Latest news with #MarcusChambers
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The latest school and school district grades are out. How did Okaloosa County fare?
The Okaloosa County School District has again scored an A on its report card for what it calls its 'unwavering commitment to academic excellence across all grade levels.' Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on July 7 that improvements were registered in K-12 school performance across all school types statewide. In fact, 71% of all graded schools (2,461 schools) earned either an A or B grade, compared to 64% (2,215) of schools last year. Florida charter schools are also thriving, with 77% earning A or B grades. The Okaloosa district scored a total of 793 points, up from 772 in 2023–2024. Additionally, 92% of Okaloosa schools earned an A or B, an increase from 86% the previous year. The district also maintained an 88% graduation rate and made gains in English language arts, mathematics, and science, as well as civics. Okaloosa is one of only three districts in Florida to earn an A grade every year school grades have been issued since 2014. In a news release announcing the 2024-25 district and school grades, Okaloosa Superintendent Marcus Chambers said, 'Once again, Okaloosa County has demonstrated what is possible when students, teachers, families and school leaders work together toward a common goal. "Earning an A rating is a reflection of the high standards we hold ourselves to as a district and our shared belief in continuous improvement. I'm deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of our teachers, staff and administrators, whose efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.' In the news release, the district touted the following statistics: Schools earning an A increased from 15 to 19 Schools earning a B decreased from 17 to 15 Schools earning a C decreased from 5 to 3 Baker School, Bruner Middle, Davidson Middle and Walker Elementary improved from B in 2023-24 to A in 2024-25. Choctawhatchee High School, Edwins Elementary and Shalimar Elementary improved from C to B. Fort Walton Beach High School, Meigs Middle and Northwood Elementary were 1 point away from earning A grades. For a full listing of school and district grades, for this year and past years, visit the Daily News' data site at This tool also allows readers to check how all other Florida districts and schools fared in 2024-25 and in past years. Likewise, full information for Walton County, whose school district also maintained its A grade, can be found at In an email statement received July 8, Chambers said Okaloosa's high rating is the result of a 'collective effort by passionate educators, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to meeting students where they are.' The district has emphasized ongoing professional development of teachers, used specific strategies to focus on English language arts and civics, and adjusted instruction in real time to make sure students grow and meet the goals. 'By integrating innovative technologies — such as virtual reality goggles and Clear Touch panels — we're enhancing instruction in subjects like biology, geometry, and algebra, making learning more engaging and accessible. We've also prioritized acceleration opportunities in middle school and expanded college and career readiness initiatives,' Chambers said. 'I couldn't be more proud of the incredible efforts of our students, educators, and school communities — and what we've accomplished together.' 'Florida's use of statewide progress monitoring is yet another example of how Florida leads on education,' DeSantis said in a news release announcing the grades. 'Providing more opportunities for parents and teachers to intervene in a child's performance in school leads to better outcomes and a higher quality education.' Statewide, 71% of graded schools (2,461 schools) earned an A or B in 2025 compared to 64% (2,215 schools) in 2024. And 44% of all schools earned an A, up from 38% in 2024. The number of schools earning a D or F decreased from 117 in 2024 to 71 in 2025. As for school districts statewide: For 2024-25, 28 districts received an A, 31 districts received a B, eight districts received a C. No districts received a D or F. Our story from 2024: Okaloosa and Walton counties retain A ratings in new Florida school district ratings Among Florida's charter schools, 77 percent (480) of graded charter schools earned an A or B, and 68% (412 schools) either increased their grade or maintained an A. Jim Ross contributed This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Okaloosa County, Florida reflects on 2024-25 school and district grades
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
UPDATE: Okaloosa County School District responds after teacher's arrest for allegedly having sex with a student
UPDATE (2:45 p.m.): The Okaloosa County School District has issued a response after a teacher was arrested for allegedly having sexual relations with a student two decades ago. UPDATE: MCPSS reassigns bus driver to different role after bus overturned in February According to OCSD officials, 58-year-old Timothy John Sexton had been placed on administrative leave after the school district's 'receipt of a report via FortifyFL.' District officials said they sent the report to the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and, after deputies investigated, Sexton was arrested. School board policy states that pending the outcome of his criminal case, Sexton may be suspended without pay. 'Our teachers are held to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity when it comes to the safety and well-being of our students,' said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. 'Despite the significant time that has passed, if the allegations against this employee are substantiated, we will respond swiftly and appropriately. 'This is a zero-tolerance issue.' PREVIOUS REPORTING OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — A Crestview High School teacher has been arrested after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a student two decades ago. UPDATE: 2 brothers arrested after deadly Mobile County shooting According to an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office news release, a tip was reported in March 2025 to Fortify Florida, an app that allows users to report suspicious activity or tips to the appropriate law enforcement agency. 'Through interviews with the victim and witnesses, investigators obtained enough evidence for probable cause,' the release said. Investigators said the relationship began in April 2001 when the victim was 14 and continued until July 2005 when she was 17. The investigation led to the arrest of 58-year-old Timothy John Sexton at his home on Jeff Drive in Crestview. He is charged with sexual battery by a person in a custodial authority and sexual battery with a victim between 12-18 years old. Sexton is a teacher at Crestview High School and a former teacher at Pryor Middle School, the release said. 'There is no expiration date on seeking justice for victims,' OCSO Sheriff Eric Aden said. 'This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to pursuing the truth, no matter how much time has passed. We are proud of the work done by our investigators and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward.' Hundreds run across iconic Mobile bridge to help Africatown Sexton is being held at the Okaloosa County Jail with no bond, the release said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
5 Okaloosa County School District students graduate from Project SEARCH program
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Five Okaloosa County School District students with disabilities graduated from a special program last week, ready to start their new careers. Termite season is among us, Gulf Coast — here's how to get rid of them According to an OCSD news release, the Project SEARCH High School Transition Program celebrated its third consecutive graduation at the Hilton Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island. The program teaches young adults with disabilities the essential job skills and workforce training needed to enter the workforce when they complete the program, the release said. The program is designed for students 18 to 21 years old who have completed their high school credits but have deferred their diploma to participate in Project SEARCH, the release said. 'Project SEARCH fosters career exploration and on-the-job training through a business-led collaboration with community partners,' the release said. 'Project SEARCH is life-changing for these students, offering them the skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce,' OCSD Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. 'The dedication of our educators and community partners reflects our commitment to inclusivity and student success.' This year's class included students from Baker, Crestview, Laurel Hill and Silver Sands high schools. 'It's inspiring to see the profound impact this program has — not just on our students but also on the staff who support them,' Exceptional Student Education Director Kathy Ard said. 'As they step into their careers, they do so with a new level of confidence and capability, ready for success.' 2 drown in Destin, Florida: Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Interested students can apply for the program between August and the end of March of their senior year. Applicants participate in an interview and assessment, and final selections are made by the end of April for the next school year, the release said. Those participating do not receive their diploma until they have completed Project SEARCH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
