Okaloosa County to Vote on Closing Two Elementary Schools

School board to decide on shuttering Longwood and Mary Esther elementary schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Okaloosa County School District is expected to take a final vote on the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther elementary schools in the south end of the county. Superintendent Marcus Chambers cites financial hardships, a decline in enrollment, and steep impacts from Florida's budget constraints as reasons for the proposed closures. If approved, Mary Esther Elementary would be put up for sale, while Longwood Elementary would revert to federal property, and both schools would close at the end of the current semester.

Why it matters

The proposed closures have drawn significant backlash from local parents, who are concerned about the impact on their children's education and the disruption to the community. The school board's decision will have long-lasting effects on families in the affected areas.

The details

Under the proposal, students would be rezoned to different schools in the south end of the county starting in the 2026/27 school year. Before the final vote, there will be a public hearing where parents and community members can voice their concerns. The school board meeting will be livestreamed on the district's YouTube page.

  • The school board is expected to take a final vote on the closures at an upcoming meeting.
  • If approved, Longwood and Mary Esther elementary schools would close at the end of the current semester.
  • The new rezoning plan would take effect starting in the 2026/27 school year.

The players

Marcus Chambers

Superintendent of the Okaloosa County School District, who has proposed the closure of Longwood and Mary Esther elementary schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment.

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What’s next

The school board will hold a public hearing before the final vote on the proposed closures and rezoning plan.

The takeaway

The potential closure of Longwood and Mary Esther elementary schools highlights the ongoing challenges facing school districts in Florida, as they grapple with budget constraints and declining enrollment. The decision will have significant implications for the affected families and communities, underscoring the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.