Okaloosa School Board schedules public hearings on two elementary-school closures and rezoning
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Summary
At a Feb. 23 workshop the board read three resolutions proposing the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther elementary schools at the end of 2025-26 and a rezoning plan that would reassign students to several neighboring schools for the 2026-27 year; no final vote was taken.
Chairwoman called three public-hearing items to the board on Feb. 23, asking the board to consider resolutions that would close two elementary schools and rezone affected students.
The board read Resolution 26-01, proposing adoption of a school-closure plan for Longwood Elementary School at the end of the 2025-26 school year and providing for the surplus and disposal of related real property; Resolution 26-02, proposing the same for Mary Esther Elementary School; and Resolution 26-03, proposing a rezoning of students currently zoned to Mary Esther and Longwood Elementary Schools and establishing a new attendance zone affecting students who would attend Edwin's Elementary School, Elliot Pointe Elementary School, Florosa Elementary School, Kenwood Elementary School, Shalimar Elementary School and Wright Elementary School. Assistant Superintendent Spolsky presented the items to the board.
Why it matters: if approved later in the process, the closures and rezoning would change where students attend beginning with the 2026-27 school year, trigger property surplus procedures and require operational planning for affected schools and families. The items were presented as public hearings; the workshop did not record a final vote or adoption.
Board action and next steps: the board placed the resolutions on the public-hearing track; additional public comment and formal consideration will occur as the district follows its notice and hearing schedule. The transcript and agenda list each resolution by number and the schools affected; no outcome was recorded at the Feb. 23 workshop.
Authority and context: the items were presented as district resolutions (26-01, 26-02 and 26-03) and framed as administrative actions to be considered via the public-hearing process. The record on Feb. 23 shows presentation and notice, not a completed board decision.