Survey says people want a Duval County Superintendent with integrity and a background in education

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of the community have spoken on the qualities they want to see in the next superintendent of Duval County. The school board released the results of an online survey Tuesday.

More than 3,600 people participated in the survey – it shows people want a superintendent with integrity, a background in education who can lead a diverse district.

Most people who participated in the survey said they’re a parent or guardian. The school board has been taking input at public forums, including Tuesday morning at Fletcher High School.

When we asked resident Larry Roziers what he’d like to see in the next superintendent, he said, “The first thing I could think of is somebody that’s fair. Someone who’s knowledgeable, someone who’s done this before. Not only done this work before, but we can see some fruits of their labor.”

Andrea Messina is CEO of Florida School Boards Association. She said, “They’re looking for someone who is a good listener, who can solve problems, it is very clear to me that they are looking for someone who has proven demonstrable success in a large urban district.”

RELATED: Duval County faces competition, hefty price tag as superintendent search heats up | Timeline: Consultants tell Duval School Board new superintendent could start by Jan. 1, 2024 | ‘I leave so very thankful’: Outgoing Duval County superintendent looks back on tenure on final day for students

The results of the survey showed the district’s biggest strength is its diversity, and the biggest weakness is transportation, followed by issues involving hiring and keeping good teachers.

The survey respondents also said they want a superintendent who builds trust and respect, motivates staff and students and leads with humility.

The board hopes to have a permanent superintendent in place by January after the early retirement of Dr. Diana Greene in July. Dr. Dana Kriznar is currently serving as interim superintendent.

The district held six community forums in August to discuss the responses to a survey community members were asked to participate in and to solicit feedback on the search process.

After hearing from the public about what they want in a superintendent, the plan is to post the job in mid-September and identify semi-finalists about a month later.

Here’s a look at the process:

• Oct. 18: Semifinalists will be selected

• Nov. 16-17: More interviews with 3-4 finalists

• Nov. 21: New superintendent selected