Politics
Gov. DeSantis continues imprint on State Board of Education with new appointments
The Governor also reappointed one familiar face to the Board.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is making changes to the State Board of Education, naming two new members to the panel while also keeping a familiar face in place.
The Governor announced the appointment of Erika Fritz-Ochs and Luis Fuste, along with the reappointment of Dr. Grazie Christie, to the Board.
Fritz-Ochs has a background in education policy and also has classroom experience. She currently serves as Program Manager at the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning, a research hub focused on improving teaching and learning across the state.
Her résumé also includes work as an Educational Policy Consultant for the Florida Department of Education, a Research and Training Specialist for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and a teacher with Leon County and Pasco County schools.
She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Leo University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Nova Southeastern University.
Fuste holds legal and regulatory experience, along with a track record of civic involvement. A lawyer at Fuste Law, P.A., he has previously served on a range of boards and commissions, including the Florida Commission on Ethics and the Board of Chiropractic Medicine.
His community roles have also included positions with Little Bear Big Heart, Inc. and the Doral College Board of Trustees. Fuste earned his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and his law degree from Florida International University.
Christie, who is being reappointed, is a Miami-area radiologist with more than two decades of experience in diagnostics. She has been a conservative voice on education and cultural issues and is affiliated with Americans United for Life. Christie holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a medical degree from the University of Miami.
The Senate must also confirm all three selections.
The State Board of Education plays a central role in overseeing Florida’s K-12 system and some higher education governance, setting various rules and policies.
