Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata announced his retirement during a school board meeting Tuesday morning and was immediately replaced by one of his deputy superintendents.
Licata said he is set to retire at the end of the calendar year, citing medical reasons.
"It is best that I retire from this incredible role as an educator after 30-plus years," Licata said. "I'm certainly not being forced out, there’s no question about that. I think by everyone’s belief, they were surprised by this, this is something that happened over the weekend, Friday, spoke with one of my doctors, and he said, he just indicated, 'you got some choices to make.'"
It was a surprise announcement from Licata, who was named superintendent just last year. He didn't disclose specifics on the medical issues.
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"I have three grandchildren, I look forward to having a lot more time with them and getting healthier of course," Licata told reporters. "This was shorter than I wanted to be here, I know that I've accomplished a lot."
Dr. Howard Hepburn, one of Licata's deputy superintendents, was immediately chosen by the school board to take the place of Licata. Hepburn came with Licata from Palm Beach County Public Schools and has been Licata's right-hand man in Broward. He has 20 years of experience in education, serving as an instructional superintendent, classroom teacher, principal, assistant principal, coach and dean before joining Broward Schools.
"I'm still absorbing all of this. I know it's a shock to many with Dr. Licata's recent news, I'm wishing him and his family well," Hepburn told reporters after the meeting. "I truly appreciate all the things that he has contributed to me personally to get me where I am today."
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Licata will stay with Broward Schools for a transition period while the board negotiates his severance and negotiates a 3-year contract with Hepburn.
"Dr. Hepburn is as solid as it gets, he is smart, he is charismatic, but he's also very focused on kids," Licata said. "He is truly one of the best."
“I thank the School Board for their trust and support as I proudly serve the District in this new capacity,” Hepburn said in a district news release. “As Superintendent, my focus remains on moving our District to an ‘A’ grade and ensuring all students receive a world-class education. We will continue to prioritize closing achievement gaps, increasing student access to accelerated courses and implementing strategies to support continuous student achievement.”
Many voiced their support for Licata during Tuesday's meeting, while others expressed their concerns over his leaving.
"I can't talk about all the great things about Dr, Licata," a woman in the public said. "Dr. Hepburn knows what’s right for kids ... he knows what works ... he knows teacher matters."
"It’s really sad to see another superintendent, after we paid thousands of dollars to the other superintendent … leaving," one man said.
School board chair Lori Alhadeff said Hepburn was an easy choice as Licata's successor.
"It’s just so important for the stability of the district, knowing that we are going into redefining BCPS and we just need to have that stability of leadership at the helm and make sure he is leading us in the direction that we need to go," Alhadeff said.
Licata replaced Dr. Vickie Cartwright, who stepped down in February 2023 after months of drama. Cartwright had been fired in November 2022 but it was rescinded.
Cartwright had been hired as interim superintendent in July 2021 and was named permanent superintendent in February 2022.
Cartwright replaced Robert Runcie, who resigned after perjury charges were brought against him. The perjury case was later dropped.
Broward is the nation’s sixth-largest school district, with more than 260,000 students.
