JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several newly-elected Duval County Public Schools members were sworn into their positions Tuesday evening.
Four of seven seats on the DCPS school board were up for election this year and the following candidates who won in their districts took their oath to become a new member of the board:
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- Tony Ricardo - District 1
- Cindy Pearson - District 3 (Reelection)
- Reginald K. Blount - District 5
- Melody Bolduc - District 7
Charlotte Joyce was nominated for DCPS chair and April Carney was nominated for vice chair.
Board members, Joyce and Carney, received standing ovations following their swearing-in ceremonies to those roles. They were both elected to those seats in a 6 to 1 vote with former Board Chairman Darryl Willie being the only “no” vote.
Willie said while he may disagree with Joyce and Carney, they show each other respect.
“I feel a deep obligation to vote in the way that aligns with the values and priorities of the people that I serve,” Willie said. “So this evening, out of a need for balance, is what I mentioned in our meeting, and being mindful of where we stand as a board, I did not vote for the chair and vice chair. It’s not personal, but it is reflective of the current environment that we’re in and the challenges that we face, and we’re going to face them together.”
Carney shared her desire to bring the district to an A grade this year.
“That is my hope, and I thank all of our partners who work tirelessly to help our kids succeed. Some of you are here tonight. You know who you are, and again, I just can’t thank everyone enough for the consistent support for our children,” Carney said. “I am committed, just like the rest of this board, for us to all work together and do what’s right by kids. That’s where my heart has always been, and that will never change.”
Joyce agreed with Willie about how they disagree in a civil manner, saying that robust conversations are important for a board.
“We are here to serve the parents, the students of Duval County, and I know that as we move forward this year, that our focus will be on student achievement, student safety and fiscal responsibility,” Joyce said. “And I look forward to serving you, serving with you this coming year so that we do make this district an A district.”