Veteran educator Peter Licata was recently selected as the superintendent of Texas’ Fort Worth Independent School District. He will succeed Karen Molinar, who led the 70,000-student school district since February 2025.  

Licata was appointed superintendent by the Texas Education Agency in November as part of the state's takeover of the district to improve academic achievement. The takeover also involved the appointment of a new board of managers to oversee the district. The powers and authority of the district’s elected school board have been temporarily suspended.

Licata most recently served as the superintendent of Florida’s Broward County Public Schools, the nation’s sixth-largest school district. Under his leadership, the 236,667-student school system achieved its first “A” rating in over 14 years. 

Licata will serve as superintendent under a 21-day interim contract until he receives formal approval from the appointed board of managers. 

“Fort Worth wants the best possible academic outcomes for every student, as evidenced by the hundreds of community members that showed their willingness to serve,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in a news release. “Possessing a diverse range of experiences and expertise, the governance and leadership team appointed today is comprised of individuals with an aligned vision and collective belief that all students, when properly supported, can achieve at high levels. I look forward to seeing this belief in action and their leadership of Fort Worth ISD’s next chapter.”

New Leader in Norfolk
Virginia’s Norfolk Public Schools has selected Jeff Rose to lead the 27,478-student school district. Rose recently served as senior vice president of leadership development for Cognia, a global nonprofit organization.

Rose has experience as a superintendent in previous roles with Fulton County Schools in Georgia, as well as Beaverton School District and Canby School District in Oregon.

“Dr. Rose will be a great fit for the division, and we are delighted to bring him on board as the next Superintendent of Norfolk City Public Schools,” stated Board Chair Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe. “His leadership experience and vision make him an excellent match for our division. We are confident that his leadership will inspire collaboration and innovation throughout our schools.”

Rose, who was appointed in February, will serve in an acting capacity until the Virginia Department of Education can make final confirmation of his superintendent appointment.

Superintendents in Reno and San Antonio to Retire

Joe Ernst, superintendent of Nevada’s Washoe County School District in Reno,  recently announced he will retire in July 2026. He has led the 59,565-student school since 2024.

Throughout his 32-year career in education, Ernst has held several roles in the district, including teacher, coach, assistant principal, area superintendent, and chief accountability officer.

Under his leadership, the district experienced increases in English Language Arts and math proficiency, with performance levels in key elementary grades returning to or exceeding pre-pandemic benchmarks.

“We are grateful for Superintendent Ernst’s steady leadership and his decades of service to education and to WCSD,” said Board President Adam Mayberry. “He has led with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a clear focus on what is best for students, staff, and families.”

Also announcing his retirement was Jaime Aquino, superintendent of Texas’ San Antonio Independent School District. Aquino, who has led the 40,000-student school district since 2022, will retire in January 2027.

Under his leadership, the district developed a six-year sustainability plan and throughout his tenure, Aquino has focused on strengthening student outcomes, expanding opportunity, and cultivating a culture of belonging across the district.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are deeply grateful to Superintendent Aquino for his dedicated service to public education and for choosing, nearly four years ago, to join the SAISD familia,” said Board President Alicia Sebastian in a news release. “His steadfast belief in our students’ brilliance, his advocacy for equity and opportunity, and his deep love for this community have left a lasting imprint on our district.”