April 22, 2022


The Walton County School District (WCSD), along with many educational systems, recently received a list of over 50 books deemed inappropriate by an outside group. From that list, as Superintendent of Schools, I sought information from district staff regarding the availability and locations of said titles. Staff located 24 of the 50+ books within media centers throughout the District.

Being proactive, I asked staff to remove the books from circulation for the purposes of reviewing and re-evaluating age-appropriateness and content, especially in the context of Florida’s recent legislative session. With reports of movements underway across the state coupled with legal implications and the potential undue stress to my District and staff, I am not willing to place any WCSD personnel in the cross hairs of this kind of perilous circumstance. I want to emphasize that NO “book ban” has occurred in Walton County. Any headlines or news stories as such are misinformation, inaccurate, and false!

The Walton County School District is committed to a culture which we proudly call EPIC. I am steadfast in the vision of excellence, choosing to focus on students and academics in these divisive times. Leaders, teachers, administrators, staff, and families in Walton County are focused on end of the year assessments, achievement, and graduations, which have earned the District the #5 ranking in the State of Florida. I will continue to protect and maintain the trust of the community and do what is right for all students and stakeholders consistent with how I have served as Superintendent for the past six years.


A. Russell Hughes Superintendent of Schools

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting four summer camp sessions at the Magnet Innovation Center to expose all Walton County students to STEAM education and what we have to offer at MIC.  Please see each flyer for registration information and details. 

The South Walton High School Wrestling Team was recognized for outstanding achievement during their 2021-22 Season. The team boasted a 20-4 dual team record ( highest winning percentage in school dual history) winning back to back district dual titles. They also won back to back District IBT Team titles in the last two years. The team sent 12 individual athletes to the regional tournament (second most in school history) where they placed 5^th out of 30 teams qualifying 3 individuals to go on to the State Competition. These included 120 lbs Max Brewster 12th grade, 126 lbs Isaac Brinson 9^th grade, and 285 lbs Nick Lee 11th Grade. Max went on to win the 120 lbs Division Individual State Title and has committed to wrestle D1 for Arizona State University, Isaac Brinson did not place, Nick Lee placing 8^th in the state competition. Other notable varsity team members include Brett Canut, Gibson Moore, Bianca Nunes, Ryan Kurfirst, Dylan Billingsley (committed to Coker University wrestling), Shane Lane (committed to Midway college football), Kaden Shaw, Elijah Ramirez, Chase Maas, and John Lopez. 

Florida Department of Education

Parent Survey – Exceptional Student Education

Walton County wants your feedback!

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Survey

Each year, the FDOE conducts a survey designed to provide the FDOE and the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), with information on how well Florida’s schools are partnering with parents and promoting parent involvement in their child’s education. The survey is open to all parents of children with an individual educational plan receiving ESE services from preschool age through grade 12. The survey is not intended for parents of students receiving only gifted services through an educational plan. All states must collect these data as part of their State Performance Plan, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In the FDOE’s continued efforts to increase parent participation, individual paper surveys for parents of all children receiving special education services in all districts will be arriving from your child’s school soon.  The online version of the survey is available to all
parents of ESE students at https://www.esesurvey.com/Login.php.  The online version of the 2021-22 ESE Parent Survey will be accessible from Feb 1^st to June 30^th.