Central Administration Complex 202 Highway 85 North Niceville, Fl.  850-689-7185 

chambersm@okaloosacountyschools.com  

HaleL@okaloosaschools.com  850.833.5800 

HaydenV@okaloosaschools.com  850-689-7177 

Tim.Bryant@okaloosaschools.com  850.833.5895 

Dear Mr. Chambers, school board members, Principal Mrs. Hayden, 

We are writing as a student body for Martin's Cybersecurity and Personal Finance class in regards to our teacher Mr. Joel Martin to renew his contract at CHS.   

On April 23rd, 2024 Mr. Martin did not come to school. Nobody knew what was going on and we are still are not completely understanding why this is happening to such a professional, bright caring teacher.  

Mr. Martin is not only one of the best, but he is a role model to all who know him. He helps everyone, even kids who are going down the wrong path to do and make better choices and stay on task. We love and look forward to going to school because of Mr. Martin.  

Not only is he rock star teacher, he does countless hours of service time beyond teaching, several different cyber programs, and teaches Personal Finance which is a requirement for graduation.  

He volunteers multiple hours with Dog Pound, Cybersecurity Club, class trips, soccer and just received his CDL to drive the local school buses in need of help.   

He has task managed all these, got many of us certified even where when we were frustrated. He has this postive energy and makes us better humans.   

We are also aware of the allegation against him. One in particular, his 7th period intern who was speaking clearly that she got Mr. Martin in trouble, she skipped class and went to McDonald's bragging she got away with it. 

Several of us and including parents heard her talking directly or voiced by others through out the community discussing this matter. We would gladly come forward with further details to help get this matter resolved. 

Mr. Martin's compassion for student and generous nature is being misconstrued by these allegations.   

He is a very fair but stern on the rules, he always tells us to be better, make good choices. Choosing not to bring a teacher back to their position who is respectful, passionate and is a postive role model is unwarranted. 

If a mistake or misunderstanding was found as his leader, guide him, redirect him, this call of actions and decisions to not renew his contract is hurting all of his other students and our future.  

As you know, we have a teacher shortage already and this is part of the reason. If this continues our education system is going to fail us.   

Our grades are slipping, some are not even put in correctly or at all.  We were told by another teacher (she also put it on the board) that Mr. Martin is taking over the grades again. We can not get in touch with him since he has been placed on administrative leave. Several of us and our parents have tried, we can not even make sure he is ok.  

We are devastated and many of us feel the education system an administration let us down. We know there is protocol but we need to do better with these situations.   

This disjustice to our teacher is sending the wrong message, teaching students  it is ok to make accusations about a teacher and not be accountable for ruining someone's reputation and livelihood.

Regardless, they are professionals who have been accused of worse and still have jobs.  

Some were accused of assault and touching students (some students more than once) inappropriately but they had a fair and non biased investigation and some our still teaching at our school. How do we know? public records of misconduct, students involved stating this happened or in front of other students.  

What happen to being innocent before proven guilty? This is not what our country is founded on.  

Please also consider and take in account our thoughts and needs, not just a few students who stated these allegations. Our opinions, thoughts and feelings including parents should matter in regards to his character, integrity and the well being of our institution as a whole.  

It is impacting our learning environment and mental health. We have students who do not  want to attend class and do not want to return next year.  

This is not only going to hurt the students but the program as a whole. We had teachers—prior to Mr. Martin who quit in a week and one lasted two weeks. We then did not have a teacher for several months.

We had to basically teach ourselves. It takes a special person to teach and understand what they are teaching especially in Cybersecurity. Mr. Martin is that special kind of teacher.   

We would also like him to attend our senior graduation. He is a big part of our accomplishments and deserves to be there.   

We really appreciate your time and would like this matter and our concerns to be heard and addressed. 

Please reconsider renewing his contract, we need a good solid teacher who is willing to take the time to grow with us.

Mr. Martin has proved his capabilities, and loyalty to our school and district. 

Sincerely,  

CHS Cybersecurity/Personal Finance students, parents and community.