OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A longtime Okaloosa County educator has been appointed to a key district leadership role focused on secondary education and student success.
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The Okaloosa County School Board has approved the appointment of Holly Tew as Director I of Secondary Education, Curriculum, and Instruction, following a vote at the June 9, 2025, School Board meeting.
Ms Tew began her 30-year education career in the Okaloosa County School District. A native Floridian, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Math and Science Education from the University of West Florida and later received a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Over the years, she has taught both math and science at the middle and high school levels and served as Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Shoal River Middle School, Riverside Elementary, and Crestview High School. For the past four years, she has been principal at Davidson Middle School.
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“I have truly cherished every moment of being ‘Panther Proud,’” said Ms Tew, reflecting on her time at Davidson. “But I’m excited to now serve a broader community of students, families, and educators.”
Her focus as Director will be on ensuring that students across Okaloosa County have access to rigorous academics and the support they need to succeed. She brings more than a decade of experience as a school-based administrator into her new districtwide role.
Ms Tew and her husband, Aaron, have been married for 32 years. They have three grown children—Chapman, Weston, and Aubrey—and recently welcomed their first grandchild. The family is expecting a second grandchild in November.
Outside of her work in education, Ms Tew enjoys spending time with family, serving in her church, playing piano, being on the water, and cheering on the Florida Gators.
