Flagler Schools Hires Former Palm Coast City Manager

Former Palm Coast City Manager Lauren Johnston will be joining Flagler Schools as Chief of Operations, a district spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. The move will end Johnston's 15-year tenure with the City of Palm Coast. Johnston is being recommended for hire by Superintendent LaShakia Moore at Tuesday's Flagler School Board meeting. Also being put forth is Joshua Walker, who will move to Chief of Human Resources from his current position as Human Resources Supervisor. "Finding the right leaders to build upon the foundations laid by Mr. [Bob] Ouellette and Mr. [Dave] Freeman was a top priority," Superintendent 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." From Palm Coast to Flagler Schools The absence Johnston is filling was created by the impending retirement of Dave Freeman, who has served in the role since July 2022. Prior to that Freeman was Flagler Schools' Director of Transportation and Director of Plant Services. Johnston most recently worked as Palm Coast Acting City Manager from March 2024 to November 2025. She worked as Assistant City Manager up until the firing of her predecessor and boss, Denise Bevan. For almost two years Johnston remained on the job in the interim until the City Council voted to hire Michael McGlothlin last year. A Familiar New Home Well before she started in Palm Coast as a recreation supervisor in 2011, Johnston was among the inaugural graduating class from Matanzas High School in 2008. Thus, her new job marks something of a homecoming. "Coming back to Flagler Schools in this capacity is a true homecoming," said Johnston. "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." Both Lauren Johnston and Joshua Walker will start with the school district on April 20. They will spend ten weeks alongside their predecessors in a mentorship arrangement before transitioning fully into their roles. The outgoing Operations Chief Dave Freeman and Human Resources Chief Bob Ouellette will retire on July 1.