JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernie issued a stark warning Friday to employees after two more arrests this week of a district teacher or substitute teacher for child abuse or sexual misconduct involving a student.
“Enough is enough!” Bernier said in a video sent to employees. “I cannot tolerate behavior that puts a student’s safety or well-being at risk ... When misconduct occurs, we will take immediate action.”
The 3-minute video was sent a day after Brian Orr, a Darnell-Cookman Middle School math teacher, was charged with lewd or lascivious touching of a minor.
It was the seventh arrest so far this school year of a teacher or substitute for child abuse or sexual misconduct involving a student. It was the second this week after First Coast High School substitute teacher Cameron Coverson’s arrest Monday for sexual activity with a student.
“We have one of society’s highest responsibilities. And that is to protect and care for children,” Bernier said early in the video. “Our children deserve to feel safe and to be surrounded by trusted adults who prioritize their learning, safety and well-being.”
The superintendent also sent a video Friday to students, parents and family that can be seen here. “Your child deserves to be safe. They need the opportunity to learn,” Bernier said in that video.
To employees, Bernier warned them to uphold the high calling of their profession working with children.
“I cannot tolerate behavior that puts a student’s safety or well-being at risk,” he said. “Any violation is one too many. And in the recent weeks, we’ve seen far too many.”
He said school employees have an obligation to speak up if they observe any troubling behavior.
“If you suspect misconduct or have concerns about a child’s safety,” Bernier said, “you cannot and will not be silent. Do not wait... it’s your responsibility and your legal obligation.”
“Remember who we serve,” he said.
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