As a principal, he created secure learning environments that led to Edgewater High School’s graduation rate rising from 85% to 99%, earned national recognition at Ocoee Middle School, and was named Florida’s National Distinguished Principal in 2014.
As Chief Information Officer at Orange County Public Schools, he led the largest single deployment of student devices in K-12 history, deploying 114,000 devices in just seven weeks, while implementing tools like Gaggle to prioritize student safety. His work modernizing cybersecurity and IT infrastructure provided a secure and efficient foundation for the district to serve its students.
Now, as Superintendent of the Osceola School District, he continues to prioritize student safety. He has introduced secured lobbies, piloted metal detectors, and implemented random safety searches to create schools where students and staff feel safe and supported. His collaborative approach with law enforcement ensures the district is prepared to respond to any threats, reinforcing a culture of proactive, student-centered safety.
“Student safety is an evolving space,” he noted. “If you own student safety, don’t settle or be swayed by competing interests—your students are counting on you.”
About Gaggle: For over 25 years, Gaggle has been the leader in helping K-12 districts keep students safe by proactively identifying and addressing potential safety concerns. Through the use of AI-powered technology and expert human review, Gaggle helps schools detect signs of self-harm, bullying, substance abuse, and potential threats, ensuring timely intervention and support. With a mission to ensure the safety and well-being of students and schools by leveraging people and technology, Gaggle has partnered with thousands of districts nationwide to protect students and save lives. For more information, visit www.gaggle.net.