JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville city councilwoman for District 9 was removed from her classroom duties and temporarily reassigned to a non-student-related role amid an ongoing human resources investigation, Duval County Public Schools confirmed to News4JAX on Thursday.
Tyrona Clark-Murray is currently employed as an ESE Site Coach (CSS) at Alfred Dupont Middle School, according to the district’s website.
While the school board did not specify what incident led to Clark-Murray‘s removal from the classroom, DCPS said she had been “temporarily reassigned to a role with no student contact pending the outcome of a human resources investigation.”
According to DCPS board member Melody Bolduc, Clark-Murray was reassigned for inappropriate physical contact.
While the investigation must be allowed to run its course, I think this moment also highlights a much larger issue that deserves public attention. Our ESE teachers and paraprofessionals work with some of our district’s highest-needs students every single day, often in extremely challenging circumstances.
No student should ever be harmed by an adult. At the same time, many people do not realize that our educators are regularly bitten, kicked, slapped, pinched, scratched, groped, and physically assaulted while serving students with significant behavioral and emotional needs. These incidents happen far more often than the public understands.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, I believe it is important that we acknowledge not only the dedication of these educators, but also the intense demands placed upon them. Our teachers need stronger support systems, proper staffing, training, resources, and safe working environments so they can continue serving students with compassion and professionalism.
I also want to give a special shout out to our ESE teachers and paraprofessionals. I often tell them they are some of the most selfless, patient, and underappreciated heroes in public education. The work they do matters deeply, and many of them continue showing up every day with extraordinary love and commitment for students who need them most.
DCPS Board member Melody Bolduc
DCPS also said it is an active investigation, and no further information would be provided.
We reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to see if any incident reports were filed, but JSO said the agency was “unaware” of any reported incident.
The mayor’s office referred any questions to the DCPS and Councilwoman Clark-Murray’s office. Clark-Murray declined to comment on the matter.
City Council President Kevin Carrico called the situation “disturbing” in a statement.
“As someone who works with children of all ages day in and day out it’s obviously troubling to read. I will reserve judgment and action as council president when I have more facts and a report to review,” he said.
We asked Carrico whether Clark-Murray would continue to serve on the city council in her usual capacity. He said that a council member could only be removed from office if they faced a criminal charge, and only Gov. Ron DeSantis has the ability to do that.
Councilman Matt Carlucci responded to the incident with praise for Clark-Murray, saying that this situation should not tarnish her character.
Tyrona Clark-Murray is an outstanding person, a compassionate educator, and a dedicated public servant who truly cares about people. I cannot defend the reaction itself, because educators must be held to a high standard, but I also understand how difficult those classroom situations can be. What speaks to her character is that she immediately self-reported the incident, showing honesty and accountability. One mistake should not define a lifetime of service to others.
Matt Carlucci
Duval County School Board Vice Chair April Carney responded to our request Friday morning with a statement.
Councilwoman Clark-Murray has been a certificated teacher in the State of Florida since 1993. As a trained Lead Coach in a CSS unit, she is charged with setting an appropriate example of how to interact with challenging students. Her actions are unacceptable. She will be afforded due process as stated in our bargaining agreement with DTU, and her future with DCPS will be determined by the results of the investigation. I am also hopeful that Governor DeSantis will be taking a closer look at this situation. However, it is my opinion as the Vice Chairman of the Duval County School Board, that there should be zero tolerance for striking a student.
April Carney
District 5 Board Member Reginald Blount also responded to our request Friday morning saying that the case is under investigation and he did not want to comment on the details at this time. He went on to say:
I will say that these allegations appear to be inconsistent with Councilwoman Clark-Murray’s character. The challenges involved in teaching and managing behaviors associated with our ESE students can sometimes result in teachers being seriously injured.
She has been a strong supporter of the ESE community and is also the parent of a special needs child. I am confident that the investigation will provide the District with all the facts regarding the circumstances that led to the allegations of abuse.
Reginald Blount
We are working to learn more about this incident and will share updates when we have them.