As the new Miami-Dade schools superintendent, Alberto Carvalho will face a multitude of challenges -- among them, boosting morale among teachers and navigating a financial crisis.
But none will be as tricky -- or as paramount to his success -- as working with the sharply fractured School Board.
''There's a divided board that isn't in harmony,'' said former schools chief Merrett Stierheim. ``That's the mountain he's got to climb. And it's a very steep mountain.''
While board members were hesitant at first to appoint a permanent replacement for Rudy Crew last week, Carvalho, with a competing offer from Pinellas County in hand, told them he wouldn't accept a temporary position.
He was offered the permanent top job with a 5-3 vote.
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