The Florida Education Association (FEA) has criticized the State Board of Education and Governor Ron DeSantis for what it describes as politicizing education and targeting educators, following a recent board meeting. The FEA claims that state leaders are focusing on assigning blame rather than addressing longstanding issues in public schools.
According to the FEA, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas used the meeting to spread misinformation about an Alachua County School Board session, blamed educators for funding problems, and sought to intimidate school staff across Florida. The association says these actions are part of a broader pattern of political interference in education.
“Rather than taking an honest look at the chronic underfunding and harmful policies that have hampered public education in Florida for decades, the Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has once again chosen politics over students and vilified the very educators who keep our neighborhood public schools strong,” said the FEA in a statement.
The group expressed concern over comments from Commissioner Kamoutsas regarding Alachua County community members who spoke out at a local meeting. The commissioner reportedly said that their “culture needs to change” and suggested state intervention if it does not. The FEA argues this represents “a clear and direct threat to educators and entire communities who dare to disagree with the Governor’s agenda.”
The association also pointed out ongoing challenges facing Florida’s schools, including budget shortfalls linked to delayed federal funding, deteriorating classroom conditions such as mold and broken air conditioning, low teacher pay—Florida ranks last nationally in average teacher salary—and shortages of certified teachers. These issues have contributed to overcrowded classrooms and declining student performance metrics.
The FEA further criticized recent legislative budget proposals. It noted that while $145 million is earmarked for teacher pay increases, this would amount to less than $30 per paycheck before taxes for each teacher—a figure they argue is insufficient given inflation.
“The Legislative Budget Request (LBR) only further highlights the hypocrisy. Despite claims about supporting student learning and educators, the LBR actively undermines that goal,” stated the FEA.
The organization concluded by calling on state leaders to stop politicizing classrooms and instead focus on providing all students with access to quality education.
“As members of the State Board of Education themselves so eloquently put it, student achievement isn’t a partisan ideal. Every child—not just a select few—deserves a rich and diverse education that allows them to see themselves in their learning and challenges them to think for themselves,” read another excerpt from their statement.
The Florida Education Association represents more than 120,000 members statewide including PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, future teachers studying at colleges or universities, and retired employees.
