Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas encountered significant backlash during a speech at the Florida School Boards Association’s winter conference in Tampa on March 7, 2025. His remarks regarding the controversial Schools of Hope initiative, which aims to co-locate charter schools in underused district buildings, sparked a heated reaction from school board members and superintendents in attendance.
During his speech, Kamoutsas urged local leaders to overcome their objections to the Schools of Hope model and suggested that the state might consider shutting down “failing” school districts. This statement led to a chorus of boos from the audience, escalating tensions between the commissioner and local district leaders.
“There’s not a school district in this state that could be shut down for failing to meet performance standards, though maybe we can talk about that with the Legislature this session,” Kamoutsas said, prompting immediate discontent among attendees. Earlier in the address, he praised the Success Academy, a charter school operator based in New York, highlighting its strong student outcomes as a model for Florida’s educational landscape.
Kamoutsas emphasized that the Schools of Hope are required to adhere to the same assessment programs and grading systems as traditional public schools. He stressed the importance of innovation in education, stating, “This is not the moment to protect the way things work. This is the moment to put students first.”
Despite the backlash, Kamoutsas remained resolute, asserting that he would hold all educational stakeholders accountable to ensure high standards for Florida’s students.
Many in the audience expressed concern about Kamoutsas’ approach. Beverly Slough, a board member from St. Johns County, criticized his lack of understanding regarding the financial implications of the Schools of Hope initiative, stating, “The real problem is they’re coming in without any financial support at all.”
Other attendees echoed similar sentiments. Heather Felton, a board member from Manatee County, remarked, “If you want to unite politically divided boards, he just did that. He basically threatened us with the next legislative session.”
Conversely, some participants appreciated Kamoutsas’ willingness to speak directly to them. Allison Campbell, the president-elect of the Florida School Boards Association, noted the value of having the commissioner present, despite the contentious nature of the discussion.
The commissioner’s comments have ignited ongoing debates over the Schools of Hope initiative, which has seen charter operators establishing campuses across Florida. While some districts express concern over co-location, others, like Saul Speights, vice chairperson of Hamilton County’s school board, indicated that co-location is not an issue in their area but criticized the state’s approach to public education.
The tensions highlighted at the conference reflect broader concerns about the direction of education policy in Florida, as local leaders navigate the complexities of implementing state initiatives while ensuring quality education for all students. Kamoutsas’ remarks have underscored the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders in the education sector.
