Latest news with #MannyDiaz
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
DeSantis deputy chief of staff tapped as Florida's next education commissioner
The Florida Board of Education has tapped a top aide of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the state's next education commissioner, a choice meant to influence K-12 and higher education policy in the state while bolstering a conservative legacy that could long outlast the governor's time in office. The board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Anastasios Kamoutsas, a deputy chief of staff to the governor. The job opened up after Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, a former Republican state lawmaker, was named interim president of the University of West Florida. Kamoutsas' appointment is contingent on Diaz being named the permanent president of UWF. "Student safety and achievement will be my top priorities," Kamoutsas said. "Parents will continue to be empowered. And teachers, you have my word that I stand in support of you." Kamoutsas previously served as general counsel and chief staff at the state's Education Department, before moving to the governor's office. "Stasi Kamoutsas has delivered on important issues like parental rights, school choice, and fighting back against radical ideologies in education," DeSantis said in a statement. "I am confident that he will continue to serve our state well as the next Commissioner of Education." Kamoutsas to carry out conservative agenda Kamoutsas is expected to help carry out DeSantis' conservative education agenda, from banning public funds for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, to restricting how schools teach about race and history, and dramatically expanding the state's school voucher system, which provides billions in public funds for scholarships to private and religious schools. Among those who lauded Kamoutsas at Wednesday's meeting was former Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, who has overseen what critics describe as the "hostile takeover" of New College of Florida. He's among the slate of Republican former state lawmakers who are now helming state colleges and universities. "Every single major decision, I don't care if it was elimination of DEI, critical race theory, opening schools, demasking students, changing higher education, Stasi has been in that room, every single time," Corcoran said. "And not just as a participant. He's been in the room as a leader." ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Top DeSantis aide named next Florida education commissioner
The Florida Board of Education has tapped a top aide of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the state's next education commissioner, a choice meant to influence K-12 and higher education policy in the state while bolstering a conservative legacy that could long outlast the governor's time in office. The board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Anastasios Kamoutsas, a deputy chief of staff to the governor. The job opened up after Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, a former Republican state lawmaker, was named interim president of the University of West Florida. Kamoutsas' appointment is contingent on Diaz being named the permanent president of UWF. 'Student safety and achievement will be my top priorities," Kamoutsas said. "Parents will continue to be empowered. And teachers, you have my word that I stand in support of you.' Kamoutsas previously served as general counsel and chief staff at the state's Education Department, before moving to the governor's office. 'Stasi Kamoutsas has delivered on important issues like parental rights, school choice, and fighting back against radical ideologies in education,' DeSantis said in a statement. 'I am confident that he will continue to serve our state well as the next Commissioner of Education.' Kamoutsas is expected to help carry out DeSantis' conservative education agenda, from banning public funds for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, to restricting how schools teach about race and history, and dramatically expanding the state's school voucher system, which provides billions in public funds for scholarships to private and religious schools. Among those who lauded Kamoutsas at Wednesday's meeting was former Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, who has overseen what critics describe as the 'hostile takeover' of New College of Florida. He's among the slate of Republican former state lawmakers who are now helming state colleges and universities. 'Every single major decision, I don't care if it was elimination of DEI, critical race theory, opening schools, demasking students, changing higher education, Stasi has been in that room, every single time,' Corcoran said. 'And not just as a participant. He's been in the room as a leader.'
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Top DeSantis aide named next Florida education commissioner
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Board of Education has tapped a top aide of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the state's next education commissioner, a choice meant to influence K-12 and higher education policy in the state while bolstering a conservative legacy that could long outlast the governor's time in office. The board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Anastasios Kamoutsas, a deputy chief of staff to the governor. The job opened up after Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, a former Republican state lawmaker, was named interim president of the University of West Florida. Kamoutsas' appointment is contingent on Diaz being named the permanent president of UWF. 'Student safety and achievement will be my top priorities,' Kamoutsas said. 'Parents will continue to be empowered. And teachers, you have my word that I stand in support of you.' Kamoutsas previously served as general counsel and chief staff at the state's Education Department, before moving to the governor's office. 'Stasi Kamoutsas has delivered on important issues like parental rights, school choice, and fighting back against radical ideologies in education,' DeSantis said in a statement. 'I am confident that he will continue to serve our state well as the next Commissioner of Education.' Kamoutsas is expected to help carry out DeSantis' conservative education agenda, from banning public funds for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, to restricting how schools teach about race and history, and dramatically expanding the state's school voucher system, which provides billions in public funds for scholarships to private and religious schools. Among those who lauded Kamoutsas at Wednesday's meeting was former Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, who has overseen what critics describe as the 'hostile takeover' of New College of Florida. He's among the slate of Republican former state lawmakers who are now helming state colleges and universities. 'Every single major decision, I don't care if it was elimination of DEI, critical race theory, opening schools, demasking students, changing higher education, Stasi has been in that room, every single time,' Corcoran said. 'And not just as a participant. He's been in the room as a leader.' ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hillsborough County schools face state pressure over books under review
The Brief Hillsborough County's superintendent is meeting with state officials this week over demands to ban certain school library books. Florida's attorney general and education commissioner said the district hasn't removed "inappropriate" books fast enough. The school board hasn't voted on the matter, but hundreds of books are now under review. TAMPA, Fla. - Hillsborough County School Superintendent Van Ayres is scheduled to meet with Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz in Miami on Wednesday. What we know The meeting follows a letter from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier demanding the "immediate removal" of what he called "patently pornographic" books from school libraries. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube In response, the school district has launched a new review of potentially hundreds of titles, a process that could cost up to $500,000, according to board members. No official vote was taken at Tuesday night's school board meeting, but emotions ran high as members and parents debated the direction of the district's approach to book removals. What they're saying Parents for the ban said the action by state officials have been a long time coming. RELATED:Florida leaders send letter to Hillsborough Schools demanding certain books deemed inappropriate be removed "It's just been a complete failure to protect kids. So that's what we've been fighting," said one Moms for Liberty parent. "I've been to probably 35 meetings and there has been zero progress in Hillsborough County." Another parent said, "Hopefully now, our state education commissioner will hold them accountable and let them explain why they haven't been following the laws." The other side Critics of the book bans argue that many of the targeted titles are not only appropriate but also vital for students from marginalized communities. "I feel like they're highlighting the worst-case scenarios," said Hillsborough parent Gianny Hunt. "Maybe that is reality for some kids. Maybe it speaks to a child who's experiencing something like that." Hunt added that some of the books flagged for removal include stories about race, immigration, and military service — narratives she says resonate with many students. The Source This article is based on reporting from a Hillsborough County School Board meeting, official statements from the district and Florida state officials, and interviews with local parents and community members. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oddsmakers like Duke football coach Manny Diaz's chances for a winning record in 2025
Oddsmakers like Duke football coach Manny Diaz's chances for a winning record in 2025 Few football programs in the ACC can match the Duke Blue Devils' form over the last three seasons. Despite a head coach and two starting quarterbacks to other colleges over the last 24 months, the Blue Devils have found a way to win at least eight games in each of the last three seasons, and the oddsmakers at BetMGM like their chances to continue that good form in 2025. Head coach Manny Diaz's first season included a 20-point comeback against the North Carolina Tar Heels, a walk-off victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and the first victory over the Florida State Seminoles in school history en route to a 9-3 regular-season record and a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl appearance. With the arrival of Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah to lead the offense, the Blue Devils have -160 odds to win at least seven games in the upcoming regular season. That gives Diaz an implied 61.5% chance to finish above .500. Duke football regular-season win total for 2025: All college football odds via BetMGM: Result Odds Over 6.5 -160 Under 6.5 +135 Duke's conference schedule includes the Clemson Tigers, the defending ACC champions, along with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Syracuse Orange. The Blue Devils won't get a chance to ease into the season, either, with non-conference matchups against Illinois and Tulane in the first three weeks of the year. Diaz and his team start the 2025 season with a home game against Elon on August 28. Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
