TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A significant development within Florida’s education system unfolded as the Florida Board of Education appointed Anastasios Kamoutsas, a loyal aide to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, as the forthcoming education commissioner. This decision aims to shape both K-12 and higher education policies, consolidating a conservative influence that may endure beyond DeSantis’ tenure in office.
The board’s unanimous decision on Wednesday places Kamoutsas, who currently serves as the deputy chief of staff to Gov. DeSantis, in an influential position. The vacancy arose when Manny Diaz, the previous Commissioner of Education and a former Republican lawmaker, assumed the role of interim president at the University of West Florida. However, Kamoutsas’ official appointment is dependent on Diaz being confirmed as the permanent president at UWF.
“Ensuring student safety and achievement will be paramount,” Kamoutsas assured. “I am committed to empowering parents and standing steadfast with our teachers.” Before taking on his role at the governor’s office, Kamoutsas was the general counsel and chief staffer at the state’s Education Department.
Governor DeSantis expressed his confidence in Kamoutsas, emphasizing his past achievements in key areas such as parental rights, school choice, and opposing radical educational ideologies. “I trust that he will continue to represent our state effectively as the next Commissioner of Education,” DeSantis conveyed in a statement.
Kamoutsas is set to advance DeSantis’ conservative educational strategies. This includes prohibitions on public funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, limitations on educational content regarding race and history, and broadening the state’s school voucher program substantially, thereby channeling billions in public funds toward private and religious school scholarships.
Among the supporters at the board meeting was former Commissioner Richard Corcoran, now noted for his role in the controversial management change at New College of Florida. Corcoran, alongside several former Republican legislators, has taken on leadership roles at state higher education institutions.
Praising Kamoutsas for his leadership, Corcoran stated, “On every pivotal matter, whether it’s eliminating DEI, discussing critical race theory, reopening schools, lifting mask mandates on students, or transforming higher education, Stasi has not just participated but led in those discussions every time.”