Education roundup for Okaloosa and Walton counties
A ribbon cutting was held recently as the Okaloosa County School District celebrated the renovations that took place on the campus of Longwood Elementary School.
"Due to the Half Cent Sales Tax Program that Okaloosa County Voters approved in 2020, our School District is making so many much-needed updates to our buildings throughout the entire District as well as planning for new school construction," stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers in a press release.
Longwood Elementary was built 40 years ago with open-concept, pod-style classrooms. Over the summer, Jacobs-Titan and Lord and Son Construction installed walls to create individual rooms for students and teachers.
More school news: Okaloosa County School District and HCA Fort Walton announce new partnership.
"We now have new walls, new flooring, furniture, roofing, and state-of-the-art technology. We are equipped to prepare the leaders of tomorrow," said Principal Lisa Tucker in a release.
More education opportunities coming to Walton County in 2025
In a partnership between Northwest Florida State College and Seacoast Collegiate High School in Walton County, a groundbreaking was held Oct. 2 on a Dual Enrollment and Workforce Development Center that aims to transform educational opportunities in the area.
The ceremony was held at Seacoast. The center hopes to blend high school and college coursework with career skills.
“This groundbreaking ceremony marked a pivotal moment in education in Northwest Florida,” said NWFSC President Devin Stephenson in a press release. “This collaboration will stand as a testament to the innovative spirit of both institutions. Collectively, we are at the forefront of revolutionizing a model that will transform the educational landscape, equip students for the challenges of the current workforce, and empower the next generation with enhanced academic and career pathways.”
The new facility will include three buildings while providing additional space for Seacoast and NWFSC classrooms. They also will share space for workforce development, continuing education and career preparedness.
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The expansion is expected to cost $30 million. Earlier this year, Florida legislators appropriated $9 million for the project. The family of Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine contributed $1 million to the project.
The buildings are expected to be completed by 2025.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: The latest education news in Okaloosa and Walton Counties
