Dr. Howard Hepburn has been officially sworn in as the new superintendent of Broward County Public Schools.
Hepburn was sworn in during a ceremony Wednesday morning and will now lead the sixth largest school system in the nation.
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"I'm elated. We have a lot of talent in our buildings. We got a lot of challenges that we have to address. We also have a staff that is more than capable to execute our plan," Hepburn said. "I am here to stay, I am here for the long haul. Hopefully Broward County doesn't have to look for a superintendent for a very long time. Consistency matters."
Hepburn was picked to replace Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata after Licata announced his retirement due to health issues last month.
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It was a surprise announcement from Licata, who was named superintendent just last year.
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.
Licata stayed as Broward Schools Superintendent for a transition period while the board negotiated his severance and a 3-year contract with Hepburn.
