Dec 16, 2025
JHS prepares to put on production of Anastasia
In theater, people see the culmination of a cast’s hard work — the dance they practiced for hours, the notes they sang until they could hold them for as many counts as possible, the expressions and lines painstakingly practiced. Audience members see the culmination of the hard work, but not the hard work itself.
Dec 8, 2025
School safety director pleads no contest to battery charge
Daniel Hahn, the former director of school safety for Santa Rosa County District Schools, has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Nov 6, 2025
Dr. Karen Barber honored with North Star Award
Santa Rosa County District Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Barber was honored with the prestigious North Star Award at the Scouting America Gulf Coast Outstanding Citizens Luncheon Nov. 5.
Nov 4, 2025
Sims Middle School SRO starts ‘Lunch with a Deputy’ program
Deputy Tony Jordan has 31 years of service under his belt, and he’s using his experience to better connect with the children he works with at Thomas L. Sims Middle School as a school resource officer. Jordan recently began his “Lunch with a Deputy” program, where a student is selected to sit, talk and eat lunch with the SRO.
Oct 20, 2025
Avalon Middle School presents FPL grant results
Twenty schools won Florida Power and Light’s $50,000 STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for the 2024-2025 school year, and Avalon Middle School was one of them. As a result, Theresa Yankovoy, who teaches STEM and sixth-grade social studies at Avalon, got a classroom makeover and new gadgets.
Oct 20, 2025
Milton teacher, alumna honored with ‘Teacher of the Year’ nomination
Dayna Hood says she gets the question, “Why teaching?” a lot.
Oct 13, 2025
School board names new Navarre High principal, responds to community criticism
Jennifer Schmitt is the new principal of Navarre High School.
The current Navarre High assistant principal will take over as head of the school Jan. 5, 2026, when Kasie Windfelder leaves for the same position at Soundside High School.
Oct 10, 2025
Central, Jay, Milton perform at Blackwater Classic Marching Band Fest
Milton High School played host to the Blackwater Classic Marching Band Festival Saturday, Oct. 4.
2025 marked the eighth year of the festival, which featured bands from as far away as Jackson County.
Oct 7, 2025
Santa Rosa Schools Safety Director arrested for battery
A Santa Rosa County District Schools employee was arrested for battery after he allegedly rubbed another employee’s shoulder against her will.
Daniel Hahn, 59, was booked into Santa Rosa County Jail Tuesday, Oct. 7, around noon.
Oct 3, 2025
Santa Rosa County teachers of year announced
Santa Rosa Education Foundation is pleased to announce the thirty-seven nominees for Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year. Nominees were selected by their peers at schools throughout the district.




