Today, the Florida State Board of Education unanimously approved The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education as the state’s guiding principles for education. This move makes Florida the first state in the country to formally adopt the declaration.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas commented on the decision, stating, “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 signatories of 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. The document was developed with input from over 50 scholars and policy experts along with ten educational and public interest groups. It outlines a vision for an education system focused on truth-seeking, character development, parental involvement, and student-centered priorities.
