The Okaloosa County School Board approved updated visitor procedures for school campuses Monday, while extending an agreement allowing one Walton County student to complete specialized education services in Okaloosa County for the final year.
While unrelated, both actions reflect changes ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
School Board Formalizes Visitor Procedures
The revised visitor policy requires visitors to check in through the Visitor Management System. Visitors must have a photo ID and wear a badge while on campus. The same screening policy applies to all volunteers, with the revised policy explicitly stating that all backpacks, bags, and storage containers brought onto campus are subject to administrative search.
District officials say the revisions formalize procedures already in place across Okaloosa County schools while creating a uniform districtwide policy.
The policy also clarifies the law regarding registered sex offenders who may need to enter an Okaloosa County school. Advance written notice is required, and there are check-in and check-out procedures. Direct supervision is required while on campus for any registered offender with supervising officer approval. These provisions reflect existing requirements under Florida law.
Final Year for Cross County ESE Partnership
In other business on Monday, the Board also approved a one-year agreement with Walton County Schools that allows the final Walton County student enrolled in the Exceptional Student Education program to complete post-secondary transition services. With only one student remaining and no new students from Walton County expected to enroll in Okaloosa County’s ESE program, this is expected to conclude the partnership.
Okaloosa County Public Information Officer Catherine Card told Mid Bay News discussions about ending the partnership began in 2023 after Walton County Superintendent Russell Hughes expressed a desire for students to receive services closer to home.
Walton County has since opened The Wise Center, allowing students who previously traveled to Okaloosa County to receive specialized services within their own district.
Card said, “It is best practice for all students with disabilities to be educated in their own communities, to be learning alongside their neighbors. … The one student left is the last.”
The Partnership That Filled A Need
Years ago, Walton County did not have a specialized ESE center school, with Okaloosa County operating Richbourg and Silver Sands. Students whose IEPs required intensive services attended those campuses.
Centralized schools provide specialized teachers, therapists, nurses, behavioral support, adaptive technology, vocational training and transition programs.
Card said Richbourg and Silver Sands will continue operating robust transition programs, including Project SEARCH, We Grow, Project UP and partnerships with 13 local employers that provide students with work-based learning opportunities.
When asked whether Okaloosa services will now be reduced, Card said, “Absolutely not.”
The final Walton County student will complete the 2026-27 school year in Okaloosa before the partnership officially concludes. Meanwhile, the updated visitor policy takes effect as the district prepares to welcome students back for the new school year.
