DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier is sending a message to employees and the community: Misconduct will not be tolerated.
In two video statements — one for the community, one for district employees — Bernier addressed what he called a failure by some staff to uphold the ethical standards required to protect children.
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“It is not okay for any employee to abandon the code of ethics and the school board policies in which we all pledge to protect children,” Bernier said.
‘Enough is enough’
Bernier outlined a swift, three-step response to misconduct: immediate removal from the classroom, a thorough investigation and, when warranted, termination and prosecution.
“Enough is enough. Misconduct will never be tolerated, and when it occurs, we will take swift action,” he said. “This includes the immediate removal from the classroom, thorough investigations, and when warranted, termination and pursuing prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
Message to employees: ‘These incidents do not define Team Duval’
In his message to staff, Bernier acknowledged the emotional toll recent incidents have taken while making clear they don’t reflect the district as a whole.
“For some of you, your anger, and most of us, our heartbreak. These incidents do not define Team Duval,” he said. “They do not erase the incredible hard work being done by thousands of dedicated employees.”
He was equally firm about expectations going forward.
“There is no tolerance for any act that harms a child or puts a child at risk,” Bernier said.
Reporting misconduct: ‘Speaking up is not optional’
Bernier was direct about every employee’s obligation to report suspected misconduct without delay.
“If you suspect misconduct or have concerns about a child’s safety, you cannot and will not be silent. Do not wait. Report that immediately,” he said.
“Speaking up when a child’s safety is at stake is not optional. It’s your responsibility and your legal obligation.”
Commitment to student safety
Bernier closed both messages with a broader pledge to the community and staff alike.
“We have society’s highest responsibilities, educating, protecting, and caring for other people’s children,” he said. “This is a responsibility where we will strive to exceed your expectation.”
He urged every employee to stay focused on the district’s mission.
“Speak up, follow the law, uphold our standards, and do everything in your power to keep our children safe,” Bernier said.
Recent Arrests
Bernier’s message came the same day DCPS announced the arrest of Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts math teacher Brian Orr.
According to JSO records he is charged with offenses against students by an authority figure, lewd touching of a minor and child abuse.
On Monday, a substitute teacher at First Coast High School was arrested on charges involving a student, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Cameron Coverson was arrested on a warrant and charged with two counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, offenses against students by authority figures, traveling to meet a minor to commit unlawful acts and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.