WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Education Community Applauds Appointment of Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. as Next Commissioner of Education
April 29, 2022
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Education Community Applauds Appointment of Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. as Next Commissioner of Education
Tallahassee, Fla., April 29, 2022 – Today, Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. was appointed Florida’s Commissioner of Education by the State Board of Education (SBOE). Senator Diaz will begin serving as Commissioner June 1, 2022.
Here is what educational leaders and stakeholders are saying about this new appointment.
“I applaud Governor Ron DeSantis for recommending Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. to this essential job,” said President Madeline Pumariega of Miami Dade College. “Leadership and experience matters. Senator Diaz is the right person for the right job at the right time.”
“I served with Senator Diaz in the Florida Senate and had the privilege of serving as his vice chair of the Senate Education Committee,” said Senator Bill Montford, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. “I know him to be a person of integrity and always open to seriously considering opposing viewpoints. He’s a strong and committed advocate for the children of Florida.”
“Senator Diaz is the ideal individual to build upon the historic educational successes of Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran,” said Glen Gilzean, President & CEO of the Central Florida Urban League. “He is a life-long educator, natural leader, and dedicated public servant with an impressive track record of serving others. I am certain he will continue serving Florida in a distinguished manner and that he will work to provide students with a world-class education.”
“Governor DeSantis and the State Board of Education have made a wise choice. Senator Diaz is uniquely qualified to lead the largest state agency in Florida, one with the breadth that stretches the entire state and impacts every Floridian,” said Bob Ward, President and CEO of the Florida Council of 100. “Florida is fortunate to have his seasoned leadership, and his longstanding support of both parents and students as he takes the helm of the agency.”
“Senator Diaz is an ardent supporter of public education whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with in Miami-Dade County and in my current role as Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools,” said Dr. Kamela Patton. “As a lifelong educator, he always puts students first and I have no doubt that Florida’s schools will benefit greatly from his outstanding leadership and experience.”
“As Chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents and President of Polk State College, I am positive Senator Diaz will serve as an exceptional Commissioner of Education who keeps students and their success at the forefront. We look forward to serving alongside Senator Diaz to advance academic and workforce programs for our state,” said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti.
“We appreciate Senator Diaz and his time in the legislature, and his advocacy for important policy issues and his staunch support of funding necessary for our system to continue to be the driving force that provides talent to employers throughout the State of Florida,” said President Jim Murdaugh, President of Tallahassee Community College and former Chair of the Council of Presidents.
“As a former teacher, administrator and coach, Senator Diaz brings a wealth of insight into Florida’s education system,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College. “He is a fierce advocate for education and is committed to improving standards, quality and opportunities for all of Florida’s students. I would be honored to work with him as our new Commissioner of Education.”
“Florida is very fortunate to have Senator Manny Diaz become our new Commissioner of Education,” said Karen Moore, District Board of Trustees for Tallahassee Community College and former chair of the Trustee Commission. “Senator Diaz has dedicated his public service to education supporting student success, choice, access, and affordability in our state. I applaud Governor DeSantis and the State Board of Education for selecting Senator Diaz for this important job.”
“Manny Diaz Jr. has spearheaded positive education reform in the state during his time as a legislator, educator, principal, and administrator,” said Skylar Zander, State Director, Americans for Prosperity-Florida. “Americans for Prosperity has worked closely with him on reform issues for many years and is certain that Diaz will provide modern solutions to education problems in our state.”
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