Representatives from school districts across Florida and 19 other states attended the second annual National Summit on School Safety, hosted by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation in Tallahassee on March 31. The event brought together education leaders, law enforcement officers, policymakers, and school safety specialists to discuss best practices for protecting students and staff. Families of victims from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting were also present at the summit.
The summit highlighted Florida’s approach to school safety, with a focus on collaboration between educators, law enforcement, and community partners. Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas welcomed attendees and said, “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.”
John Newman, Chief of Security and Emergency Management for Hillsborough County Public Schools, was named the 2026 School Safety Specialist of the Year during the event. Newman has served in his current role since 2014 after a long career with Tampa Police Department. In 2023 he was appointed by Governor DeSantis to serve on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission.
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… Our shared goal is to ensure that no family has to experience the pain we endure as families of victims.” Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for Florida Division of Emergency Management added: “School safety starts with preparation, coordination and strong partnerships… This is about safeguarding our future and ensuring every student can learn in a safe environment.”
The summit featured a keynote address from representatives of United States Secret Service focusing on threat identification and prevention. Sessions covered evolving challenges in school security both statewide and nationally.
The Florida Department of Education operates from its headquarters at 325 West Gaines Street in Tallahassee according to its official website. The department works alongside parents, educators, and communities throughout Florida to boost student achievement through programs covering early childhood education through higher learning according to its official website. Support services include academic resources for students as well as professional training opportunities for teachers as noted by FDOE.
For more information about ongoing efforts related to school safety in Florida or available educational resources visit Safe Schools.
