Michael Ramirez

Michael Ramirez brings a people-centered approach to Duval County Public Schools. He sees K-12 public education as a calling to change lives and shape future generations.

A large school district advances when leadership teams stay aligned, priorities stay visible and decisions tie back to the work that matters most. At Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida, Ramirez carries this responsibility in the role of Chief of Staff. He leads the senior leadership team, runs day-to-day operations and acts as liaison between the superintendent and district divisions, giving senior leaders direction on strategic initiatives.

A typical day runs on several tracks, from following what is going well in schools, academically and operationally, to responding to real-time crises as they unfold. Ramirez is the direct line to school board members, making sure they know what is happening across the district, and he oversees governance, including agendas, votes and workshop topics.

The board-approved strategic plan is the district’s north star. He points staff to the key performance indicators for each major initiative, so daily work supports what the district and the superintendent are evaluated on. A weekly meeting of the district’s chiefs keeps leadership focused on those priorities, with Ramirez driving the follow-through to “keep the main thing the main thing.”

Decisions Made in Harmony

More than three decades in education as a teacher, principal and district leader shape his approach. Ramirez centers it on the people who bring their whole selves to classrooms, schools and district offices.

“Leadership is relational. It’s about building trust and doing the work with the community, not at the community,” he says.

The landscape around that work has shifted. Over the past five to ten years, safety and security concerns, social media amplifying local issues globally, and the political climate have added pressure on leaders to keep students’ best interests in view. When crises, tough financial times or enrollment challenges arise, Ramirez grounds his decisions in his lasting relationships and trust.

“ Leadership is relational. It's about building trust and doing the work with the community, not at the community. ”

He believes leaders build these relationships and trust by being visible and accessible, and he treats showing up as a commitment. He engages where the community gathers, from town halls to advisory forums. Joining chambers builds ties with business, civic and government leaders.

Ramirez is equally open about setbacks. When the district misses a mark, he names it, apologizes and commits to improving, guided by a mantra to be better and smarter than the day before. Decisions get made with many voices at the table, as he puts it, “the smartest person in a room is the room.” Before acting, he asks what the data says on school culture and climate, student discipline and academic achievement, and the answers guide where resources go.

“The most important job you have is the job that you’re in,” he tells fellow leaders, urging them to go deep, enjoy the journey and invest in people.

The Path to a World-Class School System

Charting his course forward, he expects classrooms to change. Students arrive plugged in, and he wants districts to use technology and AI to raise student agency and well-being. The day and age of sit-and-get education has passed, and teachers should facilitate learning and meet kids where they are. Innovation has to happen in partnership with the community, and understanding what employers look for gives students the right opportunities, since many jobs for the youngest generation have yet to be created.

Ramirez takes pride in the district’s A rating—held for the last two years and a first in its history. The rating is a building block on the path to a world-class school system and a challenge to the status quo. Credit goes to the team leading the work, the school leaders and the community behind them. Parents, students, community partners, the business community, local elected officials, the state and its legislators all have a hand in the result.

“We couldn’t do it alone. It’s all means all in Duval, and we’re really proud of the work we’ve been doing here,” he adds. His place among Education Insider’s Top 10 Chiefs of Staff 2026 recognizes his role in aligning district leaders, advancing strategic priorities and strengthening community partnerships to build a world-class school system.