The Duval County School Board is pushing for a significant change in its legal representation, seeking the ability to hire its own board attorney, a move that could reshape the legal landscape for the district. Currently, the board relies on the city’s Office of General Counsel (OGC), which has raised concerns about the limited applicant pool for legal positions due to restrictions tied to the Florida Retirement System (FRS).

During a recent meeting, board members highlighted that out of four applicants for the attorney position, only one had prior education law experience. This situation is compounded by the fact that none of Florida's 47 board-certified education law attorneys applied for the role, raising alarms about the district's ability to attract qualified candidates. The board argues that allowing them to hire their own attorney would open up the applicant pool and ensure they can secure the best legal representation.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the proposal. Some voiced concerns about potentially undermining the city’s consolidated government structure, which has been in place since 1968. They worry that if the school board is allowed to hire its own attorney, other city entities might seek similar independence, leading to a fragmentation of legal services.

Supporters of the bill, however, argue that the school board operates independently in many respects, including budget approval, and that having a dedicated attorney would enhance their ability to navigate complex legal issues specific to education. They emphasized that the proposed attorney would still work closely with the OGC for other legal matters, maintaining a collaborative relationship.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of hiring an attorney versus contracting legal services as needed. Proponents believe that a full-time attorney would ultimately save the district money compared to billable hours from outside counsel.

As the board moves forward with this proposal, the outcome could significantly impact how legal services are structured for Duval County Public Schools, potentially setting a precedent for other entities within Jacksonville. The next steps will involve further deliberation and a vote on the proposed changes to the charter that would allow the school board to hire its own legal counsel.