The Okaloosa County School Board approved Michael Denton, Assistant Principal of Pryor Middle School, Susan Geering, Principal of Antioch Elementary School, Laurren Seegars, Principal of Bob Sikes Elementary School, and Lisa Jones, Assistant Principal of Mary Esther Elementary School (not present), at the May 8, 2023, School Board meeting.
Michael Denton Named Assistant Principal II (12 Month) of Pryor Middle School
Michael Denton is an educator with 26 years of experience. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Florida in 1995 and his master’s in educational leadership from the University of West Florida in 2004. Michael taught for one year just outside of Jacksonville, Florida, before moving to Destin. From there, he began teaching math and science at Ruckel Middle School as well as coaching cross country and boys’ soccer. Michael then transferred to Niceville High School, teaching science before transitioning to teaching history, with most of those classes being at the Advanced Placement (AP) and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) level. In addition, he was the girls’ soccer coach for the 19 years while he was at Niceville High School. After that, Michael served the county as a Consulting Teacher, working with over 40 new teachers at ten different schools. This past year he served as the Assistant Principal at Wright Elementary.
Michael is married to Lisa, who previously taught at Niceville High School and now teaches for Florida Virtual School. Michael is also the proud father of one daughter, Natalie, who graduates this year from high school and is committed to play soccer at Valdosta State University.
Denton is excited to begin work at Pryor Middle School with the faculty and staff that are so clearly passionate about their students. He looks forward to continuing as a lifelong learner at Pryor Middle as he works to put the needs of the students and the support of teachers as the driving factors in his decision-making.
Susan Geering Named Principal of Antioch Elementary School
Susan Geering is a proud product of the Okaloosa County School District, attending Baker School and graduating from Crestview High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching Special Education and her master's degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida.
Mrs. Geering began her career in education 21 years ago teaching Specific Learning Disabilities at Antioch Elementary. She also taught Varying Exceptionalities, first grade, and third grade, before becoming an administrator in 2015. She served as the Assistant Principal at Bluewater Elementary School for six years. Last school year, she was an Assistant Principal at Shoal River Middle School, then came “home” to Antioch as the Assistant Principal.
Geering and her husband, Chet, have three daughters. Paige attends Northwest Florida State College. Colleen and Riley are privileged to be students in Okaloosa County Schools. Mr. Geering is a teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School.
Susan is beyond excited and appreciative to have the opportunity to “navigate beyond her horizons” while diligently serving the students, faculty and staff, and families at Antioch Elementary School with positivity, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
Laurren Seegars Named Principal of Bob Sikes Elementary School
Laurren Seegars began her teaching career in Florida in 2008 as an Early Intervention Teacher and Director. She taught students kindergarten through 3rd grade with developmental delays and special needs. During this time, she also served as a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Director and Department Supervisor. Seegars earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Human Development from Wheelock College with a minor in Sociology and Music and a Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Seegars joined the Okaloosa County School District in 2011 and taught kindergarten and first grade at Eglin Elementary School. While at Eglin, she had the privilege to serve as a Grade Level Chairperson and other various leadership roles. Twice during her career, Seegars was selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year in 2009 and 2016. She became the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Davidson Middle School in 2015 and served there for six years. For the past two years, she has proudly served as the Principal at Eglin Elementary School.
Seegars continues to be passionate and devoted to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and is committed to empowering students to achieve success. She is grateful for her wonderful family and friends and is blessed to have the opportunity to serve the Bob Sikes Elementary School students, staff, and community.