Broward Schools is getting another superintendent after Dr. Peter Licata announced this morning, due to a medical condition, he has to retire at the end of the calendar year.
However, the school board agreed to immediately begin transitioning him out and transitioning in Deputy Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn.
"We are in a time of a lot of change, and we need that stability, and I truly believe that Dr. Licata has helped Dr. Hepburn become the top leader that he is," says Board Chair Lori Alhadeff.
School Board Member Daniel Foganholi was the only "No" vote on the plan saying, "We alone are making a decision the entire county, without getting public input, getting community involvement when we talk about a superintendent. So for me, I think it's very... this board has made a decision similar to that in the past of leaving the community out again."
Negotiations will now begin on a three-year contract with Hepburn.
The school board will have to vote on the final contract.
Hepburn promises nothing will change under his leadership: "Our priority is focused on being an 'A.' Our priority is focused on doing what we must do for our communities. That is going through our redefining process and repurposing schools and working with our communities to make sure we're making the right decisions as we move forward on that aspect. But student achievement, student performance is always the priority."
He will become the fourth superintendent in less than three years. Both Robert Runcie and Dr. Vickie Cartwright were forced to resign in 2021 and 2023 respectively.