Why choosing the right leader for Miami-Dade’s schools matters now

As a member of the School Board of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, my responsibility is to help ensure our public school system continues to grow stronger and more responsive to the needs of our students and community.

With Superintendent Jose Dotres nearing the conclusion of more than four decades of public service, including his tenure as superintendent since 2022, our Board is entering one of its most important moments. Selecting the next superintendent is among the most consequential decisions we will make, and it requires a thoughtful, transparent, and well-structured process.

This week, I brought forward an item to begin the conversation around the leadership profile our district will need next. I was encouraged that the Board Chair agreed and stated her intention to bring a comprehensive plan to the Board in March, outlining the process and timeline for selecting our next superintendent. That clarity matters because it reinforces that this will be a board-led effort, with all nine members engaged, and reflects a shared understanding that this decision cannot and should not be rushed.

As we look ahead, I believe the profile of our next superintendent should be guided by three clear priorities.

First, accelerating student achievement through accountability. While our district has much to be proud of, too many students continue to struggle with literacy and foundational skills. The next superintendent must remain focused on closing achievement gaps and ensuring success reaches every classroom and every community.

Second, adapting our system for a more personalized future. Families are seeking learning environments that reflect students’ individual strengths and interests. Expanding high-quality magnet programs, specialized academies, and innovative instructional models will be critical to keeping public education strong and competitive in Miami-Dade.

Third, responsible stewardship of public resources. Aligning facilities, staffing, and investments with today’s enrollment patterns and student needs allows us to reinvest where it matters most, in teachers, classrooms, and innovation.

Miami-Dade is not simply looking for an administrator. We are seeking a leader who can guide a complex system through change while keeping students at the center of every decision.

I look forward to working with the Board Chair and my fellow Board members this March as we continue working toward the search for our next superintendent. The path forward is taking shape, and with a transparent, deliberate process, we have a real opportunity to choose a leader who will strengthen our schools and position Miami-Dade County Public Schools for long-term success.

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Roberto J. Alonso serves as Miami-Dade County School Board Member for District 4.