Commissioner Henry Mack Kicks Off the 2026-27 School Year Visiting Education Providers from Early Learning to Career Readiness
August 13, 2026
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Commissioner Henry Mack Kicks Off the 2026-27 School Year Visiting Education Providers from Early Learning to Career Readiness
Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, August 13, 2026 – As Florida's students and educators returned to classrooms for the 2026-27 school year, Commissioner of Education Henry Mack spent the first two weeks traveling across the state to visit early learning providers, K-12 schools, state colleges, and workforce education partners. Throughout the visits, Commissioner Mack met with educators, students, parents, and institutional leaders to kick off a successful school year and reaffirm the Department's commitment to ensuring every student has the support and opportunities needed to succeed.
“Across our early learning providers, K-12 schools, colleges, and workforce programs, Florida educators are equipping students for meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and the responsibilities of democratic citizenship. One of the greatest privileges of serving as Florida's Commissioner of Education is visiting our schools and colleges to hear directly from the educators, administrators, faculty, parents, and students who make Florida's education system the best in the nation,” said Commissioner Henry Mack. “The past two weeks, I saw firsthand the commitment to excellence that defines communities across our state. I look forward to building on that momentum as we continue working together to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead with knowledge, character, and an understanding of the enduring principles that have shaped our great civilization.”
“Starting a new school year is always an exciting time, and it is especially meaningful when our state’s leaders take the time to listen directly to students and educators. Commissioner Mack’s visit underscores the importance of working together to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education, strong support systems, and meaningful opportunities to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Christopher Small, Executive Director of Florida State University Schools.
"Lake-Sumter State College was honored to welcome Commissioner Henry Mack and share with him the outstanding work taking place across our campuses to prepare students for career success,” said President Temple of Lake-Sumter State College. “His visit gave us the opportunity to highlight the great work of our faculty and staff in support of our students. Our team remains focused on ensuring students have the knowledge, skills, and training they need to succeed in high-demand, high-wage careers.”
“Having Commissioner Mack visit our schools and engage directly with our educators and students was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the work happening every day to help our students succeed,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Superintendent of the School District of Osceola County. “When state and local education leaders work together, we can strengthen the support we provide to students and educators and ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
“Commissioner Mack’s visit to the Area 3 Vocational Rehabilitation office underscored the importance of ensuring Floridians with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to pursue careers, achieve independence, and contribute to their communities,” said Sharon Wright, Director of Area 3 Vocational Rehabilitation Office. “His focus on competitive integrated employment reflects a shared commitment to connecting individuals with the training, support, and employer partnerships they need to succeed in the workplace.”
“Orange County Public Schools was proud to welcome Commissioner Mack on the first day of school,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Our students and educators are at the heart of everything we do, and having the opportunity to share their experiences, accomplishments, and aspirations with Commissioner Mack was a meaningful way to highlight the strength of our school community.”
“Early learning lays the foundation for a child’s success, and we appreciate Commissioner Mack taking the time to see firsthand the important work happening in our community,” said Lesha Buchbinder, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County. “We are grateful for his commitment to ensuring Florida’s youngest learners have access to high-quality early learning opportunities that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.”
“Workforce education is at the heart of our mission to ensure students have a clear pathway from education to opportunity,” said President Kathleen Plinske of Valencia College. “We appreciated the opportunity to welcome Commissioner Mack and demonstrate how our faculty, students, and industry partners are working together to prepare Floridians for high-demand careers. His visit reinforced the importance of aligning education with the needs of our communities and employers and ensuring students have access to the hands-on training, credentials, and support they need to build successful careers and strengthen Florida’s workforce.”
Commissioner Mack traveled to school districts across Florida to thank educators, school staff, and parents for their dedication as they prepared classrooms and welcomed students for the new school year. School district visits included:
- School District of DeSoto County
- Hillsborough County Public Schools
- School District of Lee County
- School District of Osceola County
- Orange County Public Schools
- Florida State University Schools
Commissioner Mack also visited several Florida College System institutions to highlight the importance of expanding access to high-quality workforce education and ensuring students are prepared for successful careers. College visits included:
- South Florida State College
- Valencia College
- Lake-Sumter State College
In addition, Commissioner Mack visited the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Area 3 Office to learn more about efforts to help Floridians with disabilities prepare for, enter, and succeed in the workforce. He also met with the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County to discuss the critical role of early learning in building a strong educational foundation for Florida's youngest learners.
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