BRIEF: School’s Fate Up for a Vote

By Rachel Kyler, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

Dec. 16–Ocean City Elementary School’s fate will be decided Monday night.

The Okaloosa County School Board will vote on whether to close the school following a public hearing starting at 5:30 p.m. at the school district’s headquarters on Lowery Place in Fort Walton Beach.

“Certainly, anyone who wants to speak is welcomed to speak,” said Superintendent of Schools Alexis Tibbetts.

Following extensive research, school district officials recommended closing the school on June 30, 2008.

Factors in the decision include declining enrollment, the number of students zoning out of Ocean City’s district, the school’s proximity to commercial property, the demolition of the Garnier’s wastewater treatment plant and convenience to other schools, officials have said.

About 600 students are needed to make a school viable. In 2001, Ocean City’s enrollment was about 600. This year the school has 430 students, 62 below its projected numbers.

If the school is closed, students will be zoned into Wright, Longwood and Shalimar elementary schools.

“I know that it’s a very emotional thing for many people, but we know it’s in the best interest of students and the community and the taxpayers,” Tibbetts said.

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