Caribbean National Appointed As Education Czar In Florida

Fifty year old Robert Runcie, a Jamaican national, has been named as Superintendent of the sixth largest school district in the United States located, in Broward County.

Runcie was selected from amongst an application list that numbered some 47 individuals, according to a release from the Broward County School Board. His appointment was approved by a vote of 7-2 in favour. Runcie's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard and a Master of Management degree from Northwestern University. In addition, he has the distinction of being a Broad Fellow, gained from the Broad Superintendents Academy, where he completed an education executive training course. His new'position comes with a base salary in the range of US$275,000 a year.

Speaking about his new appointment, Runcie made a statement in which he mentoned that the experience gained through the public education system has solidified for him that Broward County School District is the place where everyone has an opportunity to level the playing field.

He said, "I know if I was able to do that then every student in this district can do the same." Runcie has also pledged that he will work tirelessly on behalf of the students whom he will be guiding.

Robert currently holds the position of Chief of Staff to the Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools in Chicago, Illinois. This is the third largest school district in the United States with a student population of 410,000. His other positions once served, also include Chief Instructional Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer.

The Broward County District Board has stated that they have selected Runcie for this position based on his acute business acumen. While Broward County has an A-rated school system, they have many issues that need addressing such as delays and cost overruns in their construction programme, continuous overtime payments to bus drivers and a paper based payroll system.

Runcie has indicated that one of his first priorities would be to restore public trust and improve Broward's business practices.

Congratulations to Runcie and us here at MNI Alive wish him well in his new challenge going forward.

Photo Credit to CBS local