THE EPIC ORIGINATOR
Superintendent A. Russell Hughes has dedicated over three decades to the field of education, during which he has undertaken a variety of roles. His career includes positions as a classroom teacher, Dean of Students at the high school level, Head Football Coach, Assistant Principal in middle school, and Principal at both middle and high school levels. Currently, he serves as the Elected Superintendent of Schools for Walton County, a role he has held since November 2016.
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​His educational journey reflects an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. A proud graduate of Crestview High School, Superintendent Hughes obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from Langston University. His pursuit of knowledge continued at the University of West Florida, where he earned a Master of Educational Leadership. Furthermore, his endeavor to attain a Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Leadership exemplifies his lifelong dedication to education and his aspiration to inspire others to continually seek knowledge.
ACCOLADES
Superintendent Hughes has played a pivotal role in introducing innovative programs such as Odyssey of the Mind, Embry Riddle, and AVID to the Walton County School District during his tenure as an administrator. As Superintendent, he spearheaded the establishment of the STEAM Magnet Innovation Center in Watersound and the Walton In10sity School of Excellence, both of which have flourished under his leadership. In 2018, Superintendent Hughes was the sole Public School Superintendent on the Florida Governor’s Transition Team. His dedication to effective communication earned him recognition as one of the 24 “Superintendents to Watch” nationwide by the National School Public Relations Association. Additionally, he was nominated among the Top 5 for Florida Superintendent of the Year for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 school years, culminating in his recent accolade as the 2024 Florida Superintendent of the Year.
For seven consecutive years, the Walton County School District has achieved the distinction of being an “A” District from the State Board of Education. In terms of assessment performance, Walton County School District ranks third among Florida's 67 counties and boasts only “A” and “B” graded schools—a historic achievement since the Florida Department of Education began issuing school grades. Additionally, the district holds the second position in both school grading and graduation rate.
Superintendent Hughes proudly announced that the Walton County School District has received global recognition as a School District of Distinction from Cognia, an accrediting body for schools and districts. Furthermore, Walton County High Schools have been ranked in the top 16% of high schools nationwide according to U.S. News and World Report. One of Superintendent Hughes’ most treasured honors is the First Superhero Award, presented by the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being of children and advocating for their protection.