The Okaloosa County School Board voted unanimously on Monday night to approve Megan Mueller as the next assistant principal of Meigs Middle School.

• Superintendent Marcus Chambers brought the recommendation to the board. He pointed out that cheerleaders had turned out for the meeting, which he said was a first for this kind of process. “How fantastic is that?” he said.

Mueller is a product of the Okaloosa County School District where she attended Mary Esther Elementary School, Bruner Middle School and Fort Walton Beach High School. According to Chambers, the relationships she built as a student inspired her to return to the area and go into education. She taught science at Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School before becoming a secondary science instructional coach.

Board Member Dr. Lamar White made the motion to approve, and Board Member Brett Hinely seconded it. Vice-chair Parker Destin called the vote, which passed 3-0.

“I am humbled by this opportunity and do not take this responsibility lightly,” Mueller told the board. “I believe that every student I have taught, every teacher I have worked alongside, and every administrator and specialist who has supported me, has guided me to this moment.”

Mueller thanked her family and several educators she credited with developing her as a leader. Among them were John Spolski, the former Fort Walton Beach High School principal who is now assistant superintendent, and Lindsey Smith, the school’s current principal, along with the rest of the Fort Walton Beach administrative team. 

• She also thanked Tami Ellis, Science Curriculum Specialist, and Stephanie Gillis, Math Curriculum Specialist, saying she had learned a lot working with them. (Both also taught at FWBHS)

Mueller said she was looking forward to working with Meigs Principal Melissa Bowell and the school’s staff. “I look forward to serving our students and community, supporting our staff, and working together to build on the strong foundation already in place at Meigs Middle School,” she said. “I believe we can accomplish anything through strong teamwork and a collective effort. I’m ready to level up our A-game. Go Wildcats.”

Mueller and her husband, Marcelo, an assistant principal at Fort Walton Beach High School, have two sons.

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