The State Board of Education in Florida has unanimously voted to adopt The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education as the state’s guiding principles for education. This decision was announced on November 13, 2025, and marks Florida as the first state in the nation to formally embrace this declaration.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated, “Throughout Governor Ron DeSantis’ tenure, education in Florida has been guided by many of the principles embodied in the Phoenix Declaration. By formally adopting this Declaration, we are reaffirming our commitment to an education system that pursues truth and virtue, empowers parents, and always prioritizes our students.”
Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education and one of the original public officials who endorsed the declaration, said, “As one of the original public officials who signed on to the Phoenix Declaration, I knew how important it was for the State Board of Education to adopt it to serve as the unifying foundation for education in Florida. The Phoenix Declaration will challenge us, as leaders, to resist complacency and ensure that Florida remains a national model for academic freedom, parental partnership and educational excellence.”
The Heritage Foundation introduced The Phoenix Declaration on February 17, 2025. It was developed with input from over 50 scholars and education policy experts as well as participation from 10 educational and public interest groups. The declaration sets forth a vision for an education system focused on pursuing truth and virtue while emphasizing parental involvement and student-centered priorities.
