Judith Marte, the deputy superintendent of operations for Broward Schools, is stepping down early, marking another significant departure from the school district.
Having served the district in two separate periods since 2017, Marte informed Superintendent Howard Hepburn of her decision to retire on June 30 in a letter dated Monday.
Expressing gratitude for the chance to contribute to the students, families, and community, Marte highlighted the privilege of working alongside talented colleagues and leading dedicated professionals in Finance and Operations.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, families and community,” Marte wrote Hepburn in a letter dated Monday. “It has been an honor to serve alongside such talented colleagues, and a privilege to lead an amazing group of hardworking professionals in Finance and Operations.”
At 65, Marte had initially planned to retire on June 30, 2025, as per district records indicating her enrollment in a state deferred retirement program since 2020. The reasons behind her decision to retire a year ahead remain unclear.
A string of departures at Broward Schools
Her retirement adds to a series of notable exits among top-level leaders in recent times. Superintendent Peter Licata, citing health reasons, announced his retirement on April 16 after merely nine months in the position. He was swiftly replaced by Hepburn, who transitioned from the role of deputy superintendent for teaching and learning.
Other departures include Zoie Saunders, who resigned from her post as chief strategy and innovation officer after just three months, along with two Broward schools directors, Jill Young and Mary Coker, who recently stepped down from their respective positions.
Marte, previously a key figure in the Miami-Dade School District, joined Broward Schools in 2017 as chief financial officer under former Superintendent, Jamaican-American Robert Runcie. Following Runcie’s resignation in spring 2021, Marte briefly left to assume the role of Chief Financial Officer at Florida Virtual School.
Upon Vickie Cartwright’s appointment as permanent superintendent in early 2022, Marte was recruited to serve as one of two newly established deputy superintendent positions.
