Gov. Ron DeSantis wants U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Henry Mack to be Florida’s next Education Commissioner.
Mack would replace Anastasios Kamoutsas, who is departing to lead Polk State College.
“I am confident Dr. Mack will build on Florida’s record of success in education,” DeSantis said. “He shares our commitment to parental rights, school choice, eliminating radical ideologies from the classroom, and preparing every student for success in the workforce and in life.”
Florida Politics Publisher Peter Schorsch first reported the news that Mack was being considered for the position.
“It is a profound honor to be recommended by Governor DeSantis to serve as Florida’s Commissioner of Education,” Mack said.
“For more than two decades I had the privilege of teaching in Florida, helping students think critically about education, policy, and the good life. As Chancellor, I worked to align our entire K-20 system with workforce needs, and at the U.S. Department of Labor I have continued breaking down the artificial walls between education and employment so that every Floridian — and every American — has clear pathways to high-wage careers. I am ready to bring that integrated vision home to serve Florida’s students, parents, and teachers and strengthen our workforce and economy.”
Prior to his federal job, Mack oversaw the Divisions of Florida Colleges, Career and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, the Office of Workforce Education and Economic Alignment, and the Commission for Independent Education, according to DeSantis’ press release.
“In his current federal role as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, he has advanced policies that integrate education and labor systems to expand Registered Apprenticeships, accelerate credential attainment, root out waste and fraud in the nation’s unemployment insurance system, and align training with high-demand industry needs,” DeSantis’ Office said in a press release.
Mack’s education includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy and theology from the Catholic University of America. He also earned a doctorate in education administration and the philosophy of education from the University of Miami, DeSantis’ press release added.
Mack replaces Kamoutsas, who is the latest DeSantis ally to be tapped as President of a Florida higher education institution.
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