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NewsWSVN 7News – Local NewsJuly 29, 2026Miami-Dade

Rafael Villalobos Selected as New Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent

The Miami-Dade School Board has unanimously appointed Rafael Villalobos as the new superintendent of the county's public school district. Villalobos, currently a regional superintendent, will succeed Dr. Jose Dotres, whose contract concludes in February 2027.

educationschool boardsuperintendentMiami-Dade County
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Why It Matters

The appointment changes the top leadership of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, which serves over 80,000 students in the South Region alone, and sets the strategic direction for addressing declining student enrollment.

Key Facts

  • The Miami-Dade School Board unanimously approved Rafael Villalobos as the new superintendent.
  • Villalobos will replace outgoing superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres.
  • Dr. Jose Dotres' contract is scheduled to end in February 2027.
  • Villalobos previously served as the South Region Superintendent, overseeing 100 schools and 80,000 students.
  • Villalobos was the founding principal of Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School in 2008.
  • Villalobos was named Principal of the Year in 2020.
  • Villalobos' primary stated challenge is addressing falling student enrollment.
  • No official start date for Villalobos has been set as of Wednesday afternoon.

Who's Mentioned

locationBooker T. Washington Senior High School“School where Villalobos served as principal”personRafael Villalobos“Incoming Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools”organizationMiami-Dade School Board“Governing body that selected the new superintendent”personDr. Jose Dotres“Outgoing Superintendent whose contract ends in February 2027”other80,000“Number of students in the South Region”locationLaw Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School“School where Villalobos was the founding principal in 2008”other100“Number of schools overseen by Villalobos in the South Region”personErnie Lozano“Finalist for the superintendent position”locationJohn A. Ferguson Senior High School“School where Villalobos served as principal”locationMiami Springs Senior High School“School where Villalobos served as principal”locationSouth Dade Senior High School“Where Villalobos started his teaching career”