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.
“It is truly an honor to be able to serve the children and families and the entire community at large of the most prized possession we have, which is our children,” he said.
The husband and father of four 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.
He now leads a school system that has been rated “A” for seven years in a row. Villalobos will replace outgoing M-DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres, whose contract ends in February of 2027.
“I am truly humbled and grateful, and I look forward to doing amazing things in Miami-Dade County Public Schools,” he said.
Dotres said he is confident Villalobos will do an excellent job.
“Rafael Villalobos has the credentials, the passion, the heart and, more importantly, has a great vision for his community, for his school district and for his school,” said the outgoing superintendent.
As for his first plan of action, Villalobos said, it will be getting to know the community, and his biggest challenge ahead is tackling falling enrollment.
“Making sure that parents understand that we are your best choice. Undeniably, we have the better programs. They’ve got to entrust in us, they’ve got to know that we are ready to serve them and serve their children,” said Villalobos.
Board officials said they haven’t decided Villalobos’ start date as of Wednesday night.
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.