Secretary of State Cord Byrd has set the dates for the Okaloosa County School Board District 1 race after candidates in that race did not qualify for the August primary.
The Special Primary Election for the race is set for Nov. 3. A Special Election would follow on Jan. 19, 2027, “if necessary,” according to the order signed by Gov. DeSantis.
The order also set the qualifying period to run for the office from 8 a.m. Aug. 24 through noon Aug. 25.
In June, Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux announced that both candidates in the school board race, JD Peacock and Jerry Buckman, had “deficiencies” in their election packets and were not notified until after the qualifying period.
“This does not reflect the standard of service our candidates have come to expect from my office,” Lux said in a press release in June. “While it is regrettable that this occurred, the relevant law is clear and had to be upheld.”
Lux also said he had personally apologized to both candidates and took “full responsibility.”
Peacock and Buckman have continued their campaigns for the school board seat, which is currently held by Dr. Lamar White. Peacock is an Army veteran who worked for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office before he was elected as the Okaloosa County Clerk and Comptroller in 2014, a role he served for 10 years. Buckman is a retired Air Force Colonel and substitute teacher.
Like other school districts across the state, the Okaloosa County School Board has grappled with financial hardships and declining student enrollments. The school board voted 5-0 earlier this year to close two elementary schools.
Learn more about the candidates here:
https://jerrybuckmanokaloosa.com
https://www.jdpeacock4okaloosaschools.com
