A Note From Mid Bay News

Mid Bay News asked all Okaloosa County Commission and School Board Commission candidates to submit more information about themselves ahead of this Summerโ€™s primary election.ย 

All candidates were asked the two questions below:

  1. Why should voters choose me for the office I am running for?
  2. What will success look like at the end of my term in office โ€“ what specific goals will I aim to accomplish?

Mid Bay News did not edit, alter or otherwise change the responses received from the candidates.ย 

This Submission is from Okaloosa County Commission Candidate for District 3, Linda Evanchyk.

Niceville, Valparaiso, Bluewater Bay and Eglin Air Force Base Residents who are registered to vote regardless of party affiliation can vote in this election. This is a universal primary.ย 

Candidate Statement

I am the current District 3 School Board Member. Prior to my election in 2018 I was an English and journalism teacher for 38 years- 33 at Choctawhatchee High School, my Alma Mater. I have made my position as a School Board member a full-time one. I am actively engaged in schools; I advocate for students and employees in an effort to offer students the best possible they can get.ย ย I am asking the voters for a second term to serve them as I continue to ask the tough questions, respond to the needs of the teachers and students and to be a responsible steward of the peopleโ€™s money. I am the only candidate in my race who has been in Okaloosa County the last four decades, and who has actively been invested in our schools.

Current School Board Member Linda Evanchyk

Education and Credentials

I earned a Masterโ€™sย ย Degree in Communications from the University of West Florida. I have a current State of Florida Teaching certificate, and I was one of the first teachers in Okaloosa County to become a National Board Certified Teacher, a designation I still hold.

Teaching Awards

As a teacher I received many accolades including being named the Choctaw High School and Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year, as well as the Florida Journalism Teacher of the Year twice.ย ย I was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2010.

Community Involvement

I am active in the community as a member of the Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Vice President of the Ft. Walton Beach Womanโ€™s Club, a member of Impact 100, the University of West Florida Alumni Association and the Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated. I recently chaired the Ft. Walton Beach Womanโ€™s Club 100thย Anniversary celebration, and was named the clubโ€™s volunteer of the year. I have been recognized on the Okaloosa County Womenโ€™s Wall of Honor and was inducted into the Okaloosa County Womenโ€™s Hall of Fame in 2016.

School Board's Role

As a School Board member, I have served on the Support Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year selection committees, I am the Boardโ€™s representative to the Okaloosa County Value Adjustment Board, I am a Take Stock in Children mentor, and I serve on the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation. I am often called upon to read to students, and to participate in other literacy initiatives.

My Record as a School Board Member

โœ“ย Voted against a mask mandate

โœ“ย Voted for the Guardian Program

โœ“ย Pushed for employee benefits reform

โœ“ย In favor of the ยฝ cent sales tax, but did not vote to raise any other tax

โœ“ย Supported Career and Technical Education programs

My Future Goals

ย 

โœ“Continue to expand Career and Technical Education program options.

โœ“Continue to phase out portable buildings used as classrooms.

โœ“Collaborate with the district in efforts to retain and attract quality employees.

โœ“Increase mental health resources for students and employees.

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