The State of Arts Education in Florida: Navigating Needs, Challenges, and Opportunities
led by: Arts Legislation Panel
Arts education continues to be a vital part of a well-rounded education in Florida, contributing to student achievement, mental well-being, and community engagement. This panel brings together elected officials, education leaders, and arts advocates to reflect on the current landscape of arts education across the state. Together, we’ll explore what's working, where gaps remain, and how schools, communities, and policymakers can work together to ensure that the arts remain an accessible and essential part of every child’s learning experience.
Panelists will offer insight into statewide and local efforts to support arts programming, share successful models and partnerships, and identify opportunities for continued growth and sustainability.
PANELIST BIOS:
Dr. Joseph D’Ambrosi (Moderator), Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist, School District of Osceola County
Dr. Joseph D’Ambrosi (or, “Dr. D,” as his students call him) serves as Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist for the School District of Osceola County where he works to bring equitable and enriching arts opportunities to over 75,000 K-12 students across 50+ schools. Previously he taught at Liberty High School in Kissimmee, FL (a Title I school), where he built a thriving theatre program. An award-winning theatre scholar and educator, Dr. D’Ambrosi regularly teaches at the graduate, undergraduate, and secondary levels at institutions such as the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he is a Graduate Faculty Scholar. Dr. D’Ambrosi received his Ph.D. in Theatre and Drama from Indiana University, M.A. in Theatre Studies from UCF, and B.A. in Theatre from Messiah University. He is on the peer-review board of Youth Theatre Journal and his work is widely published in journals and edited collections such as Ecumenica: Journal of Theatre and Performance, Theatre Survey, Theatre History Studies, and Performance and the Disney Theme Park Experience: The Tourist as Actor. His primary research interrogates the role of performance in the development of evangelical Christianity, from the 18th century to the present. This summer, D’Ambrosi intends to continue his graduate studies in Educational Leadership in pursuit of becoming a district administrator who advocates tirelessly for arts education in our schools. Dr. D’Ambrosi is an active member of his church, St. Luke’s UMC in Orlando, serving a three-year term on the Church Council, regularly leading worship, and performing in the theatre ministry.
Dr. Mark Shanoff, Superintendent, School District of Osceola County
Dr. Mark Shanoff was appointed as the Superintendent for the School District of Osceola County on June 13, 2023. Prior to his unanimous selection as Superintendent, he served as chief information officer in Orange County Public Schools. In that role, he oversaw Enterprise Applications, the Student Information System, IT Infrastructure, Information Security, the Project Management Office, and Business Operations. He led the largest single deployment of student devices in K-12 history summer of 2022—114,000 devices to 210 sites in seven weeks.
During the 2021-2022 school year, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Volusia County Schools. He led a team of 1,700 employees across Design and Construction, Operations and Maintenance, Food and Nutrition Services, Student Transportation Services, and Procurement. Under his leadership, Volusia County Schools engaged in a record 119 capital projects, saved over $12.5M in owner direct purchasing, experienced $5M in cost avoidance in procurement, re-engineered the service delivery in Food and Nutrition Services from “distributor direct ship” to an internal warehouse delivery model. His transportation team had an on-time bus arrival of 96%, exceeding the Council of Great City School average that year.
Dr. Shanoff has principal experience at all three levels. He served as principal of Edgewater High School in Orange County from 2016-2021. During his tenure, the graduation rate increased from 85% to 99%. Prior to his appointment at Edgewater, he was principal at Ocoee Middle School, an Apple Distinguished School and Florida’s State Demonstration School for Technology. From 2008-2013, he served as principal of Dillard Street Elementary in Winter Garden, FL.
He was elected President of the Florida Association of School Administrators in 2013, and in 2014, he was named National Distinguished Principal for the State of Florida by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. In 2019, he was awarded Florida Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Shanoff has presented on numerous topics around the country and serves on the RTM Group Advisory Board. He has testified in the Florida House of Representatives on digital learning and on Capitol Hill regarding executive functioning skills of middle school students.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rollins College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, an MBA from University of Florida and a doctorate from the University of Central Florida. He has one daughter, Parker.
Mr. Jason Locker, Senior Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Orange County Public Schools
Jason Locker is Senior Director of Visual and Performing Arts for Orange County Public Schools. He received his bachelor and master of music education degrees from the University of Florida and Florida State University, respectively, and is currently pursuing an EdS in educational leadership at the University of South Florida. Prior to working in OCPS, he was a high school choral music educator in Florida and Georgia for 18 years. Choirs under his direction consistently received Superior ratings at district and state Music Performance Assessments; were invited to perform in several prestigious events and venues; and regularly collaborated in music, service projects, and community outreach with choral and instrumental ensembles from neighboring schools.
Currently, he is President of the Florida Music Education Association, one of the largest state professional associations for music educators in America. A past president of the Florida Vocal Association, he is an active adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor throughout the state. He also serves as Director of Traditional Worship at First United Methodist Church of Orlando.
Ms. Abby Sanchez, School Board Member, Seminole County Public Schools
Abby Sanchez is a teacher, mother, school board member and PTA President. She has served the education community in various capacities over the years with a passion as being an advocate for children and Seminole County Public School’s employees for the past nine years and has recently served as Chair and Vice Chair of its Board.
Over Abby’s 36 years in education, she has served at 14 other school districts and was a classroom teacher for 27 years. As an advocate, she serves on such arts boards and committees as the Seminole Cultural Arts Council, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden as a trustee, and the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center’s education committee.
Abby also serves on multiple charity boards such as Ali's Hope which supports children with mental health issues and BASECAMP and organization that supports childhood cancer.
Abby continues to fight for children to make sure they receive a well-rounded education and for teachers and administrators so that all are treated fairly and with the upmost respect. She loves being a part of her community and volunteers her time and talents throughout central Florida.
Abby is a mother of three and grandmother of three and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Bo for 35 years and now resides in Altamonte Springs.
Photo coming soon.
Ms. Lisa Miller, School Board Member, Polk County Public Schools
Bio coming soon.