DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Monday night, Duval County Public Schools parents, students and community members had the chance to meet the two finalists running for the district's superintendent position.
Both finalists for DCPS superintendent, Dr. Christopher Bernier and Dr. Daniel Smith came out to tonight's meet and greet at EverBank Stadium and talk with parents about why they believe they're the best fit for the job.
"The Duval County Superintendent job is a job that should be desired after," said Dr. Bernier, "I think we have to work collaboratively. In my experience as superintendent I’ve always worked with community internal and external stakeholders."
"My goal is simple, I want to make Duval County Public Schools the premier school district in the Nation," said Dr. Smith, "I have that experience that I feel like I can bring to Duval I’ve tackled some of those challenges in my current district and I know I can do it here too."
Both educators spoke on the importance of community engagement.
"It’s very important to pick up right away get themselves out engaged and involved with the community both informal and formal processes," said Dr. Bernier.
"One of the first things I’d do as Superintendent is generate more community feedback sessions community listening sessions to listen from our community about what are some things were doing well and how can we get better," said Dr. Smith.
Jennifer Weaver is a mom of a student and she said she's looking for a proven leader to take the job.
"I hope our new superintendent is a good leader and can help us overcome the obstacles we’re currently facing and moving beyond that," said Weaver.
Tiffany Clark is a business owner who said the new superintendent needs to understand this District is one of a kind.
"Definitely looking at someone who understand the uniqueness of Jacksonville we are a very unique city compared to other counties and definitely want to see someone who knows how to build that relationship with our familiar with our community and with our business partners," said Clark.
The School Board will vote for the new superintendent on May 23rd and the superintendent's official start date will be July 1st.