Santa Rosa County School Board - Milton, Florida

Robert Skechak

To the parents and families of Santa Rosa County, I issue this serious warning: the Santa Rosa County School Administration, under the leadership of Superintendent Karen Barber, is failing our children. This administration has fostered a culture of negligence, double standards, and bureaucratic barriers that hinder, rather than support, our students. If you care about your child’s education and well-being, look elsewhere.

From top to bottom, this administration appears focused on protecting their own over serving students and families. There is a pervasive “buddy system” that prioritizes staff interests and relationships over upholding fair standards. Staff members, even those who violate state laws, are protected while students bear the brunt of extreme disciplinary actions for minor missteps. For instance, certain staff have installed personal surveillance systems in classrooms and hallways—an act that’s a direct violation of state statutes. Yet, instead of enforcing the law and holding these individuals accountable, the administration turns a blind eye. It’s as if the rules don’t apply to their own, creating a deeply troubling double standard.

The lack of accountability trickles down to every interaction with the district. Even when a student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place, the administration routinely ignores it, making it nearly impossible for families to receive the accommodations that students are legally entitled to. After my child was involved in an accident, we tried to secure assignments and home-based learning options, only to be met with silence, delays, and endless hoops to jump through. Despite multiple follow-ups, the necessary paperwork was never sent. This has left my child not only struggling academically but facing potential penalties like suspension of his learner’s permit—all due to the administration’s failure to provide the basic support that students in need should expect.

It’s painfully clear that Superintendent Barber and her administration care more about appearances and protecting their network than genuinely supporting students. This culture of indifference and neglect is driving our children to frustration and, in some cases, out of the system entirely. My child, who once cared deeply about his education, is now contemplating a GED simply to escape this dysfunctional environment.

If you are considering sending your child to a Santa Rosa County school, know that you will need to fight constantly to secure the most basic resources, and even then, the administration will likely push back. I urge the Santa Rosa County School Board to hold Superintendent Barber and her team accountable for their failures and address these critical issues head-on. Without systemic change, I cannot recommend Santa Rosa County Schools to any family. For the sake of your child’s future, consider private or alternative educational options where student well-being and accountability actually matter.

Pro Freedom

Many wonderful educators, but most of the district administrators are out of touch with the classroom and seem to care more about promoting and protecting an image than genuinely for the student population. This superintendent will not make time for you unless it's an election year. It seems to be a bit of a circus.

James Mc NuLty

After decades of endorsing the practice of using physical force upon the bodies of school students with policies involving (paddling-corporal punishment) this school board unanimously voted to end this in June 2014. They are to be commended for their decision for no other school board, or group of people, have had the mental or moral capacity, and more importantly, the courage to stop this violence in the school district of Santa Rosa County. While those that did this to the hundreds of young people are not to be excused, it is the future of our youth and their safety and protection that must always be paramount as we look forward to a better way, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow!

Mary Brown

Let me start with the gratitude by saying thanks for having heart. I am the mother of a special needs child that was being mistreated at previous schools in the state we moved from. The director of the Exceptional student program here in Santa Rosa county took time to listen to me concerning my child's needs and put him straight into a class and program that has done wonders for him. Bless you for all you do and keep up the work.

Steve Dunn

They should make calls on severe weather sooner. Their calls to close schools impact so many businesses and those businesses have to make plans. The school board impacts many others they do but work in a silo. Make the decision either way.

Faith Larimer

I wish our school board cared more for the children than the money in their pockets. What a shame!

Leslie W Cayere

They dont answer. Their website is useless. No district map. School board not listed with reps an areas.

Shawn Dix

Great place, super friendly staff.