Jerry Buckman announced his candidacy for the Okaloosa School Board District One.
He cited military service, substitute teaching experience, and family ties to local schools.
Buckman outlined education priorities and pledged to donate his school board salary to teachers
Jerry Buckman has announced his candidacy for the Okaloosa County School Board, District One, citing his military background, long-term residency, and involvement in local schools as key factors in his decision to run.
Buckman ran against Dr. Lamar White in the closest run of three school board elections four years ago. Buckman garnered 47% of the vote against the incumbent in that election.
This time around, with White out of the race – Buckman will face Cynthia West and former Okaloosa Clerk of Court JD Peacock.
Buckman is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with nearly 40 years of service, much of it in Special Operations. He has lived in Okaloosa County since 1980 and said his family has longstanding ties to the local school system, including multiple graduates from Choctawhatchee High School and Crestview High School, a current student at Shalimar Elementary School, and another family member preparing to graduate from Choctawhatchee.
In his announcement, Buckman stated that he has also worked as a substitute teacher, including assignments involving at-risk students, which he said provided firsthand insight into classroom challenges and district needs.
Buckman said his campaign priorities align with what he described as President Donald Trump’s “America First Education Agenda,” which he outlined as focusing on parental involvement, school choice, patriotic education, academic performance, and the removal of what he termed divisive ideologies from classrooms. He also referenced similar principles outlined in Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Phoenix Declaration,” noting that it has not been formally adopted as policy.
If elected, Buckman said he would advocate for incorporating those principles into the Okaloosa County School District’s revised strategic plan and would support additional policies aimed at strengthening educational outcomes. He also emphasized community involvement, encouraging residents to attend school board meetings and volunteer in schools.
Buckman stated he plans to collaborate with local agencies and elected officials to support teachers and ensure effective use of district resources. He also announced that, if elected, he intends to donate his entire school board salary toward classroom supplies for teachers.
Buckman said he is running for office despite being retired because he believes continued public service is important and wants to support the development of future citizens. He invited residents to contact him through Facebook or email for further discussion.
In the August primary election, roughly 29% of Okaloosa County’s registered voters cast ballots, according to audited results from the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections. In the School Board District 1 contest, Buckman challenged incumbent Lamar White and finished about 1,600 votes behind, based on precinct-level returns.
Official Announcement:
Jerry Buckman for Okaloosa School Board, District One
Dear Citizens of Okaloosa County,
My name is Jerry Buckman, and I am seeking your support as a candidate for School Board, District One. As a retired Colonel with nearly 40 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, primarily in Special Operations, and as a long-time resident since 1980, I bring leadership, vision, passion, and a deep commitment to serve our community. My family’s involvement in local schools includes three Choctaw graduates, one Crestview graduate, one upcoming Choctaw graduate, and another now at Shalimar Elementary. That combined with my broad experience as a substitute teacher, including with at-risk children, has given me valuable insight into both our successes and the challenges we face in our school district.
I am dedicated to advancing President Trump’s America First Education Agenda, which emphasizes empowering parents, expanding school choice, promoting patriotic citizenship, focusing on academic excellence, and eliminating divisive ideologies. These principles are also endorsed by Governor DeSantis through the similar “Phoenix Declaration” (not yet codified) and are vital for student success. When elected, I will advocate for integrating these priorities into our district’s revised strategic plan. Other policies and initiatives will follow, making the Okaloosa County School District a model for educational excellence that parents can confidently choose for their children.
I believe in fostering unity and producing well-educated, service-minded citizens that love our country. I will regularly update the community on progress as well as invite members to attend school board meetings and volunteer in our schools. I will collaborate with local agencies and elected officials to support our teachers and ensure resources are allocated effectively. It will take all of us to work together to give our students maximum support and benefit. Although I could simply enjoy my retirement, my love for America calls me to step forward and serve, so I can help our students develop the same respect and appreciation for our nation. To demonstrate my commitment, I will use my entire School Board salary to help our resolute teachers buy classroom or other supplies. Please connect with me on Facebook (Jerry Buckman) or via email (spectrenav@gmail.com) for further discussion.
America First Education: A Commitment to Discipline, Respect, and Community Involvement
Ephesians 6: 10-20
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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