October 10, 2025

Duval County Schools Push for Independent Legal Counsel

News Summary

The Duval County School Board is advocating for its own General Counsel, facing both support from council members and opposition from the city administration. This proposal aims to enhance the School Board’s legal representation by allowing them to hire attorneys with expertise in education law, independent of the city’s Office of General Counsel. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on Jacksonville’s consolidated government structure and the integrity of legal guidance across city divisions. A vote on the resolution is anticipated soon, which could lead to significant changes in how legal matters are managed within the district.

Jacksonville, FL – The Duval County School Board is moving forward with a proposal to establish its own General Counsel, a decision that has gained initial support but faces significant opposition from the city administration. On Monday, two City Council panels voted 6-2 in favor of a resolution that would allow the School Board to hire its own legal representation, independent from the city’s Office of General Counsel (OGC).

This measure comes amid concerns raised by City Hall regarding its potential impact on Jacksonville’s consolidated government structure. Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration has publicly stated that the proposal could undermine the authority of the OGC, which has historically managed legal representation for various city divisions.

School Board Chair Charlotte Joyce contends that the current requirement for the OGC to pre-screen attorney hires hampers the School Board’s ability to attract qualified candidates with expertise in education law. According to Joyce, aside from Jacksonville, all other school districts in Florida have their own legal teams, emphasizing that the unique consolidation history of Jacksonville dating back to 1967 is limiting.

Joyce elaborates that the existing arrangement makes it challenging to draw in experienced attorneys who might be hesitant to work under the OGC, especially when they could potentially secure more favorable positions elsewhere. She also pointed out that lawyers from other counties can access Florida’s Retirement System, which further disadvantages potential applicants to the School Board’s legal team.

The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety (NCSPHS) Committee passed the resolution after a review during a recent meeting. Committee member Ron Salem highlighted the importance of independent legal representation for the School Board, asserting their management of budgetary matters justifies this change, while still maintaining connections with the OGC for collaborative purposes.

However, discussions revealed concerns about the implications such a shift would have across various government divisions. There are fears that allowing separate entities to hire their own legal counsel could lead to conflicts and undermine the integrity of the OGC as dictated by city charter guidelines. General Counsel Michael Fackler expressed that having a School Board attorney directly answerable to the Board could open the door to legal opinions influenced more by political motives than legal accuracy.

Nonetheless, there is strong support among many School Board members for pursuing independent legal representation. Council President Kevin Carrico commended the proposal, stating it would create opportunities to hire the “best and brightest” to fulfill the School Board’s legal needs. NCSPHS Chair Mike Gay, who co-sponsored the resolution, acknowledged the reservation expressed by some committee members regarding the risk of a “slippery slope” in legal governance.

The City Council plans to further discuss the resolution on October 14, paving the way for potential legislation that could be considered in the 2026 session. Adding urgency to the matter, on October 6, the Duval County Public Schools Board voted 5-2 in favor of seeking legal independence by amending the city charter. Joyce underscored that the pursuit for the most qualified board attorney is long overdue and essential for the district’s future.

While some board members voiced skepticism about the proposal, calling for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis before implementation, proponents highlighted the critical nature of addressing legal representation in anticipation of upcoming deadlines from both the Jacksonville City Council and the Legislative Delegation. If the charter amendment is ratified, it could become effective on July 1, 2026, empowering the School Board to hire a General Counsel without influence or oversight from the city administration.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mayor Deegan Hosts Town Halls on Jacksonville’s Budget
Jacksonville Bar Association Supports General Counsel Amid Controversy
Jacksonville Faces Investigation Over Alleged Illegal Gun Registry
Jacksonville Council Demands Resignation of General Counsel

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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