Okaloosa Schools - Mid Bay News

Liveblog: Hurricane Isaias Coverage for the Emerald Coast

Niceville declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches the Emerald Coast. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge up to seven feet are expected. Meanwhile, Okaloosa County School District has canceled all Thursday and Friday classes, rescheduling major high school football games to next week.

Chambers’ presentation reveals bold bets for Okaloosa Schools

Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers has outlined a strategic vision for the district’s future amid the rising influence of school vouchers and increased competition from private, home, and virtual schooling. By emphasizing a “reimagining” of elementary education, workforce-aligned career training, and targeted facilities upgrades, the district aims to maintain its high performance ratings and adapt to shifting population growth across the county.

HISTORY: Okaloosa finally integrates its schools

Twelve years after the Brown v. Board ruling, Okaloosa County Schools finally voted to integrate on July 13, 1966. While initial resistance was strong—backed by local politicians and the “Pork Chop Gang” in the state legislature—the district eventually conceded to federal integration mandates to avoid losing critical funding.

Okaloosa Schools Continue Incredible ‘A’ Streak with Strong Academic Gains

Okaloosa County Schools earned another statewide “A” rating after improving student achievement, graduation rates, and academic performance across nearly every category.

EXCLUSIVE: Candidate Buckman demands complete transparency from Okaloosa Superintendent

Okaloosa County School Board candidate Jerry Buckman outlined a platform focused on strict classroom discipline, independent oversight of Superintendent Marcus Chambers, and a plan to raise teacher pay without raising taxes. Buckman, who describes himself as a grassroots conservative, calls the current situation one of “chronically chaotic classrooms” and vows to enforce the student code of conduct and dress code to restore order. He also criticizes the district for lacking a meaningful 20- to 50-year facilities recapitalization plan for aging schools, and proposes redirecting central office funds to classroom teachers and bus drivers. Furthermore, Buckman champions an “America First” education agenda, emphasizing civics, factual U.S. history, and service, including bringing veterans into classrooms to share their experiences. He also pledges to donate his school board salary to teachers in need if elected.

Massie accuser Cynthia West talks Okaloosa School Board race in exclusive interview

Okaloosa County School Board District 5 candidate Cynthia West addresses a high-profile deposition involving Representative Thomas Massie and explains why she walked away from a $60,000 settlement requiring a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to uphold the transparency she demands of district staff. West supports school vouchers, arguing that public education must adapt to school choice, and suggests co-locating charter schools in underused facilities to retain capital outlay funds. She criticizes recent school closures as “irresponsible to taxpayers” and proposes funding teacher raises by scrutinizing and reworking expensive contracts, such as for IT and School Resource Officers (SRO). She also highlights the current board’s lack of dissenting votes, warning against “groupthink” and an “echo chamber” in governance.