Duval school board to re-advertise superintendent job, will not move forward with current candidates

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Duval County School Board is going back to the drawing board in its search for a new superintendent.

The board voted unanimously at its Wednesday afternoon meeting to postpone the search for Duval County Public Schools’ next superintendent position until 2024 and will not move forward with the 10 current applicants.

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The board also unanimously voted to extend the contract of the current short-term superintendent, Dr. Dana Kriznar, through June 30, 2024, with the same conditions as her current contract.

DCPS said it anticipates the next superintendent would begin in June or July 2024.

Kriznar was first chosen as Duval County Public Schools’ short-term superintendent in May.

Action News Jax also told you in May when former superintendent Dr. Diana Greene announced her retirement. It was after she reached a separation agreement with the district amid the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts teachers scandal, including the arrest of one now-former teacher.

Action News Jax’s Robert Grant was at Tuesday’s meeting. He said board members expressed concern with the lack of qualified candidates who applied.

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School Board Chairwoman Dr. Kelly Coker released the following statement:

“This job is too important to let the calendar force our decision. We are in the very fortunate position to have Dr. Kriznar guiding the district. She continues to do a remarkable job, which gives the board the benefit of time. Our clear interest is to find a person who has the demonstrated capability to move a district of our size and diversity to a higher level of achievement. Our students, families, teachers, staff, and the whole community deserve nothing less. I am grateful to be on a board that shares this vision and is willing to take the time to get it right.”

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Kriznar said in a statement:

“It has been a great privilege to lead our district during this time. I’m inspired every day by the work of our teachers, leaders, and staff in our schools and the commitment of the district team. I am also thankful for the board’s confidence in the work we are doing while they take the time to find the best future leader for our schools. Our leadership team will continue to do all we can to support our schools as the search process continues.”

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