Congratulations to Julie Ward and Jackie Windham on being named the Assistant Principals of Walker Elementary School and Richbourg School, respectively, at the February 23, 2026, School Board meeting.
Julie Ward, Assistant Principal of Walker Elementary School
Julie Ward was raised in Big Spring, Texas, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Lubbock Christian University. She later obtained a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas at El Paso, as well as a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Mrs. Ward brings 13 years of experience in education to her role.
Due to her husband’s career in the U.S. Army, Mrs. Ward has had the opportunity to teach students in grades 2–8 throughout her career in schools across Texas, New York, and Florida. For the past year, she has served as the Dean of Students at Walker Elementary and looks forward to continuing to serve and support the Walker community.
Jackie Windham, Assistant Principal of Richbourg School
Jackie Windham is a proud product of the Okaloosa County School District and an educator with 20 years of dedicated service. She earned both her bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education/ESOL and Exceptional Student Education/ESOL, as well as a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, from the University of West Florida.
Mrs. Windham began her teaching career in Washington County, Florida, where she taught fourth grade, 1st/2nd grade Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and inclusion. During her time there, she was honored as Rookie Teacher of the Year, Washington County Rookie Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. She later returned to Okaloosa County Schools, serving at Longwood Elementary for seven years as a 3–5 Vocational Education teacher and was again selected as Teacher of the Year. She then joined Elliott Point Elementary as the ESE resource teacher before becoming the district’s ESE instructional coach, supporting and mentoring ESE teachers across the district.
Mrs. Windham is humbled and honored to serve as the new Assistant Principal of Richbourg School and looks forward to supporting students, staff, and families in this role.