Lights, Camera, Futures: Okaloosa Schools Roll Out a Free VPK Movie Experience

The Okaloosa County School District will host a free family movie afternoon on Feb. 1 to help families register children for kindergarten and VPK.
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.
Ruckel Middle Honors Legacy of Dr. Ginny Morgan With New Cafetorium

Ruckel Middle School dedicated its new cafetorium to former principal Dr. Ginny Morgan, honoring her decades of leadership and impact on students and staff.
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 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year

The Okaloosa County School District honored its top Education Staff Professionals during a ceremony at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, celebrating the custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, and support staff who keep schools running every day. This year, Northwood Elementary’s Nicole Hardin was named the 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year, earning recognition for her exceptional dedication to students and staff.
Okaloosa Schools face North-South divide as enrollment drops in Fort Walton, Destin; surges in Crestview

Okaloosa Schools face North-South divide as enrollment drops in Fort Walton, Destin; surges in Crestview Collin Bestor November 13, 2025 12:45 pm Schools and Education In Brief: 📈 Northern Okaloosa schools are growing fast — while southern campuses lose students 🏫 District may consider boundary changes or consolidations to manage enrollment shifts 💰 Voucher expansion […]
Okaloosa School Board reviews legislative priorities ahead of upcoming state session

Okaloosa County School Board members are calling on state lawmakers to fix what they describe as a broken funding system and to boost support for safety, mental health, and teacher retention.
GALLERY: Edge Elementary Celebrates its 100th Anniversary

Edge Elementary celebrated 100 years of education on the grounds of the school along SR-85 in Niceville.
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.