Superintendent Update- Dr. Christopher Bernier
Dr. Bernier talked about the state of DCPS, and he mentioned the importance of momentum. He spoke
about the District's A grade and graduation rates. He said there are now no F schools. He talked about
proficiency level increases across the district. Dr. Bernier talked about school quality as a recruitment
tool for attracting businesses to Jacksonville. He talked about the essential role and impact of teachers.
Dr. Bernier spoke about graduation rates, and how teachers make a differences in those numbers. He
highlighted that the achievement gap, between races, has been eradicated. Dr. Bernier spoke about
graduation requirements, and how they are more stringent than when he was a student. He emphasized
all of the things teachers do outside of the classroom to support students. He talked about realities
outside of the classroom that impact student performance, and how teachers navigate that. Dr. Bernier
said teachers are the singular most important factor in student performance. He talked about teacher
shortages, and how retention requires compensation. Dr. Bernier talked about the referendum to approve
renewing the 1-mill property tax that provides district funding for school programs and teachers. He
talked about how the 1-mill affects teacher salaries, recruitment and retention. He talked about how the
funds from the 1-mill cover costs for campus improvements, for athletic fields and art programs. He
noted how that serves as a visible investment in students. Dr. Bernier talked about accountability
derived through required referendum renewals to reflect public support. He said that council's role is not
to approve the 1-mill, but to direct the Supervisor of Elections to place the item on the ballot to be
approved or denied by the public. CM Johnson talked about Dr. Bernier's passion for the education and
the district. CVP Howland asked for clarification about the school board resolution requesting the
referendum for the 1-mill to be continued, pending voter approval, and the role of council in the
process. Dr. Bernier said council acts as a pass-through to put the item before the voters so funds may
collected to support schools and teachers. Ms. Staffopoulos, OGC, explained that after a letter of request
is sent to the council president , legislation will be prepared to call for an election for the extension of
the 1-mill, set the ballot date and language, require notice of the election from the Supervisor of
Elections. CVP Howland asked if other funds are available to use instead of the 1-mill revenue, and Dr.
Bernier said there is no other such sustainable pot of money available for this purpose. Dr. Bernier
talked about state class size requirements, and how that takes investment for compliance. CM
Clark-Murray asked about the average cost for a teacher plus benefits. Dr. Bernier said the average
salary is about $75,000 per year, with an additional 40% for benefits. Mr. WIllie commented on the
correlation between funding and educational quality. Ms. Bolduc shared her support for supporting
teachers, and she asked what portion of the district's budget goes towards teacher and staff salaries. Dr.
Bernier said roughly 85 percent. CP Carrico commented on the successful collaboration between the
school board and council.
Public Comment
Time did not permit public comment, however speaker cards were submitted by Jamie Travis-Leonard,
Denise Scott and Katie Hathaway.
Closing Remarks
