Broward County (Florida) School Superintendent Peter Licata has been replaced immediately after he told the school board he wanted to retire at the end of the year because of health concerns.
The Miami Herald reports that Howard Hepburn, who has been deputy superintendent for teaching and learning, was promoted to superintendent after Licata's announcement.
Licata shocked everyone during a board meeting when he disclosed that he wanted to retire Dec. 31 over health reasons.
“After conferring recently with my doctors, my wife and my four adult children, it is best that I retire from this incredible role as an educator after 30 plus years here in South Florida,” said Licata, 59. “I’m giving advance notice, so you can properly prepare for the next superintendent.”
In response to Licata, the school board voted 8-1 to separate from Licata immediately, instead of waiting until December. The board also voted 8-1 to name Hepburn as the new superintendent.
Licata declined to disclose the naure of his medical condition.
Most School Board members voiced surprise after Licata’s news. They also raised concerns about instability in the district, as Licata was the third superintendent in the last five years.
The board hired Licata last summer following a national search. He replaced Vickie Cartwright, a superintendent who was fired, then rehired in late 2022. She ultimately left the district in early 2023.
Cartwright replaced Robert Runcie, who left the district in May 2021 after he was indicted and charged with lying to a statewide grand jury investigating the district. He pleaded not guilty, and a judge subsequently dismissed the case.
