025 Admin Summit theme, Be Courageous Everyday - Lead Through the Challenge, came to life in every moment. Attendees explored new tools on the iPad, engaged in insightful principal panel discussions, and connected with colleagues in meaningful ways. Thank you to Beachside Community Church for being amazing hosts, Owen Lloyd, an NCAA swimmer from North Carolina State University, for his inspiring Keynote speech, and our amazing sponsors for making the event happen!
Books play an important role in encouraging a child’s curiosity, and kids who start reading from an early age find joy in a lifelong love of learning. Eligible Florida students in VPK through fifth grade can receive monthly free books and reading activities during the school year from New Worlds Reading. Learn more or apply at
https://www.newworldsreading.com.
Our administrators are already laying the groundwork for a strong and secure 2025–2026 school year. Last week, our incredible school leaders took part in summer safety and security training led by the OCSD Office of Safe Schools.
From emergency operations and threat prevention to policy updates and safety tools like FortifyFL, these sessions ensure our campuses are prepared and protected. We're grateful for the commitment of our staff in making student safety a top priority!
We are hiring! Come join our family as a school bus operator or assistant! New hires with a CDL can receive a total bonus of $2400, paid out in increments, while those without a CDL can earn $2000.
Classroom and "behind the wheel" training are provided and paid for the Transportation Department. Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance. For more information visit our website: https://okaloosaschools.com/depts/trans
or Apply now: https://okaloosaschools.com/depts/hr/employment
𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗖𝗦𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀!
On June 3rd, approximately 57 athletic coaches from across the Okaloosa County School District participated in CPR, AED, and First Aid Training to prepare for the upcoming school year. This essential training equips our coaches with the skills needed to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations—ensuring the safety and well-being of our student-athletes. Thank you to our dedicated coaches for going the extra mile to keep our athletes safe, supported, and ready to succeed!
Congratulations to the five outstanding graduates of the Okaloosa Unique Professionals (Okaloosa UP) program! Through hands-on training in Carpentry and Culinary labs, these students earned industry certifications, career certificates, and valuable life skills that will serve them well in the workforce and beyond. Thanks to the support of our dedicated educators, industry partners, and loving families, these graduates have developed confidence, teamwork, budgeting, and time management skills—empowering them to thrive after graduation. Many are already employed or continuing their education, proving the success of the Okaloosa UP program in preparing students for bright futures.
The Okaloosa County School District recently recognized Dwayne Walther for his exceptional dedication to school safety and innovative approach to emergency response and security systems. Assistant Superintendent John Spolski and Superintendent Chamber presented Dwayne with a certificate and district coin, honoring his visionary leadership, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment to keeping students, staff, and schools safe. His supervisor, Director Danny Dean with the Office of Safe Schools, emphasized how Dwayne’s collaboration, creativity, and advanced solutions have strengthened OCSD’s security, setting a powerful example of service, innovation, and care. His work ensures the district remains prepared, resilient, and protected. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to recognize his vital role in safeguarding our school communities.
Thank you, Dwayne, for making a lasting impact!
The final bell of the school year is almost here! Tomorrow, Thursday, May 29, marks the last day of school for students in the Okaloosa County School District. All OCSD schools will follow an early dismissal schedule, and lunch will still be served before students head off to start their summer break! Let’s finish strong and celebrate a year of hard work, growth, and achievement. We’re proud of each and every student, and we wish you a safe, fun, and restful summer!
It's a proud moment for Okaloosa Schools! Our 2023-2024 Annual Report earned the Silver Award in Digital Media & Publications at the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA) Sunshine Medallion Awards of Excellence! Public Information Officer Catherine Card proudly accepted the award on behalf of the district at the SUNSPRA conference in Orlando. The Sunshine Medallion Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding education publications and marketing/informational materials, both print and digital, including video, social media, and websites. Special thanks to Bit Wizards for their incredible partnership in producing our award-winning report!
Assistant Superintendent John Spolski recently honored some staff members at Baker School - David Hurley, Vanessa Menhennett, Kayla Ashburn, and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Michael Ramirez for their swift and compassionate response to a medical emergency involving a student. Their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to student well-being ensured the situation was handled with care, allowing staff to focus on providing medical attention. This moment highlights the exceptional dedication of Baker School’s faculty and the strong sense of community that defines Okaloosa County Schools. We are grateful for their leadership and the support they provide to our students daily!
Assistant Superintendent John Spolski proudly recognized Clinton Jacks, CTE Engineering & AI Teacher at Meigs Middle School, as a 2024-2025 recipient of the HCA Florida Healthcare "Thank A Teacher" program! Mr. Jacks has made an incredible impact on his students through his dedication in the classroom and as a coach for football, track, and robotics. His commitment to mentoring students and sacrificing his planning time so more students can take his elective class speaks volumes about his passion for education. His service extends beyond the classroom, shaping futures and inspiring young minds daily. In recognition of his impact, Mr. Jacks also received a plaque and a $250 "Thank A Teacher" award from HCA Florida Healthcare. We are grateful for our partnership with HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, which helps celebrate incredible educators like Mr. Jacks!
As the winter sports season comes to a close, we continue highlighting the incredible achievements of our high school athletes. From their thrilling victories to their personal bests, our students have shown remarkable dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Join us in celebrating their hard work and success! BOYS WRESTLING: FWBHS - A commendable 3rd in Districts, 11th in Regionals, and 18th at State. Matthew Sinclair (190 lbs.), runner-up at State, District, and Regional Champion; Rome Kendrick (215 lbs.), 6th place at State, 4th at Regionals, and 1st in Districts; and Landon Burbridge (157 lbs.), achieved a top 10 finish at State, 4th at Regionals, and crowned 1st in Districts. NHS - 4th in the District, with two athletes advancing to State – Malachi Lewis, Regional Champion, finishing 5th at State, and Garret Jarvis, 8th at State. GIRLS WRESTLING: FWBHS – Amy Pham (22-9), placed 3rd in District, narrowly missing State by one match, and Ava Atkins (18-12), finished 5th in Districts, advancing to Regionals despite only the top 4 typically moving on; she recorded one victory and two losses at Regionals. NHS - celebrated the first-ever District Championship in school history with Brooke Arbic (170 lbs.) achieving 7th at State. We really appreciate the coaches, families, and community for supporting our talented student athletes during this unforgettable season.
We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Jessica Black, a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Riverside Elementary School, for being named a 2024-2025 recipient of the HCA Florida Healthcare "Thank A Teacher" program! Ms. Black was nominated by a grateful parent who shared:
"Mrs. Black dedicates her time and energy selflessly, not only to her students but also to others within the community. She has created a nurturing environment where my daughter feels truly at home while at school. I have never been more assured that my child is both enjoying her time and receiving a quality education. Despite the challenge of teaching a diverse group of children, Mrs. Black handles it with remarkable ease. My daughter returns home each day excited to share stories about her experiences and her aspirations to become a teacher, inspired by the exemplary role model that Mrs. Black represents. As a military family that has moved frequently across the United States, I can genuinely say that having Mrs. Black as my child’s teacher has been an incredible blessing and privilege."
In recognition of her impact, Ms. Black received a plaque and a $250 "Thank A Teacher" award from HCA Florida Healthcare. We are grateful for our partnership with HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, which allows parents, students, and colleagues to celebrate our incredible educators. If you know a teacher who deserves recognition, nominate them: https://www2.okaloosaschools.com/page/thank-a-teacher
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and we want to recognize the incredible contributions of our educators. From May 5th to May 9h, we celebrate the individuals who dedicate their lives to imparting knowledge, fostering curiosity, and shaping the future one student at a time. Our teachers are more than just educators; they are mentors, guides, and the architects of our children’s futures. They work tirelessly to create engaging lessons, provide individualized support, and inspire a love of learning beyond the classroom walls.
Schools have activities and surprises planned throughout the week. We hope you enjoy them because you deserve them! Thank you for all you do!
Bob Sikes Elementary School Ribbon Cutting – April 29, 2025
Today, we proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting at Bob Sikes Elementary School, unveiling their new state-of-the-art cafetorium and modern music classroom! These new spaces reflect our district's ongoing commitment to providing students with inspiring environments that foster learning, creativity, and connection. We were joined by School Board members, local leaders, the incredible Bob Sikes administrative team, and many proud parents. Guests enjoyed a beautiful performance by the 3rd grade chorus and a moving military tribute from one of our students. We thank our community members, staff, students, and valued partners at Jacobs Titan and Lord and Sons. None of this would have been possible without your investment in the Half-Cent Sales Tax, which is a true testament to our shared commitment to excellence in education. "This ribbon cutting marks the 18th facility project completed thanks to the support of our community and the Half-Cent Sales Tax," stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers. "It's a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. These beautiful new spaces will benefit generations of Bob Sikes students and families, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible."
The Okaloosa County School District has been made aware of scam phone calls targeting parents. In these calls, individuals falsely claim that a student has an outstanding lunch balance and instructs the parent to "press 1" to make a payment immediately.
Please be advised:
• The Okaloosa County School District does not contact families by phone to request payment in this manner.
• Any legitimate communication regarding student meal accounts would come through official district channels.
• In the recently reported case, the scammer provided incorrect student information and used what appeared to be a local phone number, which may have been spoofed.
If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide personal or payment information. Instead, hang up and contact your child's school or the district's Food Services Department directly for verification. Thank you for helping us keep our families informed and protected.
The Sales Surtax Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., has been cancelled due to the lack of a quorum.
BY: Marcus D. Chambers, Superintendent and Corporate Secretary
Thanks to a generous grant from The Able Trust and a 1:1 Matching Grant from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, students from Baker, Crestview High, Fort Walton Beach High, Laurel Hill, Meigs Middle, and Pryor Middle schools had the incredible opportunity to participate in a two-day Career Exploration Field Trip—Educate. Grow. Succeed: Future in Focus! Over two days, students explored local resources and career pathways at Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) and CareerSource Okaloosa Walton. They engaged in hands-on activities, career assessments, and interview skills workshops, gaining valuable insights into fields like Building Trades, Nursing, Cybersecurity, and Culinary Arts. A huge thank you to our outstanding partners: The Able Trust, Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation, Okaloosa County School District, Waffle House, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Goodwill Gulf Coast, Northwest Florida State College, GCE – Global Connections to Employment, Publix, LifeView Group, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, and the University of West Florida.
This impactful experience was made possible by the generous support of The Able Trust’s Future in Focus grant and the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
Baker School's Student Roundtable was a powerful and uplifting experience. Our students engaged in thoughtful conversations about school start times, growth and planning, access to technology, and how we respond to inclement weather. They shared their appreciation for Baker’s agricultural and CTE programs and spoke proudly about how their teachers make learning meaningful, fun, and personal. It was clear that Baker is more than a school—it’s a community that nurtures student success and real-world readiness.
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
School Board Member Mr. Parker Destin and Superintendent Chambers recently hosted a Student Roundtable Discussion at Fort Walton Beach High School where they engaged with 12 insightful students on various topics, including school start times, advanced program funding, censorship, and more. Their feedback on issues like class sizes, equitable funding for athletics and arts, and the impact of school vouchers was invaluable. They also discussed the importance of proactive communication regarding construction needs and the ongoing efforts to address students who vape.
