DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier is sending a message to employees and the community: Misconduct will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n
In two video statements \u2014 one for the community, one for district employees \u2014 Bernier addressed what he called a failure by some staff to uphold the ethical standards required to protect children.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d Bernier said.<\/p>\n
\u2018Enough is enough\u2019<\/p>\n
Bernier outlined a swift, three-step response to misconduct: immediate removal from the classroom, a thorough investigation and, when warranted, termination and prosecution.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough is enough. Misconduct will never be tolerated, and when it occurs, we will take swift action,\u201d he said. \u201cThis includes the immediate removal from the classroom, thorough investigations, and when warranted, termination and pursuing prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.\u201d<\/p>\n
Message to employees: \u2018These incidents do not define Team Duval\u2019<\/p>\n
In his message to staff, Bernier acknowledged the emotional toll recent incidents have taken while making clear they don\u2019t reflect the district as a whole.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor some of you, your anger, and most of us, our heartbreak. These incidents do not define Team Duval,\u201d he said. \u201cThey do not erase the incredible hard work being done by thousands of dedicated employees.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was equally firm about expectations going forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no tolerance for any act that harms a child or puts a child at risk,\u201d Bernier said.<\/p>\n
Reporting misconduct: \u2018Speaking up is not optional\u2019<\/p>\n
Bernier was direct about every employee\u2019s obligation to report suspected misconduct without delay.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you suspect misconduct or have concerns about a child\u2019s safety, you cannot and will not be silent. Do not wait. Report that immediately,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeaking up when a child\u2019s safety is at stake is not optional. It\u2019s your responsibility and your legal obligation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Commitment to student safety<\/p>\n
Bernier closed both messages with a broader pledge to the community and staff alike.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have society\u2019s highest responsibilities, educating, protecting, and caring for other people\u2019s children,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a responsibility where we will strive to exceed your expectation.\u201d<\/p>\n
He urged every employee to stay focused on the district\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak up, follow the law, uphold our standards, and do everything in your power to keep our children safe,\u201d Bernier said.<\/p>\n
Recent Arrests <\/p>\n
Bernier\u2019s message came the same day DCPS announced the arrest of Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts math teacher Brian Orr.<\/a><\/p>\n According to JSO records he is charged with offenses against students by an authority figure, lewd touching of a minor and child abuse.<\/p>\n