Together, We Achieved Results
Thank you for Implementing My Vision and Strategies into Measurable and Repeatable Success for Our Students!
Achieved Top A Rated District
- A rated school District, one of 16 out of 67 in Florida
- Designated an Academically High Performing District in Florida
- 90.4% graduation rate in 2022-2023, highest in SRC history
- 95% student attendance rate for 2023-2024 first semester
- Ranked Overall #2 county in Florida for Child Well-being by the Florida Policy Institute
Student Engagement and Support
- Expanded Career Technical Education Programs- 88% increase in Student Industry Certifications earned
- Increased College Scholarships awards to seniors by 12%
- Increased dual enrollment, advance placement, and elective courses in middle and high schools, including Agri-technology
- Utilized broadcast technology to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities at each middle and high school
- Created Middle School Sports Programs, a first in Santa Rosa School District History
- Established a new football program and marching band program at Central School
- Launched an orchestra program at Gulf Breeze Middle and High School
- Created a mobile STEAM Lab, bringing STEAM learning opportunities to every school in the district
- Expanded high school sports, adding Girls’ Beach Volleyball, Boys’ Volleyball
Employee Recruitment, Retention, and Development
- 2022-2023 92% Teacher Retention Rate
- 14.9% Average raise for Teachers over the last 4 years
- #1 in Florida for Teacher Preparation Certification Program
- Established Teacher Career Academies at 4 high schools and 2 middle schools to recruit and retain qualified teacher by growing our own
- Expanded professional learning opportunities for teachers and educational support, including Student Led Academic Teams
- Successfully adopted and implemented new Marzano Instructional Framework focused on Standards-based instruction and high expectations
- Expanded professional learning for school leaders to support continued growth and development of all students and employees
School and Student Safety
- Implemented the HOPE SQUAD, a suicide prevention program at all middle and high schools
- Hosted a parent/guardian education series addressing cyber-safety, suicide prevention, and bullying
- Implemented student mentor programs at middle schools and high schools
- Provided schools with additional guidance counselors and success coaches
- Provided student education on substance abuse prevention, including Fentanyl
- Added additional layer of security be establishing a Guardian Program, in partnership with the SR Sheriff’s Department
- Added additional fencing and security communication at schools
Stakeholder Communication and Engagement
- Developed and implemented 5 Year Strategic Plan
- Conducted 11 town hall meetings
- Published Leaps and Bounds, the district’s multi-media magazine
- Streamlined communication with a uniform communication platform
- Created a Focus Graduation Dashboard to track high school graduation
- requirements for students and families
- Established the District Parent Advisory Council
- Established the LEAP Employee Advisory Council
- Created Public Information Officer and Family Outreach Program
- Expanded partnerships with NAS Whiting Field, Hurlburt Field, United States Air Force, and NAS Pensacola
- Created STEAM Advisory Council and expanded partnerships with business and industry
FISCAL OVERSIGHT AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT
- Provide oversight for $500,000,000 annual budget
- Successfully developed and received $9 million Triumph of the Gulf Coast Grant to establish the Santa Rosa Center for Innovation
- Successfully developed and received $1.5 million from Department of Defense Education Administration to expanded world language education
- Successfully developed and received $ 2 million grant to provide iPads and math curriculum for all K-1 students
- Successfully developed and received $4 million to increase Career Technical Education, including Licensed Practical Nursing Program, Logistics Industry Certification Program
- Successfully developed and received $500,000 from FLDOE to establish a Global Logistics and Supply Chain Academy
- Collaborated with Florida Legislation to procure a $500,000 appropriation for the Santa Rosa Center for Innovation and workforce development
- Opened two new K-8 schools (East Bay K-8 & Wallace Lake K-8)
Started construction of Soundside High School (Grades 9-12 with focus on STEM Careers and a Locklin Technical College Satellite Campus) - Earned Standard and Poor’s A+ Credit Rating

Support Success
Re-Elect Dr. Karen Barber for Superintendent for Santa Rosa County