Florida
Leadership Changes in Florida: New Education Commissioner Appointed and DCF Secretary Resigns
There are new executives in two key positions in the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The State Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to name Paul Burns as interim education commissioner. Burns’ appointment comes as Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas…
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Key points
- Paul Burns has been appointed interim education commissioner as Anastasios Kamoutsas resigns for a new role.
- Taylor Hatch, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, is departing amid concerns about the agency’s performance.
- Local implications for families and education in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are significant as new leadership steps in.
PENSACOLA, Fla. NewsWK — Pensacola residents are witnessing significant shifts in Florida’s state leadership, particularly in education and healthcare, as Governor Ron DeSantis prepares for his final months in office. The State Board of Education recently voted to appoint Paul Burns as the interim education commissioner following the resignation of Anastasios Kamoutsas, who will take on the presidency at Polk State College next week.
Burns, who has served as senior chancellor since 2021 and has been with the Department of Education since 2018, aims to focus on student achievement and school safety during his interim tenure. Board Chair Ryan Petty noted that Burns has been instrumental in advancing Florida’s educational initiatives and has shown dedication to prioritizing students’ needs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is also undergoing a leadership transition. Secretary Taylor Hatch has announced her departure, a move that has raised questions about DCF’s future direction. Jason Weida, the governor’s Chief of Staff, extended his well-wishes to Hatch, emphasizing her contributions to the agency, which manages critical programs like Medicaid and child protection services.
This leadership change could have local implications for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The DCF, with nearly 12,500 employees, plays a crucial role in ensuring vulnerable families receive necessary support. Local officials, such as state Senator Don Gaetz, have expressed concerns regarding issues within DCF, particularly related to the management of SNAP benefits and child protection services. Gaetz noted that the agency has faced scrutiny and challenges that continue to affect families in Northwest Florida.
As these transitions unfold, residents of Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and surrounding areas will be closely monitoring how new leadership will address ongoing challenges in education and family services.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
