James “Jim” Notter, the former superintendent of Broward County Public Schools who helped steer the district through one of the most turbulent periods in its history, died on May 7 at his home in West Palm Beach after a 14-month battle with cancer, according to the Sun Sentinel. He was 78.
A lifelong educator and administrator, Notter was remembered for his calm leadership amid crises that included economic turmoil, corruption investigations, and steep budget cuts. He served as superintendent of the nation’s sixth-largest school district from 2006 to 2011.
After he retired, Jamaican-born Robert Runcie became superintendent of Broward Schools.
“Jim was a steadying presence during a time when the district desperately needed one,” said colleagues reflecting on his legacy.
During Notter’s tenure, the district remained consistently A-rated—an achievement it would not reclaim again until 2024, years after his departure. But his leadership coincided with profound challenges: two school board members were arrested on corruption charges, the 2008 recession triggered massive funding cuts, and the rise of charter schools siphoned students and resources from traditional public schools.
Notter guided the district through employee furloughs and layoffs, and oversaw the difficult decision to halt many planned renovations of aging school facilities due to dwindling resources.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Notter began his career in education as a teacher and administrator before moving to Florida in 1986 to work in the district’s Career, Technical, Adult, & Community Education department. He went on to hold several top roles within the district, including area superintendent, associate superintendent, deputy superintendent, and chief of staff to then-Superintendent Frank Till.
Following Till’s firing in 2006, the School Board named Notter interim superintendent. He was officially appointed to the role in 2007.
After his retirement, Notter relocated to West Palm Beach to be closer to his grandchildren and continued contributing to education as a consultant for South Tech Academy, a vocational high school in Boynton Beach.
Notter is survived by his wife, Judith, their daughters Kimberly Randolph and Michelle Garcia, both of West Palm Beach, and four grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on May 31 in the auditorium at Dillard High School, located at 2501 NW 11th St., Fort Lauderdale.
