Okaloosa County School Board — Regular Meeting, December 8, 2025 — reading text

Monday, December 8, 2025 Regular Meeting School District Central Administration Complex Niceville, Florida Boardroom 6:00 p.m. Public Hearing 6:15 p.m. Moment of Silence Pledge of Allegiance led by Brett Hinely *********************************************** NOTICE: This Board Meeting is being live-streamed for the convenience of the public at the video link above or at https://www.okaloosaschools.com/o/ocsd/page/2025-school-board-meetings. *********************************************** 1. Opening of Meeting Subject : 1.1 Call to Order by the Chairman Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Procedural 2. Approval of Agenda Subject : 2.1 Changes to Agenda and Approval of Agenda Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Action Recommended Action : Motion to approve the Agenda as amended: Consent Agenda: Added item 7.37 Revision to Stop Loss Insurance Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Agenda as amended: Consent Agenda: Added item 7.37 Revision to Stop Loss Insurance Motion by Tim Bryant, second by Parker Destin. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: Tim Bryant, Parker Destin, Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, Lamar White 3. Recognitions Subject : 3.1 Recognition of Jody Dunn, Crestview High School Band Director for being inducted to the John Phillip  Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor, presented by Superintendent Chambers Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Recognition Public Content Jody Dunn, now in his 35th year as a band director and his 31st at his alma mater, Crestview High School, has been honored with a Special Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The award, part of the Bandworld Legion of Honor, honors exceptional band directors who have dedicated their careers to high-quality concert band programs and significant contributions to the music profession. Throughout his career, Dunn’s ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association District and State Concert MPA, as well as at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival and the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. He has also served the Florida Bandmasters Association in multiple leadership roles, including District 1 Chairman, Ethics Committee Chair, Music Selection Committee member, and Marching Band Task Force Chair. His numerous accolades include the Florida Bandmasters Association Oliver Hobbs Award, the National Band Association Certificate of Merit, and the Otto J. Kraushaar Award (received nine times). Dunn is also a member of the American School Band Directors Association and serves on the Phi Beta Mu International Board of Directors. The Bandworld Legion of Honor was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding band directors who have demonstrated excellence over at least 15 years of teaching and have made exceptional contributions to the band profession. Recipients are honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Reflecting on his career, Dunn said, “I use music to reach students where they are and take them further than they ever imagined possible. My goal is to create lifelong consumers of music and advocates for artistic pursuits in all aspects of life.” Superintendent Marcus Chambers added, “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Dunn and the legacy of excellence he has built at Crestview High School. His dedication to students, music education, and our community exemplifies the very best of what teaching can achieve. This recognition by the John Philip Sousa Foundation is a testament to his talent, leadership, and lifelong commitment to shaping young musicians.” Dunn received his Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and continues to inspire countless students through his teaching, mentorship, and passion for music. Jody Dunn, now in his 35th year as a band director and his 31st at his alma mater, Crestview High School, has been honored with a Special Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The award, part of the Bandworld Legion of Honor, honors exceptional band directors who have dedicated their careers to high-quality concert band programs and significant contributions to the music profession. Throughout his career, Dunn’s ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association District and State Concert MPA, as well as at the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival and the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. He has also served the Florida Bandmasters Association in multiple leadership roles, including District 1 Chairman, Ethics Committee Chair, Music Selection Committee member, and Marching Band Task Force Chair. His numerous accolades include the Florida Bandmasters Association Oliver Hobbs Award, the National Band Association Certificate of Merit, and the Otto J. Kraushaar Award (received nine times). Dunn is also a member of the American School Band Directors Association and serves on the Phi Beta Mu International Board of Directors. The Bandworld Legion of Honor was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding band directors who have demonstrated excellence over at least 15 years of teaching and have made exceptional contributions to the band profession. Recipients are honored at the annual Sousa Foundation awards ceremony during the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Reflecting on his career, Dunn said, “I use music to reach students where they are and take them further than they ever imagined possible. My goal is to create lifelong consumers of music and advocates for artistic pursuits in all aspects of life.” Superintendent Marcus Chambers added, “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Dunn and the legacy of excellence he has built at Crestview High School. His dedication to students, music education, and our community exemplifies the very best of what teaching can achieve. This recognition by the John Philip Sousa Foundation is a testament to his talent, leadership, and lifelong commitment to shaping young musicians.” Dunn received his Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and continues to inspire countless students through his teaching, mentorship, and passion for music. File Attachments Jody Dunn.pdf (366 KB) 3. Recognitions Subject : 3.2 Recognition of the Baker, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville High School bands for achieving straight superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment held on October 11, 2025, presented by Superintendent Chambers. Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Recognition Public Content Recognition of the Baker, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville High School bands for achieving straight superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment held on October 11, 2025. File Attachments Band FBMA Marching Assessment Awards (4).pdf (1,839 KB) 4. Administrative Personnel Appointments Subject : 4.1 Appointment of Assistant Principal II (10 Month), Ruckel Middle School, recommended by the Superintendent for approval. Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Action Recommended Action : Motion to approve the appointment of Assistant Principal II (10 Month) Ruckel Middle School. Public Content Motion & Voting Motion to approve the appointment of Damian Sotelo to the position of Assistant Principal II (10 Month) Ruckel Middle School. Motion by Brett Hinely, second by Tim Bryant. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: Tim Bryant, Parker Destin, Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, Lamar White 4. Administrative Personnel Appointments Subject : 4.2 Appointment of Principal, Northwood Elementary School, recommended by the Superintendent for approval. Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Action Recommended Action : Motion to approve the appointment of Principal, Northwood Elementary School effective January 5, 2026. Public Content Motion & Voting Motion to approve the appointment of Aimee Lewis to the position of Principal, Northwood Elementary School effective January 5, 2026. Motion by Tim Bryant, second by Parker Destin. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: Tim Bryant, Parker Destin, Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, Lamar White 4. Administrative Personnel Appointments Subject : 4.3 Appointment of Program Director, Human Resources, recommended by the Superintendent for approval. Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Action Recommended Action : Motion to approve the appointment of Program Director, Human Resources,  effective January 13, 2026. Motion & Voting Motion to approve the appointment of Courtney Huffstutler to the position of Program Director, Human Resources, effective January 13, 2026. Motion by Tim Bryant, second by Brett Hinely. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yes: Tim Bryant, Parker Destin, Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, Lamar White 4. Administrative Personnel Appointments Subject : 4.4 Appointment of Assistant Superintendent, Academic and Student Services, recommended by the Superintendent for approval. Meeting : Dec 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Type : Action Recommended Action : Motion to approve the appointment of Assistant Superintendent, Academic and Student Services, effective TBD. Public Content Motion & Voting Motion to approve the appointment of Dr.