Governor Backs His Deputy Chief of Staff to Lead State Department of Education

TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis is endorsing his Deputy Chief of Staff to replace Manny Diaz Jr. as state Education Commissioner. DeSantis is putting his support behind Anastasios Kamoutsas -- who he praised for his work on parental rights and school choice. The State Board of Education is set to consider the appointment, continuing DeSantis' trend of placing allies in key educational positions. Diaz was recently appointed as interim President at the University of West Florida by the Board of Trustees -- replacing Dr. Martha Saunders who resigned last month. Diaz's transition into the position is expected on July 14th -- pending approval from the state Board of Governors.