Van Ayres

Van Ayres serves as Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, the nation’s seventh-largest school district. Appointed in 2023, he leads one of the largest and most diverse public school systems in the country, with a focus on academic excellence, organizational effectiveness, and student success. Under his leadership, the school district has achieved historic academic gains, earned its first A district grade in more than a decade, and expanded opportunities that prepare students for college, career, and life. Ayres is committed to creating safe, supportive, and high-performing schools. He works closely with district security teams, law enforcement, emergency management, and community partners to strengthen school safety, enhance preparedness, and support student and staff well-being across the district while advancing a culture of excellence.