Okaloosa Schools Post Powerful Academic Gains, Higher Graduation Rates
Okaloosa County School District leaders are celebrating strong academic performance, rising graduation rates, and major campus improvements following the first semester of the school year.
Outstanding Achievement: Okaloosa High Schools Dominate National AP Honor Roll
Three Okaloosa County high schools earned national recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll for expanding access to advanced coursework.
Emotional Tribute as Okaloosa Students Shine in Powerful MLK Speech and Art Contest
Okaloosa County students were honored for powerful speeches and artwork celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during the district’s 2026 contest.
Education Champion: Kimberly Day-Scanlon Earns Teacher of the Year Title
Okaloosa County names Kimberly Day-Scanlon of Kenwood Elementary as 2027 Teacher of the Year, honoring excellence in special education.
Mary Esther leaders mobilize to fight proposed closure of elementary school
Mary Esther officials and residents are mounting a public pushback against the Okaloosa County School District’s proposal to close Mary Esther Elementary, arguing the nearly 60-year-old school is central to the city’s identity, family stability and military readiness.
FWB High’s Lindsey Smith Named Florida’s Top Administrator for 2026
Fort Walton Beach High Principal Lindsey Smith is honored as the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year for her leadership in advancing STEM education.
FWBHS Students Debut Tiny House, Gear Up for International Competition
Fort Walton Beach High School’s Building Trades students gave district leaders and community members an inside look at their in-progress tiny house project during a special preview event this week. The showcase highlighted the students’ growing expertise in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing — skills they’ll put to the test when they compete at the 2026 International Builders’ Show® in Orlando.
Okaloosa County School District Announces 2025 Sunshine State Scholars
Penelope Gordon and Emma Michel have been named Okaloosa County’s 2025 Sunshine State Scholars, with Adonaiah White named as the alternate, recognizing their achievements in STEM and providing opportunities to connect with colleges and employers in Orlando.
Okaloosa County High School Bands Achieve Straight Superior Ratings at 2025 FBA Marching Assessment
All five Okaloosa County high school marching bands earned Straight Superior ratings at the 2025 Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment, making the district the only one in its region with top ratings across all schools.
Fort Walton Beach school-zone cameras slash speeding by 95% in first year
Fort Walton Beach’s school-zone speed cameras cut speeding by 95% in their first year, collecting $183,675 in fines. Most violators received only one ticket, and city leaders say the revenue is being reinvested into safety improvements.
