JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools parents are less than two weeks away from finding out who the new superintendent will be.
The finalists are Chris Bernier, a former superintendent from Lee County Schools, and Daniel Smith, a chief of staff for a district near Washington D.C.
A meet and greet on Monday will give parents a chance to learn more about these two, ask them questions and share their two cents with district leaders.
“We came out here for something new and different," said Ashley Cameron, a DCPS parent.
Cameron moved her family to Jacksonville from Detroit to get away from snowy winters.
After a year with a superintendent resigning, issues over teacher conduct at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and rumors of possible school closures, she has one hope in mind for the new superintendent.
“Less drama maybe, that would be good," said Cameron.
The school district started its search after Dr. Diana Greene officially resigned in July.
Once the new superintendent does settle in, parents like Cameron have a few policy issues in mind.
“I want the kids to be able to express themselves with their clothing," said Cameron. "I understand the uniforms, but it’s kind of hard for parents like myself to get uniforms for the kids.”
“I would definitely like to see them broaden the selections for special needs children," said DCPS parent Tiffany Ayala when asked about what she wants to see from the new superintendent.
The district sent out a survey when it had six semifinalists, but only received 22 responses.
With more than 100,000 students in the district, School Board Chairman Darryl Willie is hoping a meet-and-greet at EverBank Stadium will encourage more parents to share their thoughts.
“Really get that up close and personal, so when they do fill out that survey, it’s real," said Willie after the board narrowed the search down to two candidates in a vote on Tuesday. "It’s intimate. ‘I got the chance to shake his hand, ask my question, and that’s what he said.’ That’s what I’m going to be checking for at the end of the day.”
Cameron doesn’t want to miss the chance to meet the two finalists.
One of them will have quite the role to play in her daughter’s education in her new school district.
“I think we’re definitely going to be in attendance," said Cameron.
A few things for parents to note about the meet and greet:
- 6 p.m. start time
- Free
- No reservation necessary
- Parking in Lot C
The board is set for a final vote on the new superintendent next Thursday, May 23.