Background
The Florida Board of Education oversees the Florida Department of Education.
The Board is a committee of 7 members and the Commissioner of Education, which are all appointed by the Florida Governor to direct public K-12 & Community College education.
Before 2003, the Commissioner of Education was originally a Cabinet-level position filled by an election. But by a voter-approved revision to the Florida Constitution, the Commissioner of Education became an appointed position.
The revised constitution also created the new Florida Board of Education.
Education Commissioner: Tony Bennett
Board of Education Members:
Mr. Gary Chartrand
Chair, State Board of Education
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Term: May 16, 2011 – December 31, 2014
Mr. John R. Padget
Vice Chair, State Board of Education
Key West, Florida
Term: May 13, 2009 – December 31, 2016
Dr. Ada G. Armas
State Board of Education, Member
Coral Gables, Florida
Term: February 7, 2013- December 31, 2016
Mr. John A. Colon
State Board of Education, Member
University Park, Florida
Term: February 7, 2013 – December 31, 2014
Mrs. Barbara S. Feingold
State Board of Education, Member
Delray Beach, Florida
Term: July 18, 2011 – December 31, 2013
Ms. Kathleen Shanahan
State Board of Education, Member
Tampa, Florida
Term: January 6, 2006 – December 31, 2013
Pam Stewart
Florida Department of Education, Commissioner
325 W. Gaines Street
Suite 1514
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Phone: 850-245-0505
Fax: 850-245-9667
