Dr. Alexis Tibbetts is a native of Okaloosa County and has served in the field of education for 35 years with experience as a science teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator in both regular and special education at all levels -- elementary, middle, and high school.  She is a graduate of the University of West Florida (Ed D), Troy State University (MS), Huntingdon College (BA), and Crestview High School, and currently serves as Superintendent, Okaloosa County Schools. 

As Superintendent of Schools, she has been responsible for overseeing new construction and/or renovation in every school in Okaloosa County, the groundbreaking for a new elementary and middle school and construction of over 100 classrooms to comply with the Class Size Reduction amendment.  Advancements in math and science have come through partnerships with the Armament Museum Foundation, the Emerald Coast Science Museum, and the local Biophilia Centers, and the University of Florida/University of West Florida (UWF) Research Engineering and Education Facility (REEF).  Her strong fiscal management has saved over three million dollars in the district as we cope with declining enrollment by closing and realigning schools and reducing administrative positions.  Closing the Achievement Gap in minorities, English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and children in poverty has been a significant undertaking.  This year, Okaloosa County schools were ranked first, second or third place in the state in every area of the Florida Comprehensive test including math, science, reading and writing.  The number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses has increased as has the number of students taking the exams and earning college credit.  Graduation rate is sixth in the state and scholarships equal over 23 million dollars.  Administrator and teacher training partnerships with Okaloosa Walton College and the UWF have been established this year.  Career/technical education (CHOICE), leading to industry certification, is thriving and will be expanded at the Okaloosa Applied Technology Center in the next two years.  The Okaloosa Applied Technology Center will be offering new programs for high school and adult students in 2008-2009 with priority to veterans and their spouses.  Foreign language programs for high school credit will be offered in every middle school beginning next school year.  End of course exams have been developed over the past year to ensure student mastery of Sunshine State Standards in all courses in middle and high school. 

Dr. Tibbetts’ signature projects in the school system include:  developing the first Career Technical Academy in the district, establishing the School of Choice from Niceville to Destin, initiating the Advanced Placement Institute, introducing Odyssey of the Mind in our district, and founding the Emerald Coast Science Center.  Alexis has been honored as Florida Gifted Teacher of the Year and Florida’s Region 1 Assistant Principal of the Year.  She has presented at the National Drop-Out Prevention Conference, the National Career Academy Conference, Florida Education Technology Conference, Florida School-to-Work Conference, and has published numerous articles. 

Alexis is a member of many civic, community, charitable, and professional organizations to include:  Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Delta Kappa, Shalimar United Methodist Church, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club, the Junior League of Fort Walton Beach, and the Officers’ Spouses Club of Eglin AFB.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, the United Way of Okaloosa County, and Workforce Development. 

Alexis is the mother of two daughters.  Dr. Natalie Tibbetts Cotter is a pediatrician at the Simon-Williamson Clinic, Birmingham, Alabama.  Danielle is a senior at Fort Walton Beach High School.  Alexis is married to Colonel Daniel M. ‘Buff’ Tibbetts, USAF (Ret).  Buff is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and the University of Southern California. He is currently employed by Jacobs Engineering.

The Tibbetts reside in Shalimar, FL. 

Danielle, Natalie, Alexis, & "Buff"

Alexis is committed to meeting the challenges of growth in North Okaloosa County.

A strong supporter of Okaloosa County Junior ROTC and a friend and partner of local veterans.

Scholarships for graduating seniors have doubled and Advanced Placement course enrollments tripled under Alexis' leadership.