Q: Can you share any legislative updates?
A: March 5 was “Duval Day” in our state legislature and a contingency including myself and several other board members and the superintendent went to Tallahassee to meet with our legislative delegation. We were warmly welcomed. We had two appropriations requests. First, we requested funds for a fusion center to shore up student safety and security. This would marry all of our technology to tap into the nearest six cameras (of the thousands we have monitoring our schools) whenever a faculty member pushes the button on their Centegix badge. It would also immediately alert law enforcement. Secondly, we requested increased VPK funding to allow for special training for teachers known as CLASS.
There are two bills we are keeping an eye on and request that parents do as well, in addition to contacting their legislators. First is a bill to restore autonomy to local districts on school start times. I talked about this bill last month and it seems all of our delegation is listening to our concerns. They have received copious calls and emails from constituents as well. Secondly, we are very worried about an education bill in the House (HB 123) because there is a stipulation in the bill that as a district, if enrollment has decreased (as it has in Duval), the district can’t buy any property. This is problematic for a couple of reasons, because some areas in the northern part of the county are shrinking but some areas, particularly the southeast portion, are growing. It also would hinder our ability to potentially sell the School Board building on the river if we decided to, because we wouldn’t be able to buy another property.
Q: What is the latest information that volunteers need to know regarding background checks for the school district?
A: The school board has defined a difference between a chaperone and a volunteer within its policy, in order to follow the new law. “Volunteers” can continue to assist teachers and school staff with the current level of screening, but they are not allowed to be alone with students. “Chaperones,” as newly defined in policy, would have to be Level 2 background screened, which includes fingerprinting, so that they can go on field trips. There will be a visible distinction between the two on their visitor identification badges. This will take effect next school year and does not affect those who are accompanying students on field trips this school year.
Q: Can you share any insight on the district’s first book challenge?
A: Our first book challenge was five months ago involving the book “Identical,” which was removed in accordance with policy. A formal book review was held in early March; the appeals committee recommended putting this book back on our shelves. Now it is up for a board vote, possibly in April, pending public notice of the meeting. The process for challenging and potentially removing a book is very involved. We went into the procedures in great length at our Agenda Meeting on March 11, so interested parties can view that archived video on the school district website. Alternatively, they can email me and I can send them the entire report.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at BolducM@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
