Another DeSantis ally takes Florida's top public education job
Anastasios 'Stasi' Kamoutsas was named Florida's next commissioner of education on Monday during a meeting filled with political and religious overtones, continuing the trend of Gov. Ron DeSantis' allies being placed in leadership positions across the state's public education system.
Kamoutsas, the governor's deputy chief of staff, was named the state's top education official by the Florida State Board of Education, which convened at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus. He is expected to succeed Manny Diaz Jr., a former Miami-Dade teacher and lawmaker who has been named interim president of the University of West Florida.
Kamoutsas was recommended for the job by DeSantis, who previously made him his deputy chief of staff. Previously, he was the general counsel and chief of staff at the Florida Department of Education.
As one of DeSantis' top aides, Kamoutsas has overseen policy efforts in education, law enforcement and emergency management. He is a Florida International University alum and holds a juris doctorate from Regent University School of Law
Kamoutsas thanked the governor for the trust he bestowed on him to hold the position.
The meeting was filled with educators, education administrators and students from across the state, and began with a prayer reminding everyone in the room of the responsibility they hold to ensure students in Florida are served.
After the board passed a motion to appoint Kamoutsas, a line of conservative education leaders from across the state took to the podium to speak his praises. Most shook hands with and hugged Kamoutsas, who was seated in the front row with his wife and four daughters, who wore matching baby-pink dresses.
Madeline Pumariega, the president of Miami Dade College, called Kamoutsas 'a man of faith and family.' Sarah Velasquez, a teacher, praised his commitment to 'his life in Christ.'
Governor DeSantis' allies, including Monica Colluci, vice chair of the Miami-Dade School Board, Jeanette Nuñez, interim president at Florida International University, and Tory Alston, president at Broward College, all spoke favorably of Kamoutsas at the meeting.
Roberto J. Gonzalez, a Miami-Dade commissioner in Kendall, said, 'Moses led the Israelites out of slavery. But right when they were about to get to the promised land, Moses had to step down.' Gonzalez compared Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to 'slavery,' and said that he cannot think of anyone better to 'lead Florida to the promised land.'
Colluci, president of the Florida High School Athletic Association, where she has worked with Kamoutsas, said she was confident he would safeguard experiences for female students, alluding to an effort by the state to ensure transgender women cannot compete in women's athletics.
Nuñez said she knows he will do a phenomenal job, including 'making sure we eliminate DEI.'
All of the members on the State Board of Education supported him, including one member saying she was 'giddy' about him taking on the role. Diaz, who has served as commissioner of education since 2022, also expressed his confidence.
Diaz is set to join the University of West Florida as president on July 14, pending confirmation by the state university system's Board of Governors.
'Thanks to his leadership, we have seen the Florida Board of Education rise to new heights,' said Chairman Ben Gibson, touting Florida's high rankings in education, including the state being tops in the nation for school choice and school freedom.
Kamoutsas' appointment will be contingent upon Diaz being approved as president.
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