The search for the next Duval superintendent is in its final stretch, but you can still make your voice heard

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An extensive search process for the next superintendent of Duval County Public Schools could soon come to an end after finalists wrapped up on-site interviews on Tuesday.

The candidates are Dr. Christopher Bernier, who was the superintendent of the Lee County School District in the Ft. Myers area from 2022 to 2024. That district serves around 100,000 students.

The other finalist is Dr. Daniel Smith, who is Chief of Staff for Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia, near Washington, D.C. The school district serves more than 80,000 students. Dr. Smith also served as acting superintendent there for close to a year.

MORE: Duval school board discusses declining enrollment, ongoing investigation, superintendent search with city council

DCPS Board Chair Darryl Willie said both candidates are capable of doing the job.

“Fit for us, like which one is going to be a best fit for the certain time and moment that we’re in, but also what’s the best fit for them and their families and who they have. So I think that’s what we’re easing and getting closer and closer to is making that decision about who’s the best fit,” Willie said, adding it will be a tough decision. “I think that after the semi-finalists round and into this finalist round, when you start to narrow it down, it gets more tough because you have folks who are capable of the job. Now, there’s nuances between like, what do we want? What style do we want? What does the community say? What do they, what’s their input? And that’s honestly, what I’m really excited for is to get more of the community input.”

At a meet and greet at EverBank Stadium on Monday night, the public had a chance to see and speak with the finalists. The public also received a QR code to scan to give feedback on who they would like to see as the next superintendent.

The board is set to make its decision on May 23, with the goal to have the new superintendent start July 1.

And there’s still time to share your input.

At this link, you can watch the full interviews the finalists did with the board and the community focus group. At this link, you can fill out the district’s online survey.

That survey is available until 5 p.m. on May 21.