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Okaloosa board gets construction and opening timeline for Destin Elementary and Pine View
Summary
District staff showed photos and drone footage at the March 9 workshop and confirmed an anticipated August 2026 opening timeline for new and renovated schools; staff warned of a water-line issue causing a slight delay for permanent HVAC at one site and explained phased furniture deliveries and hiring plans.
The Okaloosa County School Board received construction updates on March 9 showing substantial progress at Destin Elementary and Pine View and reiterating an August 2026 opening target for the new/renovated schools.
Superintendent Chambers and the district's construction representative reviewed recent site photos and drone footage. The construction representative said buildings are largely "dried in," brick and windows are installed, interior framing and painting are underway, and playgrounds are in place. "A lot has been done on the building itself," the representative said, noting furniture deliveries are planned to phase in starting in April as classrooms are completed.
The board heard that the district expects to phase occupancy and furniture moves beginning in April and continuing through the summer. A site-specific water-line issue was flagged: construction staff said a water-line delay means HVAC finalization will be a few weeks behind schedule, but they characterized the issue as manageable and work will continue through spring break and over weekends.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Miss Maxey described a two-stage hiring process to staff the new schools: initial "skeleton" allocations to create staffing plans (expected in April), followed by full allocations and placements with the goal of notifying employees before summer so staff know assignments when schools reopen.
Board members were briefed on coordination steps with feeder schools and the timetable for additional planning meetings. No vote was taken; the presentation was informational and part of the routine project oversight reported to the board.
