If you’ve watched military-connected families navigate the challenges of frequent moves, deployment absences, and transitioning between schools, you know these students face unique educational hurdles. You’re not imagining things—research shows military families consistently identify educational continuity as one of their top concerns. This new leadership appointment signals a potential shift in how the nation’s largest military school system approaches these challenges.
Leadership Transition at Defense Schools
Paul Craft, a retired Army colonel who previously led Delaware City Schools and Buckeye Valley Local Schools in Ohio, has been appointed to lead the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). He began his tenure on March 9, 2026, succeeding Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, who served as director since 2022.
Craft brings three decades of military experience from the Ohio Army National Guard alongside his extensive education leadership background. Most recently, he served as Ohio’s superintendent for public instruction, overseeing licensure for more than 350,000 educators. Defense officials described him as “a seasoned executive with a strong track record of elevating organizations.”
A retired Army colonel is taking over the 161 schools serving 67,000+ military kids. The new direction focuses on classical learning and high expectations. Here's what it means for families.
Reorienting Toward Traditional Values
In announcing the appointment, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Craft is “the right leader to swiftly reorient [DODEA] towards patriotic values and classical learning, consistent with the Department’s focus on merit, standards, and excellence.” This marks a significant directional shift from previous leadership priorities.
DODEA operates 161 schools serving approximately 67,000 military-connected children across 11 countries, seven U.S. states, and two territories. The agency has also begun implementing universal pre-K programs in nearly all elementary schools. Under previous leadership, DODEA students consistently ranked at the top of the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in reading and math.
Quote: He is the right leader to swiftly reorient DOD towards patriotic values and classical learning, consistent with the Department’s focus on merit, standards, and excellence. | Attribution: Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
What Parents Can Expect
The new direction emphasizes four core pillars: parental transparency, high expectations for students, excellent teachers, and rigorous curriculum. For military families, this could mean greater involvement in their children’s education and clearer communication about academic progress.
“When our warriors sign up to serve, we commit to taking care of them and their families,” Hegseth said in the announcement. “Paul is going to guide the K-12 transformation required to deliver on this promise, providing our military-connected children with the best possible education and opportunities.”
Military family advocates have expressed cautious optimism, noting that students in these schools have historically performed well but that families value consistency and stability in leadership. Some have emphasized that military children already live patriotism daily and benefit from academic environments that challenge them appropriately.
Key takeaways
- New DODEA Leader Appointed: Retired Army colonel Paul Craft takes over leadership of 161 military-connected schools serving 67,000+ students.
- Focus on Classical Learning: New direction emphasizes patriotic values, rigorous curriculum, and high expectations for military-connected students.
- Maintaining Academic Excellence: DODEA students have consistently ranked at the top of national assessments under previous leadership.
Looking Ahead
This leadership transition represents one of the most significant shifts in military-connected education in recent years. Parents and educators will want to watch how Craft balances maintaining the strong academic performance DODEA is known for while implementing the new directional priorities.
The emphasis on classical learning and rigorous curriculum aligns with broader national conversations about educational standards. For military families specifically, the focus on transparency and high expectations could mean more consistent communication as they navigate the unique challenges of military life while supporting their children’s academic success.
Quote: When our warriors sign up to serve, we commit to taking care of them and their families. Paul is going to guide the K-12 transformation required to deliver on this promise, providing our military-connected children with the best possible education and opportunities. | Attribution: Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Every child—regardless of their family’s service or location—deserves an education that challenges them, supports their growth, and prepares them for what’s ahead. The brain adapts and changes through appropriate challenge and support, and military-connected students have shown remarkable resilience and capability when given the right resources. While this leadership transition brings change, the focus on high expectations and rigorous curriculum aligns with what research shows works: clear standards, strong teachers, and family involvement. If you’re a military family navigating these changes or any parent seeking to support your child’s potential, approaches that build skills and celebrate growth rather than simply managing limitations will always serve our young people best.
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References
- Delaware Gazette - Former DCS, BV superintendent to lead Dept. of War Education Activity
- Military Times - Hegseth replaces director of schools for military children
