Beth Barnes

The workshop meeting agenda included several sections. Recognitions featured a student state champion swimmer from Crestview High School. A key personnel item involved the appointment of a new principal for Walker Elementary School. The consent agenda covered approval of previous minutes from January 26, 2026, and appropriations of capital outlay funds from Districts 1, 2, and 4 to Southside Primary School for stage curtains. Other financial items included a budget amendment for fiscal year 25-26, the monthly financial statement for December 2025, invoice approvals, and requests to write off uncollectible NSF checks. Discussions also addressed a class size reduction compliance plan, which noted data reporting errors for a few schools, and course code adoptions for Okaloosa Technical College and other schools for the 26-27 school year, including commentary on Baker High School's ROC program expansion. Superintendent reports covered topics such as the new health clinic, FTE results for the February factor, CTE highlights, and first-semester highlights emphasizing academic excellence, student engagement, high graduation rates (91% overall, 96.7% for six major high schools), and successes in arts and athletics. The superintendent also highlighted Hope Week activities focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

The workshop included recognition of Mr. Jody Dunn, Crestview High School band director, and recognition of multiple high school bands for achieving superior ratings at the Florida Band Masters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment. The board discussed the appointment of an assistant principal, a principal, a program director, and an assistant superintendent. There was discussion regarding in-county and out-of-county travel expenses, appropriation of district school board member capital outlay funds to Silver Sand School for signage, and a request to advertise a public hearing regarding school start times. The appointment of members to the 2026 sales surtax citizens oversight committee was addressed, as well as a budget amendment, the monthly financial statement, invoices for approval, school donations, payroll warrant register, self-health insurance claims, bank transfers, revised child care fees for Elliot Point Elementary, and the 2026 Okaloosa County School District Legislative Priorities.

The school board held an organizational meeting where they nominated and approved Miss Linda Vanchek as the school board chair and Parker Destin as the vice chair. They also approved the school board meeting schedule, including a change in time to 5:00 PM. The board designated members to serve as trustees and alternates to various organizations, including the Florida School Board's Insurance Trust, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and the construction program. Additionally, they discussed and approved the annual review of the legal services agreement and considered a concept for a student representative to the board.

The school board workshop included discussions and recognitions. The agenda was amended to remove the appointment of a principal at Northwood Elementary School. The board recognized National Education Support Professionals Day and honored two members for achieving certified support professional designations. The Academic and Student Services department was also recognized for their work. The board discussed administrative personnel appointments, Destin High School's financial statements, and several consent agenda items, including appropriations for various schools and equipment, approval of invoices, a request to close a bank account, school donations, and agreements with various organizations.

The meeting included a proclamation of the National Education Support Professionals Day. The board also discussed administrative personnel appointments, including the appointment of the director for human resources.