June 11, 2025
FDOE Press Office
850-245-0413
Leadership Changes in Florida’s Education System
Tallahassee, Fla., July 16, 2025 – The State Board of Education in Florida has ushered in a new era with Anastasios Kamoutsas taking the helm as the Commissioner of Education. Kamoutsas, unanimously chosen on June 4th, commenced his tenure by overseeing the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable. Meanwhile, Ryan Petty was appointed the new Chair of the Board, succeeding Ben Gibson, whose term concluded, and Esther Byrd was named Vice Chair.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as Florida’s Commissioner of Education,” expressed Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining Florida’s educational leadership and mentioned plans to enhance workforce education and student safety. Kamoutsas also acknowledged Ben Gibson’s eight-year contribution, recognizing him as a “steadfast leader” who significantly impacted Florida’s education.
During the meeting, the Board approved several updates and initiatives. These included the introduction of the new Florida Advanced Course and Test (FACT) College Algebra course, revised concordant and comparative scores for grade 10 English Language Arts and Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessments aligned with the B.E.S.T. Standards, streamlined policies for awarding postsecondary credit to military veterans, and new school safety regulations in accordance with recent legislation.
Recognition was also given to outstanding educational professionals: Joseph Mikulski of Golden Gate High School was named 2025 Principal of the Year, Dr. Bryan Alvaré of Yulee Middle School was honored as 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year, and Kelsie Rodriguez from Summers Elementary School received the title of 2025 School-Related Employee of the Year.
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