How Duval superintendent candidates say they will work to eliminate ‘D’ and ‘F’ schools and address declining enrollment

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – Five candidates are now vying to become the next superintendent of the Duval County Public Schools, and during the interview process they answered key questions that will shape the future of the public school system.

The current semifinalists are Dr. Christopher Bernier, Adam Taylor, Dr. Daniel Smith, Dr. Joe Phillips and Dr. Cheryl Proctor. Candidate Luis Solano withdrew his application earlier this week.

They all had to answer questions from the board – some with written answers, others with video responses. Those responses were just shared with the public on Thursday evening.

RELATED | The school board hopes to have a new DCPS superintendent in place by July

Here are the video response questions and answers to two key issues currently facing the district:

What is your detailed plan to eliminate all D and F schools?

• Dr. Cheryl Proctor: “We will prioritize using top-notch instructional materials that meet the best state standards and meet the diverse learning needs of our students. I provide teachers with the tools they need for engaging and effective teaching, so we can amplify the power of teaching.”

• Dr. Christopher Bernier: “There are no easy solutions and it reflects hard work, but it is possible to face the problem and solve the problems of student performance together.” Bernier then talked about how he helped three failing schools in Lee County get good grades.

• Adam Taylor: “As superintendent, my vision for eliminating all D and F schools is both comprehensive and equitable. It is imperative that we build organizational capacity by recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff, distributing the budget equitably, and developing cutting-edge, safe learning environments in community hubs.

• Dr. Joe Phillips: “As we increase the pressure to perform, we must ensure that the pressure is accompanied by a framework that I call PMMRSA> Purpose. Direction. Motivation. Sources. Support. Accessibility.”

• Dr. Daniel Smith: “Schools should be differentiated based on their current grade and receive differentiated support and staffing accordingly. Our schools must know students by name and need. Which students are struggling? What do we do to help them? And how do we monitor their progress along the way.”

That question, about the candidates’ detailed plan to eliminate all D and F schools, is important because 10 DCPS schools received a “D” or “F” rating last year.

MORE | Duval County School Board will approve the first five years of the controversial consolidation plan later this year

Candidates also had to share a plan to address school choice competition.

Florida is wide open to school choice. What will you do to ensure DCPS competes for students?

• Dr. Joe Phillips: “We are launching Choose DCPS. An initiative that is a robust campaign that demonstrates our unparalleled value proposition to parents and students. Choosing DCPS is about revolutionizing our approach with innovative instructional models, cutting-edge technology and a great culture and climate that allows us to attract and retain the highest quality teachers and staff.”

• Dr. Cheryl Proctor: “I plan to work with district teams to focus on several key strategies. We will prioritize academic rigor and excellence in our curriculum. We will ensure that our students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in high school, college and beyond.

• Adam Taylor: “I envision every school to be a great school where students thrive academically as we prepare them for college and careers and contribute to a just society. As we make this vision a reality, parents will choose Duval County Public Schools as a place best able to achieve their goals.”

• Dr. Christopher Bernier: “We need to engage the community from birth to K. They are crucial in our recruitment process. We need to connect them with programs from birth through kindergarten so that they see DCPS as the opportunity for their continued education.”

• Dr. Daniel Smith: “We have to tell our own story. Focus on student performance and our results. We need to build our culture and climate and share where people want to be.”

The district posted each candidate’s response on its website. click here to read and see what they said.

The school board decided these questions in April, when they chose the semifinalists.

Board Chairman Darryl Willie said then that board members chose questions based on what they want to see in a candidate – and that the answers will be critical in choosing the finalists.

The school board will meet May 7 to select the finalists, who will then come to Jacksonville for interviews.