Okaloosa School District names Donna Kelley as Pineview School principal

In Brief:

🏫 Okaloosa County names Dr. Donna Kelley principal of new Pineview K-8 School
🌟 Kelley recently earned a 2025 National Distinguished Principal award
📘 Pineview will be the county’s first new school since 2008, opening in 2026

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NICEVILLE — For the first time since 2008, Okaloosa County is opening a new school, and longtime educator Dr. Donna Kelley will lead it.

On Monday, the Okaloosa County School Board unanimously appointed Kelley to serve as the principal of Pineview School, a new K-8 school opening in the county’s northern end for the 2026-2027 school year.

“This is a monumental moment for the school district,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.

Kelley, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, has served as the principal of Northwood Elementary since 2013.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to help create a new family and a shared vision at Pineview,” Kelley said at Monday’s meeting. “My commitment to students, staff, and families is wholehearted. I pledge to you now that I’ll give 100% to build a safe, inclusive, and high-achieving school where every child can thrive.”

Most recently, Kelley was named one of 43 principals nationwide to receive the 2025 National Distinguished Principal award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the district announced Tuesday in a news release.

“Dr. Kelley exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. Her passion for students, her dedication to excellence, and her unwavering commitment to building a positive school culture are second to none,” said Chambers in a news release. “We are proud to see her receive this national recognition, which reflects not only her leadership but also the incredible work happening every day at Northwood Elementary and across Okaloosa County.”