Okaloosa board names Dr. Donna Kelly principal of new Pine View School; adopts rezoning for attendance zone

The Okaloosa County School Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Donna Kelly as principal of the new Pine View School and to adopt Resolution 25-10 to create the school's student attendance zone.

Superintendent Chambers introduced Dr. Donna Kelly to the board, noting the district has not opened a new school since 2008 and calling the appointment "a monumental moment for the school district." Chambers summarized Kelly's background, saying she has more than three decades of K–12 experience, has led Northwood Elementary School since 2013, and previously served 14 years at Owens Cross Roads School. Chambers also noted Kelly holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University and has been recognized with state and national principal awards.

Dr. Donna Kelly, the board's appointee, thanked the board and the Northwood community and pledged to build an inclusive school. "My commitment to students, staff, and families is wholehearted. I pledge to you now that I'll give a 100% to build a safe, inclusive, and high achieving school where every child can thrive," she said.

The board also held a public hearing on proposed rezoning of attendance areas for multiple Okaloosa schools to create the Pine View attendance zone. Assistant Superintendent John Spolsky presented the rezoning proposal; no members of the public spoke on the item. The board moved to adopt Resolution 25-10 and voted 5-0 in favor of the rezoning.

Both actions — the principal appointment and the rezoning resolution — were presented by the superintendent and passed without dissent.

What happens next: The district will implement the approved attendance boundaries for Pine View as established in Resolution 25-10 and Dr. Donna Kelly will assume the principalship as authorized by the board.