Paul Burns named interim Education Commissioner to replace Anastasios Kamoutsas

Paul Burns has been unanimously appointed Florida’s interim Education Commissioner as Anastasios Kamoutsas departs to become the next President at Polk State College.

“I am humbled to serve as Interim Commissioner of Education,” Burns said. “I am grateful to the Board for the trust placed in me to continue the mission of prioritizing student achievement and school safety.

Burns has worked at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) since 2018 when he became the Deputy Chancellor for Educator Quality, according to a state news release.

“In August 2024, Dr. Burns was elevated to the role of Senior Chancellor, expanding his responsibilities to include overseeing the Division of Early Learning, the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, the Office of School Choice, and the Office of Safe Schools,” the FDOE said.

The FDOE said Burns was “deeply involved in the creation of Florida’s B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Standards, replacing Common Core in Florida’s classrooms.”

“For the past eight years, Dr. Burns has played a central role in implementing and advancing Florida’s education agenda,” Kamoutsas said. “The Board made a strong and thoughtful decision in selecting him as Interim Commissioner. He knows this Department, understands what it takes to deliver results, and I am confident he will continue building on the progress we’ve made.”

Burns’ career also included nearly 20 years in the classroom and as a school administrator, the FDOE said.

Burns will serve as interim Commissioner while also working his Senior Chancellor post. The FDOE did not immediately to questions about his salary.

Burns’ credentials include bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas, a master’s degree from Lindenwood University and his doctorate from St. Louis University, the FDOE said.

Kamoutsas, the latest from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to land a high-profile public job, is starting July 6 at Polk State. He will be paid $330,469 annually.

The Florida Phoenix reported DeSantis also appointed Kamoutsas’ wife, Rachel Kamoutsas, as a Judge on Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal in Lakeland.