Last Tuesday, The School Board of Broward County, Florida voted to appoint Dr. Valerie S. Wanza as Task Assigned Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). Dr. Wanza will remain in the role while the School Board negotiates a contract with Dr. Earlean C. Smiley who was selected as Interim Superintendent. The unanimous vote, which took place during a Special School Board meeting on Tuesday, February 7, followed the School Board’s acceptance of Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright’s mutually agreed resignation as Superintendent.
“I’m writing to inform you of my resignation as Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools effective immediately February 7, 2023,” Cartwright said. “It has been an honor to serve students, families, teachers, administrators, staff and the community of Broward County.”
Dr. Wanza, currently Associate Superintendent for Non-Traditional Schools for BCPS, has been with the district for 31 years. Prior to this assignment, she served as the Chief School Performance and Accountability Officer for seven years.
Dr. Wanza holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education (English) from Florida State University, a Master of Science in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University.
Dr. Smiley served as Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Student Support for BCPS from 2000 to 2010. During her 16-year tenure at the district, she also served as a high school principal. Dr. Smiley holds a Bachelor of Arts in drama, speech, and English; a Master of Science in administration and supervision; and a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction.
