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

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. 

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger first designated April as the Month of the Military Child, acknowledging the significant role military-connected students play in our communities.  Today, district staff wore purple to show support and thanks to military children and families in our district. We respect and honor the sacrifices made to keep our country safe.

We “Purple Up” today because purple represents the joint service operations and is a combination of Army Green, Air Force Blue, Coast Guard Blue, Marine Red, and Navy Blue; it is the appropriate color to represent military children from all branches.  Today think of ways you can show your appreciation to service men and families…maybe you will “Purple Up” too!

On Monday, April 11, 2022, at 6:30 pm, Walton High School was host to the first ever DeFuniak Springs Honor Choir, comprised of chorus students from Maude Saunders Elementary, Mossy Head Elementary, West DeFuniak Elementary, Walton Middle School, and Walton High school.  The combined elementary Honor Choir was directed by Shawna Trainor (MSE), Buddy Goodman (MHE), and Nathan Hight (WDE).   Walton Middle School 2^nd Period Chorus was directed by Andrew Moore, and the Walton High School Bellissimo Ensemble was conducted by Michelle Tredway.  The pianist for the evening was Mrs. Keitha Bledsoe.