MIAMI (WSVN) - The Miami-Dade School Board has selected Rafael Villalobos as the county’s new superintendent.
Villalobos, the county’s current South Region Superintendent, was unanimously approved to lead the district following a months-long process that led to him becoming a finalist alongside Ernie Lozano, Broward County Public Schools’ chief human resources officer.
He started his career as a teacher at South Dade Senior High School and went on to serve as principal at several schools, including Booker T. Washington Senior High School, John A. Ferguson Senior High School and Miami Springs Senior High School.
As founding principal of Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School in 2008, he launched the district’s first public safety and law studies high school. He was named Principal of the Year in 2020 after leading John A. Ferguson to a 99% graduation rate.
As South Region Superintendent, Villalobos oversaw more than 100 schools and 80,000 students, maintaining a 98% graduation rate in one of the district’s highest performing regions.
Villalobos will replace outgoing M-DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres, whose contract ends in February of 2027.
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