Orlando Welcomes New Member to Florida Board of Education

Orlando Welcomes New Member to Florida Board of Education

Orlando, FL – Daniel Foganholi officially joined the Florida Board of Education on Wednesday, marking his first meeting just three months after receiving only 20% of the votes in the Broward County School Board primary election. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Foganholi aims to contribute to the state’s educational landscape.

Background on Foganholi

Foganholi, a 39-year-old Republican from Coral Springs, has a unique journey. He is a first-generation American, whose parents moved to the United States from Brazil. His educational background includes certificates in marketing and business management from Florida Atlantic University. He is also known for being a member of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.

Although Foganholi’s recent election campaign did not yield success, he expressed gratitude for his new role, stating, “I am honored to sit up here and I look forward to doing great work with you.” His focus remains on enhancing Florida’s educational system to ensure the state remains a leader in education.

Meeting Highlights

During the board meeting, Foganholi made it clear he intends to support both school choice and the public school system. He expressed a desire to promote policies like a National Day of Prayer and Clergy Recognition Month in schools. His remarks also included a heartfelt thank you to both God and Governor DeSantis, highlighting his personal beliefs and gratitude for the appointment.

Governor’s Endorsement

Foganholi’s journey in education began with two appointments to the Broward School Board by Governor DeSantis. However, the governor did not endorse him in this year’s school board election, which complicates the narrative around his recent appointments. Nonetheless, Foganholi remains optimistic about his ability to enact change in Florida’s education system.

Conference Context

The board meeting coincided with the Florida Charter School Conference and the School Choice Summit taking place in Orlando. This conference gathered over 1,300 attendees and featured 160 exhibitors that connect private and charter schools with service providers. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. acknowledged this conference as a reflection of the vibrant school choice movement occurring in Florida.

Addressing Safety Concerns

In addition to educational initiatives, Diaz addressed a critical issue regarding the misuse of the Fortify Florida app, a platform for reporting suspicious activities related to schools. Following a rise in false reports, the board passed a new policy requiring annual training for parents on how to correctly utilize the app, along with comprehension of the consequences for misuse.

Conclusion

As Florida continues to evolve in its educational landscape, Foganholi’s role on the Board of Education serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to balance traditional public education with the growing charter school movement. With the governor’s backing and a focus on accountability, Foganholi looks to make a significant impact in the months to come.