JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An update to this story can be found here.
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts is grappling with another faculty-based scandal after a teacher was charged with a misdemeanor charge of exposure of sexual organs in Orange County, Florida.
Chris Allen-Black, 53, was arrested on Feb. 24, 2024, at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, an Orange County Sheriff's Office arrest report states.
The Duval County Public Schools told First Coast News they found out about the arrest on Feb. 27 and Allen-Black was removed from the classroom on April 11. The district completed the official reassignment process on April 16. We have reached out to DCPS to find out why he was in the classroom after his arrest.
Allen-Black is listed as a mathematics teacher on the school's website. The school's principal said Wednesday it reassigned Allen-Black to "duties without student contact" while the district’s Office of Professional Standards investigates.
Vocal Department Chair Jeffrey Clayton, 65, was arrested on March 22, 2023, on charges of lewd and lascivious conduct involving a student and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to an arrest report.
Four staff members total were removed from the classroom as Douglas Anderson for alleged misconduct last year.
Principal Tina Wilson sent the following message to parents Wednesday:
"Dear Douglas Anderson families,
Unfortunately, I am writing to share with you very disappointing news regarding one of your children’s teachers.
Our school district received notification that Mr. Allen-Black, who taught your child’s algebra class, was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on a misdemeanor charge of exposure of sexual organs. While the presumption of innocence applies, we have reassigned this teacher to duties without student contact while the district’s office of professional standards conducts an investigation into the matter.
Please know that your child’s academic well-being is our top priority, and we have put an instructional transition plan in place to ensure there is no disruption to student learning.
• Our other certified math teachers will take over Mr. Allen-Black’s Algebra I classes to ensure continued instruction prior to the FSA.
• Algebra II classes will be taught with a substitute under close observation by school administrators and other math faculty.
• Students can attend any math teacher Lunch and Learn for remediation and support.
• Additional support may include, but is not limited to, Mu Alpha Theta tutors and ESE support teachers.
• After all math state and district assessments are complete, the math department will assign material relevant for next year’s math curriculum.
Again, this is very disappointing news. I always want to keep you informed, and most important, we want to ensure the proper educational support is in place for students.
Thank you for your support as we work to provide a safe and positive learning environment for your child."