Commissioner’s Remarks Draw Boos at State Education Conference

A statewide gathering of school board members and superintendents turned tense Thursday when Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas delivered remarks that drew boos, walkouts, and strong criticism — including from the Manatee County School Board.

Kamoutsas, speaking at a conference in Tampa, suggested districts should move past objections to Schools of Hope charter operators co-locating in underused district facilities. He then floated the idea of the state shutting down school districts that fail to meet performance standards, prompting an immediate, angry reaction from the audience.

Among those objecting was Manatee School Board member Heather Felton, who said Kamoutsas’ approach only intensified divisions.

“If you want to unite politically divided boards, he just did that,” Felton said after the event. “He basically threatened us with the next legislative session.”

Felton’s comments reflected broader frustration in the room, where several attendees said they found the commissioner’s tone confrontational and dismissive. As he attempted to continue speaking, Kamoutsas repeatedly asked the crowd to let him finish while some members walked out of the ballroom.

The exchange added new tension to the ongoing debate over Schools of Hope, which allows state-approved charter networks to open or co-locate in areas with persistently low-performing district schools. This policy has drawn scrutiny from school boards across Florida, as the charter schools would not be held financially accountable, causing the school district to fund transportation, meals, and support staffing.