Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore announced two new executive appointments at Tuesday evening’s School Board meeting at the Government Services Building, naming homegrown talent to fill two of the district’s top leadership roles as a pair of veteran administrators prepare to retire.
The New Appointments
Joshua Walker, currently the district’s Human Resources Supervisor, has been named the incoming Chief of Human Resources. Lauren Johnston, who most recently served as Acting City Manager of Palm Coast, will become the next Chief of Operations.
Both Walker and Johnston are graduates of Matanzas High School and are products of the Flagler Schools system — a point the superintendent highlighted as meaningful for the district’s future. Both also have children currently enrolled in Flagler Schools.
Who They Are Replacing
The appointments follow the announced retirements of two long-serving administrators. Bob Ouellette, Chief of Human Resources, and Dave Freeman, Chief of Operations, will both conclude their careers on July 1, 2026. Ouellette joined Flagler Schools in 2020, serving as Coordinator of Professional Standards before being named Chief of Human Resources in 2022. Freeman, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and decorated combat veteran, brought more than a decade of experience with the district in Transportation and Maintenance before becoming Chief of Operations in 2023.
Transition Timeline
To ensure continuity, Walker and Johnston are both scheduled to begin their new roles on April 20, allowing for a ten-week mentorship period working alongside their predecessors before the July 1 retirement date.
What the Superintendent Said
Superintendent Moore described the search for the right candidates as a top priority. “Finding the right leaders to build upon the foundations laid by Mr. Ouellette and Mr. Freeman was a top priority,” Moore said. “In Mr. Walker and Ms. Johnston, we have two individuals who not only possess the professional expertise required for these important roles, but also a deep, personal investment in our community. They understand where we’ve been and have the vision to take us where we need to go.”
The Incoming Chiefs Speak
Walker, who has worked in the district for over a decade, expressed enthusiasm for the new responsibility. “I am incredibly honored and enthusiastic about this opportunity to serve the district that shaped me,” Walker said. “My goal is to help move our schools forward by recruiting and supporting the best talent possible, ensuring Flagler Schools remains a premier destination for educators and students.”
Johnston brings a background in municipal management from her time with the City of Palm Coast, where she served as both Assistant City Manager and Acting City Manager. She holds the distinction of being a member of the very first graduating class of Matanzas High School in 2008. “Coming back to Flagler Schools in this capacity is a true homecoming,” Johnston said. “I look forward to applying my experience in municipal management to oversee the vital infrastructure of our district. Ensuring our facilities and operations run efficiently is key to providing a safe, world-class learning environment for our children.”
The public was invited to attend Tuesday evening’s board meeting to welcome the new appointees.
