The Okaloosa County School Board appointed Aimee Lewis as principal of Northwood Elementary School on Dec. 8, promoting an educator who has spent more than a decade shaping the school’s culture and academic success.

• Lewis, who joined Northwood Elementary in 2012, has served in multiple roles at the school over the past 12 years, including classroom teacher, dean of students and most recently assistant principal.

“Over the course of the 12 years as a classroom teacher, she established herself as an exemplary educator known for high expectations, care and relationships, and a focus on academic growth,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers told the school board during the appointment meeting.

Lewis who was born and raised in Indiana and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University. After teaching for two years in Indiana, she relocated to Florida and continued her education, completing a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida.

During her time at Northwood, Lewis served as a classroom teacher for 12 years before transitioning to dean for two years and then to assistant principal.

In her acceptance remarks to the school board, Lewis outlined her vision for the school’s future.

• “I promise to lead Northwood with integrity, to stand beside and uplift our teachers and to ensure every student grows, succeeds, and feels like they belong,” Lewis said. “I’m committed to building a school community where relationships come first, where every voice is valued and where our shared goals guide meaningful progress.”

Lewis credited her family for their support throughout her career journey. She has been married to her husband Travis for 19 years, and they have two children: Brayden, an Okaloosa County graduate, and Adeline, a senior at Crestview High School.

She also thanked Dr. Donna Kelley, her mentor and the school’s former principal who is continuing her career at Pineview Elementary.

“I want to thank you and know that I will take care of Northwood with the same devotion you have modeled for me as you continue your journey at Pine View,” Lewis said. “I promise to protect, nurture, and grow the school you’ve poured so much into.”

The school board approved the appointment unanimously with a 5-0 vote.