The Florida Department of Education announced on March 31 that education leaders, law enforcement officers, policymakers, and school safety specialists from across Florida and 19 other states attended the second annual National Summit on School Safety. The event was hosted in partnership with the Florida Education Foundation and included families of victims from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting.
The summit aimed to share best practices and highlight Florida’s approach to school safety. The presence of families affected by past tragedies added a significant perspective to discussions focused on preventing future incidents.
During the event, John Newman, Chief of Security and Emergency Management for Hillsborough County Public Schools, was recognized as the 2026 School Safety Specialist of the Year. Newman has worked in school security since 2014 after serving for nearly three decades with Tampa Police Department. In 2023, he was appointed by Governor 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.”
“I am proud that Florida continues to strengthen policies that improve school safety, with the belief that this work is never finished,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. “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.”
“School safety starts with preparation, coordination and strong partnerships,” said Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director at Florida Division of Emergency Management. “In Florida, we take an all-hazards approach, working alongside educators, law enforcement and community partners to ensure every school is prepared, protected and resilient. This is about safeguarding our future and ensuring every student can learn in a safe environment.”
The summit featured remarks from Commissioner Kamoutsas followed by a keynote address from representatives from United States Secret Service focusing on threat identification strategies. Additional sessions addressed evolving challenges within state schools as well as national trends related to campus security.
According to its official website, The Florida Department of Education operates out of Tallahassee at its headquarters located at 325 West Gaines Street; it oversees public education statewide covering early childhood through higher learning; works closely with parents, educators and communities; offers academic resources including professional training; administers K-12 programs along with career development opportunities.
