Q: Can you share some insight about the newly hired superintendent of Duval County Public Schools?
A: First, I’d like to welcome Dr. Christopher Bernier as our new superintendent. He begins his duties on July 1. He brings more than 30 years of educational experience, including as a coach, a teacher, a principal, and a superintendent in Lee and Orange counties in Florida and Clark County in Nevada. He has a record of transformational leadership and he employs Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in his leadership style.
Q: What are some of the items being addressed by the school district over the summer?
A: During the month of June, the School Board held community meetings in each board member’s district. A focus group was also developed with members appointed by each board member as well as representatives from SAC committees and school principals. The District 7 focus group members are Ellye Aull and Paula Mickler (Mandarin High School) and Maxine Morgan (Atlantic Coast High School). Over the summer, this focus group will be meeting to discuss boundary changes, school consolidation, and feeder patterns for the Master Facilities Plan. It is anticipated that by fall, the plan for these adjustments and changes will take shape. I expect the board to vote on proposed changes in November.
Q: Are there any anticipated effects for District 7?
A: One particular thing to note is that although we will have no school closures or consolidations in District 7, there are proposed changes to boundaries and feeder patterns for the north Mandarin area (south of Sunbeam Road and north of Interstate 295). If you live in this area and want to have input, please feel free to email me.
Q: Are there any administrative changes in schools in Mandarin?
A: We only have one principal change in District 7. I’d like to welcome Matt Walker, previously the principal at Beauclerc Elementary, as the new principal of Loretto Elementary School.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
