Search
Close this search box.

Baker School showcases $8 million in upgrades with new multipurpose building, parking lot

Baker School inaugurates its $7.1 million Multipurpose Building, alongside separate improvements including CTE program upgrades, a new parking lot, and community-funded flagpoles, showcasing significant campus development.
Contributed: OCSD

Baker School celebrated the grand opening of its new Multipurpose Building, a project funded by the Half-Cent Sales Tax.

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the school’s talent, featuring performances by the band, cheerleaders, and dance team. The Army JROTC presented the colors, adding a patriotic touch to the event.

Principal Michael Martello and his administrative team led tours of the new 15,430-square-foot Multipurpose Building. In addition to this major project, the school celebrated several other improvements.

The Culinary Arts program received a boost with a Commercial Grade Culinary Classroom Renovation, funded by CTE at a cost of $128,485.87. Attendees at the ceremony had the opportunity to sample refreshments prepared by the school’s culinary students.

  • In addition to the new building, the project included a new parking lot and pavilion, costing $900,000 and funded by the half-cent sales tax.

The Army JROTC program also celebrated the installation of new flagpoles at the front of the school. This project, costing approximately $7,500, was made possible through community support.

Contributors to the flagpole project included Adam’s Sanitation, local Veterans’ organizations, and several community leaders. Among the donors were the American Legion Emerald Coast Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Fort Walton Beach Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, Northwest Florida Military Officers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

  • Individual contributors included John Cahoon, Okaloosa School Board Member Linda Evanchyk, County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, and Dave Parisot.

School officials expressed gratitude to community members, students, staff, Jacobs Titan, and Lord and Sons for their roles in bringing these projects to fruition.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond
“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”
Respond
“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”
Respond
“Interesting Risk, limiting your customer base. Wishes for success.”
Respond
“Beulah & I extend heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for your decades of highly skilled, compassionate care for our community and my family. We love you & Cathy and pray God’s...”
Respond
“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
Respond
“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
Respond
“CANT WAIT, LOVE COOKIES & LOVE FOR MY 2 NEW FRIENDS .”
Respond
“Will the expansion joints used on the new bridge protect bicycle tires from puntures?”
Respond
“So Red Speed is going to make 20% on every ticket! I am guessing Red Speed approached the city, providing equipment and signage. Does this arrangement have a limited time...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.