Miami-Dade School Board selects Rafael Villalobos as county’s next superintendent

MIAMI — The search for the next leader of the third largest school district in the country has reached the finish line.

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On Wednesday, the two final candidates for Miami-Dade Schools superintendent are working to convince the school board that they’re the best person for the job.

They are Ernie Lozano, the Broward County Public Schools Chief Human Resources Officer, and Rafael Villalobos, the Miami-Dade School District’s South Region Superintendent.

After hearing from both candidates, board members unanimously voted Villalobos to be the county’s next superintendent.

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Those public interviews were part of the selection and appointment process.

The decision is very consequential, as whoever is selected will immediately have to address the district’s serious challenges, including declining enrollment and an ever-tightening budget.

Interview questions were submitted by the office of the general counsel, with board members each taking a turn reading a question to the candidates.

A finalist was required to receive five affirmative votes from school board members in order to move forward in the appointment process.

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