Rafael A. Villalobos

Superintendent of @MDCPS. Proud M-DCPS grad. 30+ years in public education, starting in the classroom. Students, families & educators first.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Before I went into education, I almost became a police officer. Meeting with @MDSPD today reminded me how close those two callings really are: protecting kids and shaping their future. Proud to work alongside officers who fulfill both.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Twenty-two years, one school. That's Kristina Saliers's whole career at Leewood K-8, first as a 5th grade teacher, now as Media Specialist. That kind of dedication to one community says everything about who she is.

[Miami-Dade Schools @MDCPS]

Congratulations to Ms. Kristina Saliers, this week's Teacher of the Week from Leewood K-8 Center!

Each week, the @EducationFund, @2026MiamiHC, and @CFPExtraYard celebrate incredible @MDCPS educators who inspire, lead, and make a difference in the lives of their students.

Know a teacher who deserves to be next? Visit https://t.co/XORKcABSY8 to share your story and help us recognize those who make M-DCPS #YourBestChoiceMDCPS

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

This week, @MDCPS observes Celebrate Freedom Week, a dedicated time to honor the sacrifices that safeguard American liberty. By instilling these core values in our young people, we ensure that the promise of public education and American democracy remains strong for generations to come.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Tonight begins Yom Kippur, the holiest and most solemn day on the Jewish calendar. To the students, families, and staff observing this Day of Atonement, we wish you an easy fast and a meaningful day of reflection.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Great conversation with Miami-Dade County’s key early learning partners about the future of early childhood at @MDCPS—from increased state funding and access to quality programs to recognizing the educators doing this important work. Special thank you to The Children’s Movement of Florida, Daniela Borroto, Director of Policy (also a @FergusonFalcons alumna) and Mr. Dave Lawrence for this unforgettable event.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Joined Congressman Carlos Gimenez today for Service Academy Day to connect @MDCPS students with our nation's service academies; I’m grateful for his leadership in making this event possible. Serving our nation is one of the highest callings, and events like this highlight the noble path of military service while opening diverse avenues for student success.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Today's Coral Gables School Community Relations Committee meeting was a good reminder of how much @MDCPS leans on direct dialogue with the families we serve. Thank you!

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Honored to speak at the Many Happy Hearts Milestone Luncheon today! @MDCPS is deeply grateful for this wonderful partnership. Every child's future is shaped long before they enter the workforce. Together, we are providing the support, confidence, and resilience our students need to thrive as the leaders, parents, and citizens of tomorrow. #YourBestChoiceMDCPS

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Grateful to The Children's Trust for such a warm welcome. Together, our partnership will only grow stronger, and our community will continue to thrive because of it.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

September is National PTA Membership Month. Your school’s PTA is a place to connect with other families, share ideas, and support students. Reach out to your school to learn how to join!

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

As I continue to connect with outstanding leaders across our state through the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, my conviction only deepens. Every child in Florida depends on all of us, & it is our duty to make sure they are ready to succeed & lead the next generation.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Celebrating every father, grandfather, uncle, and mentor who shows up for a child in our schools. #FathersInEducation

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

On Constitution Day, we reflect on the foundational document that protects our liberties and establishes the framework for our democracy. Across @MDCPS, our students are taking time today to study the Constitution because good citizenship starts in our classrooms, where we prepare today's students to become tomorrow's leaders.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Join me in celebrating Fathers in Education Day, a partnership I am proud that our District has built with the Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida. To every father, grandfather, uncle, and mentor, come into our schools and show up. It matters more than you know.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Always take the opportunity to connect with the people doing the real work on the ground! I made an impromptu stop by Devon Aire K-8 today and was lucky enough to crash their faculty meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect directly with our teachers and share a few words of encouragement for the amazing work happening in their classrooms. Moments of candid connection with our school teams remind me why we do this work. Thank you, team Devon Aire!

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Rafael Villalobos outlines vision to strengthen Miami-Dade County Public Schools amid enrollment decline.

https://t.co/b14T0qbHon

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

The future of education is being written right now. I joined leaders from the Greater Consortium of School Boards to discuss AI, emerging technology, and how we make sure every decision we make leads to a better world for our students.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

I met with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce to talk about what comes next for Miami's workforce. Academics alone are not enough. @MDCPS is building students with the character, resilience, and collaboration skills employers need, and we cannot do it alone. Our District needs every business and industry partner in Miami.

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

Thank you to the District 5 community and @JCBDoralThunder for hosting our first town hall! @MDCPS is dedicated to serving you. Student achievement starts with the people who support and protect our schools every day. See you at the next one!

[Rafael A. Villalobos @MiamiSupt]

I met with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Foundation to discuss the rollout of the A+ Society, our new initiative giving businesses, civic leaders, and community members a direct way to invest in our District's future. This is how we build stronger public-private partnerships, and a stronger Miami-Dade.