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Miami‑Dade school board approves workshop to begin superintendent selection
Summary
The Miami‑Dade County School Board voted to begin a formal, multi‑stage process to select the district's next superintendent. Members debated workshop versus special‑meeting formats, supplemental materials and timing before passing an amended motion to start the process.
The Miami‑Dade County School Board on March 11 approved a motion to begin a comprehensive, stakeholder‑driven search for the district's next superintendent.
Chair Maria Teresa Rojas introduced H1, asking the board to schedule a workshop to discuss a “comprehensive selection and appointment process” and to provide a draft framework and timeline for the board's consideration. The item drew extended discussion among board members over whether to hold a workshop only, or to pair it with a special meeting that could immediately take action. Board members also debated how and when supplemental materials should be circulated to avoid anchoring expectations about dates or outcomes.
Board member Danny Espino recommended a special‑meeting option so the board could both deliberate and act; board member Bo Mendengo and others urged caution and more preparation. General counsel confirmed the board could schedule a special meeting following proper notice if the board chose to do so. Rojas said the superintendent’s current contract runs through Feb. 14, 2027, and stressed the need for a process that is both transparent and timely.
After amendments that removed language requiring the board to formally “receive” the chair’s supplemental packet and that established a clear, centralized route for any board members’ supplemental materials (to the board attorney), the motion passed. The board agreed the first workshop would be scheduled in April, with the board chair to work with members on an exact date and to circulate materials in advance; if the March workshop produced consensus on an action, the board reserved the right to put a related action item on the next regular meeting agenda.
Board members said the process should include public workshops and stakeholder input from students, teachers and community organizations before the board narrows candidates. “This is one of the most consequential decisions we will make,” Rojas said in offering the item. Board members on both sides of the debate framed the vote as a call for rigorous preparation rather than a decision about any particular candidate.
The board passed the amended motion with unanimous consent. The chair said she will circulate a document to guide the workshop and invited board members to submit supplementary materials through the board attorney so all materials are available to the full board prior to the workshop.
