JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Duval County School Board has settled on the salary for the next superintendent.
According to the latest contract with Dr. Christopher Bernier, the board agreed to pay an annual salary of $320,00 – $30,000 less than what he initially proposed to the district.
The new salary comes after days of negotiations between Bernier and the school board, which some Duval County parents called to pause after the new superintendent was named in a federal lawsuit.
Salary negotiations are also happening amidst budget cuts, layoffs and discussions to shutter several DCPS schools.
On top of the $350,000 annual salary request, Bernier's proposal also included a $1,000 car stipend per month and $50,000 yearly for a mentor.
The district did not agree to those requests. Instead, the district countered Bernier's request with an annual pay of $280,000, with the possibility of up to $20,000 in bonuses.
Dr. Diana Greene, the former superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, made $300,000 before stepping down in 2023.
Bernier's contract, which the board is expected to vote on during a special meeting on Wednesday, also includes up to $15,000 in reimbursements for expenses he experienced after moving from Lee County.
Bernier served as Lee County superintendent before his abrupt resignation following the filing of two federal discrimination lawsuits against the school district, citing it mishandled a situation involving a racist text message.
Bernier's contract, if signed, would run through June 30, 2028.
First Coast News will keep you updated on what the board decides during the district's special meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday.