Email Matthew Boyack

Matthew Boyack is a highly accomplished and dedicated educator with a proven track record of fostering safe and secure educational environments. Mr. Boyack began his teaching career at Orange Park High School where he was a standout teacher and coach. While at OPHS, he was honored by Clay County Schools as their “Teacher of the Year” and went on to win the Mary J. Brogan award for “Excellence in Teaching” at the state Teacher of the Year awards ceremony. After teaching at OPHS, Mr. Boyack joined Oakleaf High School as an Assistant Principal. His leadership made an instant impact at OHS, as he was instrumental in helping propel OHS forward as one of the district’s highest performing secondary schools. He was later named Clay County’s “Assistant Principal of the Year” and went on to be named a top-three finalist for the state of Florida’s Assistant Principal of the Year award. As Principal of Oakleaf High School, his ability to communicate and build partnerships with stakeholders ensured a rigorous and safe learning environment for all students. At OHS, he has never been afraid to make bold changes or direct initiatives that have led to an overall better experience for students, faculty, and staff. Under his leadership, Oakleaf High School earned its highest school grade in history for the 2023-2024 school year.

Mr. Boyack earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies Education from Southeast Missouri State University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and earned his Principal certification through the rigorous and nationally renowned New Leaders program. He is Clay county's School Safety Specialist and also holds certifications in Incident Command Systems (ICS-100 & 200), National Incident Management System (NIMS -700), the Florida Model (threat assessment), and several other FEMA programs (i.e. Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools, Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters, and Preparing for Mass Casualty Incidents). With nearly two decades worth of experience in Clay County District Schools, Mr. Boyack is excited to help build partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and other school and community leaders to implement proactive measures that safeguard students, faculty, and staff. His expertise and dedication will enhance safety measures and promote a culture of preparedness within our school district.

Safety Specialist Stephen Mills has 30 years of law enforcement experience. He began his law enforcement career with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in November 1990 retiring in November 2010. He served in the patrol division, detective bureau, and training unit, as a patrol sergeant and warrants sergeant. He was also a member of the SWAT team serving as a team member and team leader.

Stephen joined the Ormond Beach Police Department in August 2011 until July 2016, where he served in the Patrol division, as a motor officer and was then promoted to sergeant.

In March 2017, Stephen returned to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office as a bailiff and was then reassigned to the training unit to assist in the training of the newly hired Guardians for the Clay County District Schools.

After the Clay County School District established its own police department in 2019, Stephen was hired as the training lieutenant where he served until taking on the role of Safety Specialist.

Stephen was a full-time and adjunct instructor at the St. Johns River State College Criminal Justice Academy where he taught and trained future law enforcement officers for twenty years.

Safety Specialist Mills has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College. Additionally, he has successfully completed numerous other professional development training and certification programs.

 Email Mr. Stephen Mills

Heather DeVore is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in both education and the private sector. Hailing from Keystone Heights, Florida, she has devoted the last 9 years to the field of education, excelling in her roles as a classroom teacher, reading coach, and assistant principal. 

Her educational journey includes earning a bachelor's degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. Prior to her career in education, Ms. DeVore honed her skills in the private sector for 6 years, focusing on operations, training, and customer service, which has provided her with a unique blend of expertise.

As she takes on her new role as the District Threat Management Coordinator, Heather brings a wealth of experience acquired over the past 15 years. She possesses an unwavering passion for operational excellence and is committed to delivering the highest standard of service to ensure the safety and efficiency for Clay County District Schools.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. DeVore finds joy in her family life. She has two children who have attended/attend schools in the county. Her daughter, Hailey, recently graduated from Keystone Heights Jr/Sr High School and her son, Ronny, is eagerly preparing to enter the fifth grade at Coppergate School of the Arts.

Email Heather Devore