The Florida Department of Education hosted its second annual National Summit on School Safety in Tallahassee on March 31, bringing together representatives from school districts across Florida and 19 other states. The event was organized in partnership with the Florida Education Foundation and included education leaders, law enforcement officers, policymakers, and school safety specialists. Families of victims from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting were also present at the summit.
The summit focused on sharing best practices for school safety and highlighted Florida’s model for safeguarding students and staff. John Newman, Chief of Security and Emergency Management for Hillsborough County Public Schools, was named the 2026 School Safety Specialist of the Year in recognition of his leadership and commitment to student safety. Newman has served in his current role since 2014 after a nearly three-decade career with the Tampa Police Department. In 2023, he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission.
“Florida continues to lead the nation with innovative policies that safeguard our schools, students and staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with partners across the country to share Florida’s approach to school safety,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Congratulations to Chief Newman on being named this year’s School Safety Specialist. With more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement and emergency management, he has made a profound and lasting impact on school safety in Florida.”
Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education, said: “I am proud that Florida continues to strengthen policies that improve school safety, with the belief that this work is never finished. This Summit provided an important opportunity for school safety specialists to deepen their expertise and learn from Florida’s model, helping to further protect campuses nationwide. Our shared goal is to ensure that no family has to experience the pain we endure as the families of the victims of Marjory Stoneman Douglas.”
Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director at Florida Division of Emergency Management added: “School safety starts with preparation, coordination and strong partnerships… In Florida, we take an all-hazards approach… This is about safeguarding our future and ensuring every student can learn in a safe environment.”
According to the official website, The Florida Department of Education operates from its headquarters at 325 West Gaines Street in Tallahassee. The department oversees public education throughout Florida from early childhood through higher learning; it partners with parents, educators, communities; offers academic resources; provides professional training; supports K-12 schools as well as higher education programs; administers career development initiatives—all aimed at advancing student achievement.
The summit featured opening remarks by Commissioner Kamoutsas followed by a keynote address from representatives of United States Secret Service focusing on threat identification strategies. Sessions covered topics such as evolving security challenges facing schools nationally while concluding events included a student-led panel reinforcing commitment toward safer learning environments.
For more information about ongoing efforts related to campus security or educational resources available statewide visit Safe Schools.
