Peter Licata to retire as Broward County Schools superintendent

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata announced his sudden retirement at the end of the calendar year during the district’s school board meeting Tuesday, citing health reasons.

“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,” Licata said, according to CBS Miami. “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.”

No medical condition or ailment was revealed.

Licata, 59, was officially sworn in as Broward County Public Schools superintendent in July 2023. He presided over the sixth-largest school system in the United States and the second largest in Florida during his short time as superintendent.

While unexpected, Broward schools has ultimately been marred in leadership change in recent years. Licata replaced former school Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright, who was removed by the district after a year on the job.

Cartwright also replaced former school Superintendent Dr. Robert Runcie after he resigned in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. With Licata leaving, the district will begin its search for its fourth superintendent in four years.

Dr. Howard Hepburn, a deputy superintendent, was named as Licata’s interim replacement. It is unclear if Hepburn will hold the title temporarily or indefinitely.

Before taking the role, Licata served for over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and regional superintendent for Palm Beach County. Familiar to South Florida, Licata earned a doctorate from nearby Lynn University in Boca Raton, a masters in educational leadership from Barry University in Miami, and a bachelor’s from the University of Miami.

Florida’s Voice has reached out to the Broward County school district for a statement.