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Board members discuss convening public conversation on appointed vs. elected superintendent
Summary
Several board members discussed whether to convene a public process to explore changing the superintendent’s selection method. Boardmember Daryl Jones proposed outreach through the Florida School Boards Association and a community survey; staff were asked to check legal and cost implications and report back.
At the May 13 meeting, board members resumed a multi-session discussion about whether Leon County should explore changing how the superintendent is selected — from an appointed to an elected position or vice versa — and whether to convene community-focused informational sessions.
Board member Daryl Jones said he would like the board to ask the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) to convene focus groups or informational sessions and suggested the district survey the community for interest before committing staff time or district resources. Jones said his intent was to start a public conversation, not to adopt a position.
Board members asked staff to gather more information. The chair asked Miss McKinney Williams to manage coordination with FSBA and report back. Board members also asked staff to check with the elections office and the FSBA about potential costs and legal limits on using district resources for informational activities. One board member said a narrowly worded survey asking whether residents would attend an informational session would be more permissible than advocacy or marketing.
Board discussion also noted potential calendar conflicts with other district priorities, such as a pending half-penny sales tax renewal, and urged careful consideration of staff time and messaging. The board did not vote; members asked staff to return with guidance on costs, legal constraints and potential survey language at a future workshop.
No formal decision was made; staff were directed to seek FSBA cost information and legal guidance and return to the board.
