Okaloosa County School District highlights student-centered leadership with two new appointments

Okaloosa County, Florida – The Okaloosa County School District is starting a new chapter in its leadership with the hiring of two experienced teachers to important roles. At a school board meeting held on June 23, 2025, members unanimously approved Laura King and Eva Ratley for new roles, recognizing their dedication and long-standing service to the community’s schools.

Laura King, who has been an established name in area schools since 2005, will now be the Principal at Davidson Middle School. Mrs. King comes from Jacksonville, North Carolina. She started teaching in 2001 and then moved to Okaloosa County, where she worked at several elementary schools, such as Oak Hill, Valparaiso, and Riverside. She was previously an assistant principal at Davidson Middle School and Plew Elementary School, where she worked closely with Principal Holly Tew for the past few years.

Mrs. King has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also has a master’s degree in educational leadership and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida.

A strong desire to grow and a strong dedication to her students have influenced her journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and the Panther community very much as she got ready to start her new job.

Mrs. King is excited and honored. She is up to the challenge and is, as always, “Panther Proud!”

The board also welcomed Eva Ratley to a new leadership role at Elliott Point Elementary School at the same time as Mrs. King’s appointment. Ms. Ratley grew up in the military and has taught students from Pre-K to fifth grade in many states and countries throughout the course of her 20-year career. She moved to Okaloosa County in 2010 and started working at Lewis School. In 2024, after getting her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida, she became Dean of Students.

Ms. Ratley, whose three children are all graduates of the Okaloosa school system, brings both personal and professional investment to her work. She said she was excited to join the Elliott Point family and is looking forward to getting to know kids, teachers, and the rest of the school community.

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As both women prepare for the school year ahead, the district celebrates their leadership, experience, and heart for education. Their new jobs show that they have been dedicated to their work for many years and that Okaloosa County will continue to focus on student progress and school excellence.