During Tuesday’s school board meeting, Dr. Peter Licata, the Superintendent of Broward Schools, delivered unexpected news — he announced his upcoming retirement.
“It is with great sadness that I write this letter informing you of my anticipated retirement on 12-31-2024. I communicated to the board on 12-17-23, which is protected from the public record, regarding the status of a medical condition that I have been receiving treatments for. After conferring recently with my doctors, my wife, and my four adult children, it is best that I retire from this incredible role as an educator after 30-plus years here in South Florida,” he said.
Licata’s career spans decades, initially within the Palm Beach School District, where he served as a teacher, principal, and regional superintendent.
The Broward County native has championed a student-centered approach, emphasizing support for teachers and leadership from principals. His academic background includes a BA in Business Administration and Political Science from the University of Miami, an MS in Educational Leadership from Barry University, and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Lynn University, with a focus on preparing students for the modern workforce.
During the meeting, Licata said he was giving the board notice so they could properly prepare for a new superintendent.
“It is an exciting time for Broward County schools and I believe there is an amazing staff that has been assembled here for great things. I can’t thank the community enough for their faith and trust in me. I have forged some incredible relationships and I believe the district is on the right path for even greater accomplishments,” he said.
Tenure at BCPS
Licata has led the sixth-largest school system in the nation and second-largest in Florida since July of last year.
He replaced former school Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright, who only held the top job in Broward schools for about a year.
Under his leadership, the school district has seen significant changes. Most recently, the board unanimously voted to introduce metal detectors in ten high schools starting this fall. The initiative will kick off with a pilot program during the summer session at Flanagan and Taravella high schools.
The Broward School Board also voted to start the next school year a week earlier than usual, on August 12th, 2024. It was Licata who recommended the change, saying it may help Broward become an A-rated district.
The school board was also recently discussing restructuring schools in the district to address the problem of some 50,000 empty school seats district-wide and escalating maintenance expenses.
Proposed changes include various strategies such as school consolidations, repurposing of facilities, and exploring options like leasing or selling land, potentially for affordable housing projects. Additionally, considerations involve school closures and adjustments to school boundaries.
A district-wide uniform policy was also being discussed.
Read more:
- Some Broward schools to get metal detectors this fall
- Broward School Board approves earlier start date for next school year
- Broward Schools Superintendent contemplates closure of under-enrolled schools
