Chief Operating Officer Sam Verghese Named 2025 ‘Best Leader of a K-12 School/District’

Sam Verghese, Chief Operating Officer and acting Deputy Superintendent of Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and FlexPoint, has been named the 2025 EdTech Chronicle Best in Education Award winner in the Best Leader of a K-12 School/District category. The award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in education. 

The annual EdTech Chronicle Best in Education Awards honor leaders who advance student success through strategic vision and measurable results. Verghese was selected for his people-focused leadership and for his ability to build systems that strengthen team member engagement while improving student outcomes across Florida and beyond. 

“I am honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the work of the entire FLVS team,” said Verghese. “When you invest in people, lead with trust, and stay focused on helping students succeed, meaningful progress follows.” 

Verghese oversees a broad range of operational and strategic functions, including human resources, workforce strategy, education program expansion, and large-scale initiatives. He also leads education technology business development strategy, helping ensure FLVS remains at the forefront of tools and solutions that support student growth. 

FLVS provides a comprehensive, award-winning curriculum to public, private, charter, and homeschooled families and school districts nationwide. Under his leadership, FLVS serves more than 230,000 students annually. Additionally, the organization's current employee retention rate is 96.5%.

Verghese began his career as a teacher after earning a bachelor’s degree in religion and psychology from Liberty University. He later served in state government roles with the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the Office of the Governor. In 2014, he was appointed and confirmed as the youngest Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in state history. 

Following his public sector service, his career expanded to the private sector, where he advised Fortune 500 companies on education technology before joining FLVS in 2019. His entrepreneurial mindset and passion for continual improvement helped guide the organization through a period of rapid growth and supported the development of innovative programs. This includes the launch of FlexPoint, the organization’s national arm designed to extend FLVS award-winning digital curriculum, technology platforms, and professional development expertise to PreK–12 schools and districts at scale - serving partners nationwide and across 65 countries and three U.S. territories.

Verghese has an MBA from Auburn University and a BS from Liberty University. The Virginia native is actively involved in statewide education and workforce initiatives and is a member of the Florida Chamber Foundation Future of Work Advisory Board. He also volunteers in his community and supports mental health programs and services in Clermont, where he resides. 

In addition to Verghese’s recognition, FlexPoint was also named a 2025 EdTech Chronicle Best in Education Award winner in the Best Advertisement, Direct Mail, Email, and Other Marketing Collateral category for the FlexPoint marketing guide, 'How to Attract Families to Your School and Increase Enrollment - Marketing Your School or District: Part 1'. This guide was recognized for its clear messaging, strong visuals, and effectiveness in communicating education solutions to schools and districts nationwide.