State Board of Education Appoints Dr. Louis Algaze to Serve as Florida Virtual School Executive Director
July 1, 2019
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State Board of Education Appoints Dr. Louis Algaze to Serve as Florida Virtual School Executive Director
Lakeland, Fla., July 1, 2019 – Today, during the State Board of Education meeting, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Louis Algaze as the Executive Director of the Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Following a series of controversies and allegations of mismanagement at the leadership level, the Florida Legislature, via SB 2502, transferred control of FLVS to the State Board of Education, ordered the Board to appoint an executive director and called for an audit of the school.
Dr. Algaze is a Cuban American education leadership expert who pioneered school improvement efforts through his work in Miami-Dade County schools over nearly 30 years.
- He began his career as a Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a dean of students, assistant principal and principal.
- He has demonstrated his ability to successfully manage all facets of providing a high-quality education, particularly school accountability, budgets, and the intricacies related to operating organizations that employ a large staff.
- As a result, he has served as a mentor for principals throughout the district, state and nation and was selected to represent North America on the University of Cambridge International’s Principal Advisory Board.
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “The appointment of Dr. Louis Algaze will help ensure the school and the students and families it serves thrive. The Florida Virtual School was the first of its kind, and it should also be the best. Under Dr. Louis Algaze’s leadership and through the comprehensive audit process, we should discover opportunities for improvement that will benefit current and future students greatly.”
Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said, “The Florida Virtual School serves students throughout the world and is a critical component of Florida’s robust menu of educational options. Dr. Algaze has led an impressive career that has prepared him well to take on this critical role, and I look forward to collaborating with him in the best interests of Florida’s students.”
State Board of Education Chair Marva Johnson said, “The Florida Virtual School is a Florida treasure that provides hundreds of thousands of students opportunities to reach their goals, and I take seriously our responsibility to ensure it has capable leadership. Dr. Louis Algaze embodies the qualities needed to steady the ship and implement with fidelity the Florida Legislature’s directives.”
Senator Manny Diaz said, “The state of Florida is getting a consummate professional with vast experience as a successful educator and administrator. Dr. Algaze is a man of impeccable character and integrity, he brings a successful track record of success and innovation to Florida Virtual School.”
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