Niceville, FWB High Schools Named to AP School Honor Roll
Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools were honored for their success on AP tests.
Lewis Falcons Host First Football Game – Thanks To Facility Upgrade on Campus
The Lewis School in Valparaiso celebrated its first-ever home football game at a new field funded by the half-cent sales tax, marking a major milestone for the school’s athletic program and the local community.
Okaloosa County Places In Top 10 In State FAST Testing
The Florida Department of Education released the 2023-24 results for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End of Course Exams on July 1, 2024. Okaloosa Schools ranked 10th out of 67 districts, with top performances in 5th, 7th, and 8th-grade Reading, 7th and 8th-grade Mathematics, and 8th-grade Science. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the dedication of the school community and highlighted the need for ongoing improvement despite some areas where pass rates fell below the state average.
Under Cloud of Controversy, STEMM Principal to Lead Education Efforts at Okaloosa DJJ Facility
In a move that sparked public outcry and emotional testimonies, the Okaloosa County School Board approved the transfer of Dr. Scheree Martin from Okaloosa STEMM Academy to a leadership position at the Department of Juvenile Justice facility south of Crestview. Despite unanimous support from the board, except for the absent Tim Bryant, parents vociferously opposed the transfer, citing Martin’s controversial past with children with autism at STEMM Academy. Superintendent Marcus Chambers defended the decision, emphasizing the district’s commitment to addressing misconduct while navigating complex personnel decisions.
Children Chosen for Creativity in Tax Collector Tag Art Contest
The Okaloosa County School Board meeting was filled with excitement as Tax Collector Ben Anderson and Sheriff Eric Aden, along with Superintendent Marcus Chambers, presented the Award of Distinction to the winners of the Kids Tag Art Program. This program, which combines an art contest with a fundraising initiative, raised over $18,000 for school arts programs this year, showcasing the creative talents of local 5th graders and supporting the arts in Okaloosa County schools.
Ruckel Middle School Golf Coach Qualifies For U.S. Senior Open Championship
Jon Olson, a dedicated teacher and coach at Ruckel Middle School, has qualified for the 2024 U.S. Senior Open Championship. Competing at the Wynlakes Golf & Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama, Olson secured his spot after a playoff. His achievement is celebrated by the Okaloosa County School District, with Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Principal Joe Jannazo praising his dedication both on the golf course and in the classroom.
The Lewis Falcons Host their First Match on a New Home Court, Thanks to Sales Tax.
The Lewis School christened their new arena floor at the Taylor Haugen gymnasium August 29th.
Superintendent Chambers Speaks About Mary Beth Jackson, Abuse Investigation
At the meeting of the republican women’s organization, superintendent chambers was asked two questions about the investigation and its fallout; which he answered with the help of notes due to “federal litigation” he referenced before he responded.
