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Okaloosa School Board approves closure of Longwood and Mary Esther elementaries, adopts rezoning plan
Summary
The Okaloosa County School Board voted 5-0 on Feb. 23, 2026 to close Longwood and Mary Esther elementaries at the end of the 2025–26 school year and approved a rezoning plan that shifts their students to six receiving schools for 2026–27; the district cited falling enrollment and budget shortfalls.
The Okaloosa County School Board voted unanimously on Feb. 23, 2026 to adopt three resolutions that will close Longwood Elementary and Mary Esther Elementary at the end of the 2025–26 school year and rezone students to receiving schools beginning in 2026–27.
Superintendent Chambers, who introduced the proposals at the board's public hearing, said the district is facing sustained declines in elementary enrollment and tightening budgets. "The proposal that is before the board today is to close 2 schools, Mary Esther Elementary and Longwood Elementary," he said, adding that the district has already reduced operating expenditures in recent years and expects further adjustments.
The superintendent…
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