Michael Pociask Named Superintendent of Florida Scholars Academy

August 11, 2026

Michael Pociask has been named Superintendent of Florida Scholars Academy (FSA).

Michael Pociask has been named Superintendent of Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), the statewide school district serving students in Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) residential programs. FSA, operated by Florida Virtual School (FLVS), provides educational services to youth in DJJ residential programs across 38 residential facilities statewide.

Pociask most recently served as Regional Director for FSA, leading the team that supported academic operations in the district’s central region. In this role, he led instructional improvement initiatives, strengthened educator effectiveness, and partnered with instructional leaders, facility administrators, and community stakeholders to improve student outcomes.

“Florida Scholars Academy has built a strong foundation for student success over the past two years, and I’m honored to continue supporting that work,” said Pociask. “Our focus remains on providing students with consistent, high‑quality instruction that helps them stay on track academically and prepare for their futures.”

Now entering its third year, the district has achieved major academic gains since its inception in 2024. 

During the 2025–26 school year:

• FSA served 1,848 high school students, 560 middle school students, and a small number of elementary‑aged students.* 

• Students completed more than 17,434 courses across core and elective subjects.

• Students passed more than 842 GED tests during the school year. 

• 944 students received Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services.

“Florida Scholars Academy has made significant academic progress in just two years, and Michael has been a key part of building the district since its inception,” said Robin Winder, FLVS’s chief academic officer. “His leadership and experience guiding our instructional model will help continue that momentum, ensuring students experience consistent, high‑quality learning opportunities across all residential programs.”

“Florida Scholars Academy has made extraordinary strides in providing the youth we serve with a high-quality education that will set them up for success when they return to their communities,” said DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh. “I am excited to see how the wealth of knowledge and experience Superintendent Pociask brings to this new role will further advance the Florida Scholars Academy and outcomes for its students.”

Prior to joining FLVS in 2024, Pociask gained experience in a variety of educational settings focused on instructional quality, organizational improvement, and supporting at‑risk student populations. He held roles in both classroom instruction and school‑based leadership at Osceola Juvenile Commitment Facility, OASIS Residential Center, Heritage Park Academy (now DJJ’s Kissimmee Youth Academy), and Harmony High School.

Pociask holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Concordia University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University.

Additional details about Florida Scholars Academy are available on the FSA website. 

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