Florida Commissioner of Education Announces Resignation

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413

Florida Commissioner of Education Announces Resignation

Tallahassee, Fla., July 31, 2012 - Florida Department of Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson submitted a letter of resignation today to Governor Rick Scott and State Board of Education Chair Kathleen Shanahan.

Commissioner Robinson has served as head of one of the country's largest state school systems since August 2011. Under his leadership Florida's school system has realized some major milestones, including raising achievement levels for the first time in a decade, obtaining a provisional flexibility waiver from the U.S. Department of Education from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act - one of the first eleven states to receive notification, and earning national recognition for accomplishments from early childhood learning to the Florida College System.

"The board is extremely grateful for Gerard's leadership this past year," said State Board of Education Chair Kathleen Shanahan. "He has worked with the board as we have raised standards for our students and our schools. He is a leader who embodies and understands the importance of education reform. We wish him the best as he makes the decision that is best for his own young children."

Chair Shanahan said that the board would be working closely with the Governor to identify a replacement. Commissioner Robinson's resignation will be effective August 31.

• Letter to Governor Rick Scott (PDF, 38KB)
• Letter to State Board of Education Chair Kathleen Shanahan (PDF, 39KB)