Investigation into Clay schools superintendent becomes topic for discussion at school board meeting

Things got heated between Clay County School Board members on Thursday night.

It's the latest in a series of confrontations since Clay County Schools Superintendent Charlie Van Zant was accused of plagiarism and rigging the system.

Neither those accusations nor a new investigation into the superintendent were on the meeting agenda, but that didn’t stop them from becoming points of discussion.

The meeting was filled with passion as members went back and forth, sometimes even interrupting each other as they shared their opinions.

The topic on everyone’s mind: The Office of the Inspector General for the Florida Department of Education, with assistance from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, has initiated an investigation of the allegations made by a district employee on August 4 against Superintendent Van Zant.

The Superintendent often sat in silence in front of a room packed with people from both sides.

Tim Nguyen, Van Zant Supporter said, “I think it’s all lies, it’s all lies. It’s you know like two weeks before elections.”

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Tracy Butler, Clay Schools Support Workers Union Rep said, “We want to make sure we have an investigation and that it’s a fair investigation.”

The debate comes after a former principal made claims Van Zant asked her to write a paper, which he then turned in as part of a Master's Degree course. Action News Jax has obtained the document in question from the State Board of Education, a study on communication between employees and district leaders. The former principal also made accusations that Van Zant was also aware of an effort to manipulate student data in order to improve graduation rates.

At the very end of the meeting, all board members gave their thoughts on the accusations and investigation. That discussion wasn't as heated but there were some tense moments between members and the audience. Members raised concerns about the actions of the other members, possible policy violations and how the issue has played out in the media.

Van Zant remained silent but his attorney tells Action News Jax they're happy an independent party is now investigating.

The former principal making the claims will speak Friday at 3 p.m. in Middleburg. Count on Action News Jax to be there.

Cox Media Group