Deputy superintendent of Miami-Dade schools hired for top job at a district in Georgia

John Pace III, deputy superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, has been named as the next superintendent for the Henry County school district, part of the greater Atlanta area.

The Henry County School District serves nearly 44,000 students, 6,000 staff, with 50 schools, and a budget of about $561.4 million.

The decision to name Pace III as superintendent was made unanimously by the Henry County school board. There is a mandatory 14-day waiting period in place before a contract for Dr. Pace’s new position will be ratified.

“We are extremely proud of Dr. John Pace being named the sole finalist as the next Superintendent of Henry County Public Schools, Georgia,” said Jose Dotres, superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

“We continue to applaud and support him in this process and through Henry County School Board’s final confirmation of his selection as their new Superintendent,” said Dotres.

Henry County put out a survey asking participants the qualities they were looking for in a superintendent, and according to the Henry County board chair Sophe Pope, participants wanted a Superintendent with experience as a principal, teacher, and assistant superintendent.

“They wanted a leader who promoted vision, culture, and instructional leadership, with a background in operations, resource, and personnel management,” said Pope.

“Most importantly, they wanted a leader who is honest and ethical, and I believe Dr. Pace is that person,” she said.

Pace has a doctorate in educational policy, planning, and leadership from the College of William and Mary, a master’s degree in music education from Florida International University, and a bachelor’s degree in music/business finance from the University of Miami.

In his role as deputy superintendent, which he has held since 2022, he has overseen the Office of School Leadership and Performance. Before becoming deputy superintendent, he was the chief operating officer of school operations, Region Superintendent of the Central Region Office, and Administrative Director of the Education Transformation Office in the Division of Academic Support. He’s been with the district in various roles since 2015.

Before working for the district, he was a principal at Myrtle Grove K-8 Center, assistant principal at Norland Elementary, and school administrator for the William H. Turner Technical Adult Center.

He also was a music instructor, jazz band director, and marching band director at Miami Norland Senior High School.