JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville city councilwoman for District 9 was removed from her classroom duties and temporarily reassigned to a non-student-related role amid an ongoing human resources investigation, Duval County Public Schools confirmed to News4JAX on Thursday.
While the school board did not specify what incident led to Tyrona Clark-Murray‘s removal from the classroom, DCPS said she had been “temporarily reassigned to a role with no student contact pending the outcome of a human resources investigation.”
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According to DCPS board member Melody Bolduc, Clark-Murray was reassigned for inappropriate physical contact.
While the investigation must be allowed to run its course, I think this moment also highlights a much larger issue that deserves public attention. Our ESE teachers and paraprofessionals work with some of our district’s highest-needs students every single day, often in extremely challenging circumstances.
No student should ever be harmed by an adult. At the same time, many people do not realize that our educators are regularly bitten, kicked, slapped, pinched, scratched, groped, and physically assaulted while serving students with significant behavioral and emotional needs. These incidents happen far more often than the public understands.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, I believe it is important that we acknowledge not only the dedication of these educators, but also the intense demands placed upon them. Our teachers need stronger support systems, proper staffing, training, resources, and safe working environments so they can continue serving students with compassion and professionalism.
I also want to give a special shout out to our ESE teachers and paraprofessionals. I often tell them they are some of the most selfless, patient, and underappreciated heroes in public education. The work they do matters deeply, and many of them continue showing up every day with extraordinary love and commitment for students who need them most.
DCPS Board member Melody Bolduc
DCPS also said it is an active investigation, and no further information would be provided.
Clark-Murray currently is currently employed as an ESE Site Coach (CSS) at Alfred Dupont Middle School, according to the district’s website.
We reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to see if any incident reports were filed, but JSO said the agency was “unaware” of any reported incident.
The mayor’s office referred any questions to the DCPS and Councilwoman Clark-Murray’s office. Clark-Murray declined to comment on the matter.
City Council President Kevin Carrico called the situation “disturbing” in a statement.
“As someone who works with children of all ages day in and day out it’s obviously troubling to read. I will reserve judgment and action as council president when I have more facts and a report to review,” he said.
We asked Carrico whether Clark-Murray would continue to serve on the city council in her usual capacity. He said that a council member could only be removed from office if they faced a criminal charge, and only Gov. Ron DeSantis has the ability to do that.
We are working to learn more.