The Okaloosa County School Board recognized Dr. Diane Kelley for her extensive service to the district during a workshop on Monday, July 22, 2024. 

• Superintendent Marcus Chambers and board members praised Kelley’s contributions as she prepares to transition to her new role as principal of Destin High School.

Chambers presented Kelley with a plaque commemorating her years of service, which spanned roles including teacher, assistant principal, principal, district office staff, and board member.

• The plaque read, “In grateful recognition of your dedicated service, Dr. Diane Kelley, as a member of the Okaloosa County School Board from 2018 to 2024. Your commitment, leadership and vision have shaped the future of our students and our community.”

“Dr. Kelley absolutely has a heart for children and she has a heart for employees. She has a heart for public education,” Chambers said. He emphasized Kelley’s unique perspective, noting that she started as an elementary student in the district, continuing through middle school and graduating from an Okaloosa County high school.

The Superintendent highlighted Kelley’s work throughout the county, including the north end, central area, and south end. “She is a source of wisdom and she is a source of knowledge, particularly in the curriculum and instruction area and when it comes to administrator improvements,” Chambers added.

Board member Linda Evanchyk, who joined the board alongside Kelley in 2018, praised her colleague’s expertise. “When we were on the election circuit, it was amazing because I listened to her and I learned then her depth of knowledge,” Evanchyk said. “When Diane Kelley speaks, I listen because every time she says something, I learn something.”

• Tim Bryant, who sat beside Kelley for six years on the board, commended her leadership and positive demeanor. “The one thing that has always stood out about you is your smile. You have a wonderful smile and you bring just a peace when people see you,” Bryant remarked.
• Dr. Lamar White described Kelley as dedicated and dependable, calling her “a highly decorated member of this school district.” He added, “You have been dedicated without fail to the mission of this school district.”

Kelley, who has worked in the district since 1979, expressed gratitude for the opportunities she’s had. “Just to think that I had just a thimble full of an influence has been so important to me,” she said. Kelley reflected on her career, mentioning that she had worked with eight superintendents, starting with Max Bruner who hired her.

The recognition marks Kelley’s final board meeting before assuming her new position at Destin High School, a charter school. Destin High School announced Kelley as its new principal during an executive board meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

• Kelley, first elected to the school board in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, filed her resignation letter with an effective end-date of August 1. Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Brett Hinely to fill her seat on the Okaloosa County School Board, effective August 2, 2024.

As she concluded her remarks, Kelley invited her colleagues to visit her at Destin High School, asking for “just a few months to get integrated.” She noted, “We have a lot of construction going on, a lot of change and growth out there.”