🔥 Trending Miami-Dade School Board Appoints New Superintendent: Who is Rafael Villalobos?

Rafael Villalobos is an American educator and administrator, currently serving as the Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) ¹². He was unanimously selected for this role by the Miami-Dade School Board on July 29, 2026, following a public interview process ¹³⁶.

Background and Career

Before his appointment as superintendent, Villalobos was the South Region Superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools ¹⁴. His career in education has been marked by a commitment to the district, having previously held positions such as Principal of the Year ⁸.

Villalobos's educational background includes a degree in criminal justice ⁸. He also spent five years working in ed-tech sales, a period that provided him with a unique perspective on educational technology and its applications ⁸. This diverse experience is seen as a factor contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the school system.

Appointment as Superintendent

Villalobos's selection came after a months-long search to replace the outgoing Superintendent, Dr. Jose Dotres ². He was one of two finalists for the position, the other being Ernie Lozano, the Chief Human Resources Officer for Broward County Public Schools ⁵. The board's unanimous decision underscored their confidence in his leadership abilities and vision for the district ³⁶.

His appointment is particularly significant as he is tasked with addressing key challenges facing MDCPS, including declining enrollment and public school closures ⁷. His leadership is expected to guide the district through these pressing issues.