Okaloosa School Board schedules hearing on proposal to close Mary Esther, Longwood Elementary Schools
With classrooms emptying and budgets tightening, Okaloosa school leaders say theyβre out of options β but families argue the cost of closure goes far beyond the numbers.
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 Districtβs proposal to close Mary Esther Elementary, arguing the nearly 60-year-old school is central to the cityβs identity, family stability and military readiness.