Broward School Board selects a new superintendent
From David Volz
During a Special School Board Meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2023, The School Board of Broward County, Florida chose Dr. Peter Licata as Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest district in Florida. During the final phase of the national search for a transformational leader, the three finalists participated in interviews with stakeholder groups, including principal and community forums, as well as interviews with the School Board. Following these interviews, the School Board welcomed public comments before taking a final vote and selecting Dr. Licata.
By joining BCPS, Licata is coming home, returning to the school district where he was once a first-grade student at McNab Elementary School in Pompano Beach. Licata began his almost 30-year career in education as a teacher and basketball coach for the School District of Palm Beach County and has continued to advance his leadership career – most recently holding the position of South Region Superintendent. In this role, he oversees 60 schools, 65,000 students, more than 5,000 teachers and four instructional superintendents. His experience includes 15 years of teaching and leading at the middle and high school levels, and 14 years at the district-leadership level as Director of Secondary Curriculum and Assistant Superintendent, before becoming a regional superintendent.
Licata has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Barry University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership from Lynn University.
The selection of the new Superintendent followed a national search for candidates conducted by an independent firm, McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., public surveys, focus groups and input from stakeholders, opportunities for community members to share opinions through public comments at School Board meetings, and interviews with stakeholder groups.
“Our goal has remained to find the most qualified candidate to lead our schools while maintaining our dedication to excellence in education and to preparing our students to reach their highest potential,” School Board Chair Lori Alhadeff said. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Licata to Broward County Public Schools.”
