- December 4, 2025
Flagler County School Board member Derek Barrs submitted his resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis, effective Sept. 30, according to a Sept. 8 Flagler Schools press release.
Barrs, who was appointed by DeSantis in October 2024 to serve the remainder of Sally Hunt’s term, is expected to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The agency, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, regulates and provides safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles. Barrs was nominated for the post by President Donald Trump on March 25.
“Serving Flagler Schools has been an extraordinary chapter of my public service life,” Barrs wrote in his resignation letter. “From working alongside dedicated educators, staff and board members, to supporting our outstanding teachers and administrators, I have deeply valued the spirit of Children First, fostering Trust and Respect for All and striving to Empower Others.”
The governor is responsible for appointing a board member to serve the remainder of the District 1 term, which ends in November, 2026. The appointee does not have to live in the District 1 zone.
“We are grateful for Mr. Barrs’ service to the students and families of Flagler Schools,” Superintendent LaShakia Moore said in the district’s press release. “His time on the board reflected a strong commitment to collaboration and keeping students at the center of every decision. We wish him the very best as he continues his service at the national level.”
The School Board had two workshops (Sept. 9 and Sept. 23) and one business meeting (Sept. 23) scheduled before Barrs’ resignation takes effect.
At the Aug. 26 business meeting, Barrs closed his comments with a farewell message, not knowing if that would be his last board meeting or not.
“It's been an incredible honor to serve on the Flagler County School Board,” he said. “Over the past year, I've had the privilege of working alongside Superintendent Moore and my fellow board members up here today, and so many dedicated teachers, staff and community members who want only the best for this community.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity that I've had to be appointed to this position and proud of what we've accomplished together. What has always inspired me about Flagler Schools since I walked in the front door, of being able to go through the orientation, is a shared vision of mission, vision and values and the guiding principles that this organization has. Our mission is to ensure that every student has a chance to succeed.
“… I want to leave you with this: How we carry ourselves matters even when we disagree with one another. … We owe it to our students, our staff, our community, to show the respect and professionalism and unity of purpose. People are watching what we do. And how we lead in Flagler County Schools should remain an example of how we do things right. To our teachers and staff, thank you. You are the heart of this district. Every classroom lesson, every act of support, every behind the scenes effort makes the difference from small to large. It takes all of us working together, as I mentioned, to give every kid the very best, and you do that every single day.”
