‘Point of Pride’: DCPS earns first ‘A’ grade; officials address rise in student pedestrian accidents

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – During a joint meeting on Thursday between the Jacksonville City Council and the Duval County School Board, leaders discussed both the district’s academic turnaround and a troubling increase in accidents involving students walking to and from school.

RELATED: As Duval County Schools considers sale of Southbank headquarters, Chase Properties emerges as new potential buyer

In 2017, 35 Duval County schools — including two charter schools — were graded as the lowest performing in the state. Fast forward to 2025, and the district has made what Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier called “incredible strides.”

Bernier said this year marks the first time Duval County has received an overall “A” grade. He noted that:

• More than 99% of schools earned an A, B or C.
• The district’s graduation rate has reached a record high of 95.3%.
• Student proficiency has improved across 21 tested subject areas.

“There’s no magic sauce,” Bernier said. “It’s about having the right people in the right places, making difficult decisions early, and ensuring the right people are on the bus and in the right seat.”

While the district celebrated academic success, leaders also addressed safety concerns following several incidents involving students being struck by vehicles.

According to school officials:

• During the last school year, 43 students were hit by vehicles while traveling to or from school, and three of those incidents were fatal.
• So far this school year, 10 students have been struck, including two fatalities.

The issue gained renewed attention after the death of a 13-year-old student in Arlington, who was hit while walking along a sidewalk near school.

Duval County School Police Chief Jackson Short said most of the accidents have happened away from school zones.

“A large portion of the accidents are happening out in the community and not even in school zones,” Short said. “That’s why we rely on our partnerships with the City of Jacksonville and the Sheriff’s Office to address the problem.”

District officials highlighted their “Be Safe, Be Seen” initiative, a countywide safety program promoting awareness, visibility and safe travel habits for students. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office representatives also said they plan to increase traffic enforcement around schools and high-risk areas.