DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – The first day of school in Duval County is just around the corner, and as students prepare to return to class on Monday, district leaders are reflecting on a year of historic achievement—and looking ahead to new challenges.
For the first time ever, Duval County Public Schools earned an “A” grade from the state. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier, who took over leadership of the district last year, says maintaining that high standard is a top priority.
“We still have a budgetary issue we have to work through,” Dr. Bernier said. “We still have to make some difficult decisions about how we’re going to continue to operationalize this district in the most efficient manner in order to save the dollars that belong in our classrooms.”
The past year brought significant changes, including school consolidations and new policies. Dr. Bernier credits the district’s success to both his leadership and the groundwork laid before his arrival.
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“I think what I brought is a sense of accountability—not accountability as a ‘gotcha,’ but accountability that we are expecting you to move the needle on students,” he explained. “Progress monitoring is a game changer for us.”
Looking into the future, Dr. Bernier said he has several goals for the district, including maintaining the “A” grade, improving school culture, and strengthening the district’s finances.
“I hope it continues to be an A-graded school system. I hope the climate and culture improve. I hope that we’re in a better financial situation where we can make the necessary impact on our employees’ paychecks and their benefit packages,” he said.
Despite consolidations, early enrollment numbers show growth in several schools.
“We’ve had to provide additional educators to our school buildings where they’re seeing an increase in the number of students enrolling. And I think that’s a really good sign. I think our parents are making a really strong, informed choice,” Dr. Bernier said.
He encourages parents to stay involved throughout the school year.
“The strongest geometric figure that I know of is an equilateral triangle. At one point is the parent, the other point is the student, and the other point is DCPS. We have to work together to create the most successful futures.”
The full interview with Dr. Bernier can be watched below.
