JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Three new Duval County school board members have now officially taken their seats on the board after being sworn in Tuesday.
Cheers echoed throughout the room and American flags waved high, as Tony Ricardo, Reginald Blount and Melody Bolduc were sworn into their newly appointed school board seats.
Incumbent Cindy Pearson was also sworn in as a board member for District 3.
The same sentiments were shown for board members Charlotte Joyce (District 6) and April Carney (District 2) after a 6 - 1 vote passed, electing Joyce as the new chairman and Carney the vice-chairman.
"The board members that are elected really do represent this community and I have full faith in all the board members that were elected to represent all of our community,” said Melissa Bernhardt, a community member.
Moms for Liberty members showed their support after endorsing all three newly elected candidates.
“I feel like they have some good plans for fiscal responsibility, transparency, school safety, teacher retention, and the curriculum,” said Moms for Liberty Duval Chair Holli Dean.
As the inside filled with celebrations, outside DCPS headquarters, parents and school advocates worked to hold the new board accountable and called on them to remain inclusive for all.
The group also condemned newly elected board member, Tony Ricardo for past social media posts he made that they are calling racist, sexist and homophobic.
“As a parent myself, I would not want my daughter to have those members on the school board representing her and making those decisions for a school district she will be going to school in. All students deserve equality and free and safe public education,” said Monique Sampson with the Jacksonville Community Action Committee.
Many of these community members took their concerns inside Tuesday's meeting for the entire board to hear.
"We’re here today to raise our voices in disgust,” said Mike Ludwick with the Northside Coalition.
When it was time for board members to address the public, board member Ricardo only showed gratitude to his family, supporters and talked about the work he plans to do.
"I want to thank my lord and savior for the opportunity to serve on this board. this board of excellence and the opportunity to serve the community. We’ll be working hard for everyone,” said Ricardo.
This new board will have its first regular school board meeting on Dec. 9.