Okaloosa County School Board District 3 candidate Mitch Reed says the district needs to get “lean and mean” on administration, refocus on classroom fundamentals, and be far more transparent with taxpayers. In an interview with journalist Christopher Saul, Reed drew on his background as a Baker School graduate, former missile defense officer, counselor, and tech executive to argue for a shift in how the district is governed and how money is spent.

Reed, a self-described tech-focused executive in AI and quantum, takes a cautious stance on classroom technology. He wants little to no screen time in elementary schools, arguing that students must first master reading, writing, arithmetic, and critical thinking before diving into devices and coding. High school, he says, is the “prime time” to build advanced tech and workforce skills.

On governance, Reed favors a site-based management model that would give principals more authority and reduce top-heavy control from the district office. He sharply criticizes the lack of long-term planning that led to millions being spent on schools like Longwood and Mary Esther before their closure, calling it a waste of taxpayer money. He also blasts the district’s difficult-to-use website and reliance on FOIA requests to access contracts and financial details, pushing instead for easy-to-read public dashboards and clearer communication.

Reed insists he is not in favor of tax increases, saying the district must first tighten administrative staffing through a manpower study, use automation and AI to streamline office work, and better manage utilities and other costs. At the same time, he vows to press lawmakers in Tallahassee for higher statewide teacher pay so Okaloosa can compete with neighboring districts like Walton County. His top three priorities if elected: agile, decentralized governance; policies that protect students and staff (including stronger cybersecurity rules); and dramatically improved transparency and communication.