Back to school message from Superintendent Marcus Chambers

I am proud to announce that Okaloosa County is once again an A+ district in Florida. We are 1 of only 3 districts to earn that distinction for each of the last five years. We are blessed to have an outstanding group of educators and support staff who are committed to helping your student grow academically this year.

Hello Students and Parents!

Welcome to a brand new year in the Okaloosa County School District! The beginning of school is an exciting time for both students and staff members. I hope that each of you enjoyed your summer and are ready to begin what I believe will be our best year yet.

I am proud to announce that Okaloosa County is once again an A+ district in Florida. We are 1 of only 3 districts to earn that distinction for each of the last five years. We are blessed to have an outstanding group of educators and support staff who are committed to helping your student grow academically this year. As a parent of two school-age children, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this district!

Safety has been a priority of mine since becoming Superintendent, and I know it’s on your mind. I want you to know that, with the support of our School Board, we are taking the necessary steps to make schools safer by adding layers of security. Some will be noticeable while others will not. These steps have been occurring throughout the summer and will continue this year. One of the most important layers of school safety is our School Resource Officer program which is provided by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. I am pleased to announce that this summer it was once again selected as the Best SRO program in Florida!

Parents, as we move into this school year, I want to thank you in advance for being actively involved in your student’s education. I challenge you in the upcoming year to connect with your school in whatever way you can: as a volunteer, through School Advisory Council membership, in booster clubs or as a PTO member. We are at our best when we partner together to make educational decisions for your student.

Students, I challenge you to push the limits of what you think you can accomplish in the classrooms, on our sports fields, or in our concert halls. Don’t settle for good enough when great is within your reach. Be considerate of each other and offer a kind word every chance you get. We have over 32,000 students in our district, and I want you to know that EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT. You are the reason we are here.

As I said earlier, 2019-2020 can be our best year yet. I hope each of you are as excited about the promise that this year holds as I am.

Welcome Back!!

Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School District Superintendent of Schools, can be reached at 850.689.7185, or by email at chambersm@okaloosaschools.com,