Cynthia West enters Okaloosa School Board race

Cynthia West has formally announced her campaign for the Okaloosa County School Board seat in District 3, entering a contested local race as the March 2026 municipal election approaches.

West’s campaign launch, circulated this week, sets out a platform focused on fiscal stewardship, support for parental choice and student well-being.

“After listening to parents, teachers, and taxpayers across District 3, one thing is clear: our schools need leadership that puts students first, protects taxpayer dollars, and plans ahead,” West said.

“Okaloosa County has earned its reputation for high-performing, grade-A schools. I’m running to protect that excellence while ensuring we remain responsible stewards of every dollar entrusted to us.”

She emphasized her family’s experience across a variety of educational pathways — including traditional public schools, charter options, IEP services, and advanced academic programs — as qualifying her to represent the diverse needs of District 3 families.

Her four stated campaign priorities are: smart, transparent budgeting aimed at long-term stability; support for parental choice alongside comprehensive planning for district schools; preserving “A”-rated schools and keeping classroom achievement at the center of policy; and addressing bullying, mental health, and electronic addiction through stronger supports, drawing on her background as a mental health professional.

“This is personal,” West said in her announcement. “I’m running for my kids, for your kids, and for the future of a community I love.”

West’s entry comes as Okaloosa County’s public schools face a series of challenges. The District has reported declines in enrollment that have translated into millions in lost state funding, a trend linked in part to the expansion of Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship voucher program and broader enrollment shifts. The District recently noted a 452-student drop below projections, contributing to an approximate $4 million budget impact.

These enrollment and fiscal pressures intersect with ongoing District discussions about budget tightening, staffing, and service delivery. Despite the challenges, the Okaloosa County School District has maintained strong academic performance: state ratings released this year once again placed the District in the “A” category, with scores improving on several metrics and a high proportion of schools earning “A” or “B” grades.

The District 3 seat is currently held by Linda Evanchyk, who has served on the Board since 2018 after a long career in education, particularly as a teacher in the District. As of now, Evanchyk has not publicly confirmed whether she will seek another term.

West is not the only challenger: Earlier this year, Mitch Reed, a U.S. Army veteran and local resident, launched a bid for the same seat, pitching his candidacy around student safety, career readiness and financial accountability.

Okaloosa’s School Board races, though technically nonpartisan, occur within a broader Florida political environment where control of county boards has become a focus of both parties.

Local elections will take place March 10.