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St. Johns County School Board to Hire New Superintendent

St. Johns County School Board meeting with community members

News Summary

The St. Johns County School Board is holding a meeting today to select a new superintendent amidst ongoing community concerns about school start times. This follows the emergence of four finalists to replace retiring Superintendent Tim Forson. New legislation requires schools to adjust start times, impacting student health and academic performance. The board’s decision will address critical issues including a projected $100 million budget shortfall and community input on important educational matters.

St. Augustine, Florida – The St. Johns County School Board is set to hire a new superintendent at a meeting today, a pivotal decision as the district navigates ongoing community concerns regarding school start times. This follows the selection of four finalists who are vying to replace retiring Superintendent Tim Forson.

Recent legislative changes are prompting the district to rethink school start schedules in light of House Bill 733, which stipulates that middle and high schools in Duval County are required to begin classes at or after 8:30 a.m. for high schools and at 8:00 a.m. for middle schools by the 2026-2027 school year. This law does not impose requirements on elementary school start times, leading to some uncertainty among families about potential changes.

The new law aims to address health concerns linked to sleep deprivation, with endorsements from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It is anticipated that these start time regulations will positively impact students’ health and academic performance. However, many parents have voiced their apprehensions regarding safety during morning commutes and disruptions to established family schedules.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier has encouraged parents to engage with legislators to discuss their concerns regarding the implications of the new start times. The district is also evaluating different start time scenarios for its schools, with proposed times ranging from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to accommodate various logistical needs, particularly related to student transportation.

In an effort to address the community’s challenges, the upcoming Superintendent will need to tackle multiple issues. Dr. Bernier has acknowledged areas needing improvement, particularly in interpersonal relations during interactions with staff and families, a recognition made during a recent town hall meeting.

An important report concerning Bernier’s past as Lee County Superintendent included allegations of bullying and discrimination. While many of these claims were found unsubstantiated, the confidential report was shared with the Duval County School Board prior to a recent meeting but was not addressed due to agenda limitations. Despite the scrutiny, Bernier had been transparent regarding the investigation that preceded his hiring.

As the St. Johns County School Board prepares to make this important decision today, upcoming town hall meetings have been scheduled to allow for community input on pressing issues affecting Duval County Public Schools. Key topics discussed at these meetings include the current projected $100 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, the quality of customer service at schools, and the growing need for consolidation in response to declining enrollment.

The decisions made by the School Board today regarding the new superintendent are crucial not only for the leadership of the district but also for addressing the ongoing concerns of parents and students regarding school funding, schedules, and the overall educational environment within St. Johns County Public Schools. With these pressing matters at hand, the Board’s choice will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the district and its responsiveness to community needs.