Okaloosa STEMM principal transferred to juvenile detention center despite public outcry

NICEVILLE — The Okaloosa County School Board unanimously approved the transfer of Scheree Martin from her position as principal of the Okaloosa STEMM Academy to a 12-month principal position at the Okaloosa Regional Detention Center.

The move comes nearly a month after the Northwest Florida Daily News learned of a settlement agreement between Martin and the Florida Department of Education after allegations arose that Martin inappropriately disciplined a then-middle school student who was on the autism spectrum for behavior linked to the student's disability.

Here is what we know.

What is the Okaloosa Regional Juvenile Detention Center?

According to its website, the ORJDC is a 35-bed, secure facility that houses juveniles detained by circuit courts and awaiting court decisions or placement into a commitment facility.

The facility offers a safe and humane environment with comprehensive resources, the website said, such as education, mental health care, substance-abuse treatment and general health care. The Department of Education funds educational services through a curriculum set by local school districts.

An average day for a student in the facility involves a hygiene regimen, meals, school and structured physical and educational activities.

The average time a child would be enrolled in the facility is about 12 days.

Pushback outcry

During public comment, four members of the Newcomer family protested Martin's continued employment.

Michael Newcomer said he has made the same case to the board three times since 2021, and he has asked the board to either fire Martin or not agree to a new one-year contract. He said an investigation by the Florida Department of Education's Education Practices Commission found that Martin violated ethical and professional standards set by the district and state.

"When we choose to punish kids for a disability, we lose sight of what is important," said Christine Newcomer, Michael's wife. "Now we are looking to move this principal to a more vulnerable population, with less involved and outspoken parents who likely cannot advocate for their children at the Department of Juvenile Justice. We can and should do better."

Nicholas Polaire, another parent of a child with autism, said Martin had been given enough chances and should no longer lead schools in Okaloosa County.

"You have a responsibility here, and your names are tied to this decision," Polaire said. "We all came here to protect children, not to ruin their lives."

However, the School Board unanimously approved Martin's transfer at Superintendent Marcus Chambers' request.

School Board justification

As Monday's meeting ended, Chambers said he takes seriously all matters involving the "health, safety and welfare" of students. He said an investigation will proceed to find the facts if a complaint is filed. Once an investigation is completed and the facts are presented, further action, including disciplinary action, is on the table.

"I believe we have the absolute best teachers, staff and administrators anywhere in the State of Florida, and there’s going to be times when folks, they don’t act in accordance with our policies and they don’t act in accordance with what we believe, and we take action. Sometimes, that action is not agreed upon by others," Chambers remarked.

Chambers said he valued the input of community members to share their feelings with the School Board and reiterated that the district as a whole takes any matter that could endanger the welfare of students seriously.

School Board Chair Lamar White cited a legal precedent that allows the School Board to make decisions based on Chambers' recommendations.

According to Chapter 9, Section 4 of the Okaloosa County School District policy guide, the superintendent can recommend transfers or reassignments to the School Board. The board can then vote to approve the superintendent's request.

White said the Board was justified in its decision based on McCallister v. Bay County School Board, which says the superintendent can make personnel decisions without interference from the School Board unless the board finds "just cause" for the request to be denied.

According to White, the cause that would allow Martin's transfer to be refused was never found. Thus, her transfer request by Chambers was approved.

"I think the (unanimous vote) speaks for itself, that this School Board approved the Superintendent's recommendation by a vote of 4-0," White said.

Further information

The Northwest Florida Daily News has emailed the School District for either a comment from Martin or any additional comment regarding the situation. As of Wednesday afternoon, those requests were unanswered.