Jerry Buckman, a retired Air Force colonel, has announced his candidacy for Okaloosa County School Board District 1.

• Buckman, who served nearly 40 years in the Air Force primarily in Special Operations, has lived in Okaloosa County since 1980. He previously ran for the District 1 seat in 2022.

“Although I could simply enjoy my retirement, my love for America calls me to step forward and serve, so I can help our students develop the same respect and appreciation for our nation,” Buckman said in a press release.

Buckman said his family’s ties to local schools include three Choctaw graduates, one Crestview graduate, one upcoming Choctaw graduate and a student at Shalimar Elementary. He has also worked as a substitute teacher, including with at-risk children.

His platform emphasizes advancing what he called President Trump’s “America First Education Agenda,” which he said focuses on empowering parents, expanding school choice, promoting patriotic citizenship, academic excellence and eliminating divisive ideologies. Buckman said he would advocate for integrating those priorities into the district’s strategic plan.

“When elected, I will advocate for integrating these priorities into our district’s revised strategic plan,” he said. “Other policies and initiatives will follow, making the Okaloosa County School District a model for educational excellence that parents can confidently choose for their children.”

• Buckman also pledged to use his entire school board salary to help teachers purchase classroom supplies.

“I believe in fostering unity and producing well-educated, service-minded citizens that love our country,” Buckman said.

Current District 1 School Board member Dr. Lamar White announced last month that he would not seek re-election. Former Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts JD Peacock and Cynthia West have also announced candidacies for the seat.