DeSantis Names Education Official to Independent Education Commission

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Kevin O'Farrell, currently the Executive Vice President of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives at Polk State College, to the Commission for Independent Education, according to an announcement from the Governor's Press Office on Friday.

O'Farrell brings extensive experience in Florida's education and workforce sectors. Before his current role at Polk State, he served as Senior Chancellor for Higher Education and Workforce Development with the Florida Department of Education. He holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida, along with master's degrees in political science and public administration from the same institution.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The Commission for Independent Education oversees Florida's private schools and education programs that operate outside the traditional public school system.