MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Miami-Dade County Public Schools welcomed Rafael Villalobos as its new superintendent Tuesday, following a unanimous vote by the district’s eight-member school board.

Villalobos, who began his education career 32 years ago as a teacher at South Dade Senior High School, spoke at the Fillmore Miami Beach about his vision for the district and the more than 330,000 students it serves.

He was praised for his grit, determination and experience as he takes over leadership of one of the nation’s largest public school systems.

Villalobos later became a principal at four different public schools and held various leadership positions throughout the district.

“We want to make sure that our students receive all the resources and programs that they deserve,” he said. “We were about 3.5-4,000 students under what we have estimated, but every day, our enrollement continues to increase. We will have a better understanding in October of where we are.”

Villalobos said his priorities include increasing and improving enrollment, ensuring that every student becomes proficient in reading and securing appropriate salaries for staff members.

He also said he wants Miami-Dade County Public Schools to become a blueprint for school districts across the country.

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