Duval board adopts "Know the Line" ethics and misconduct-reporting revisions

The Duval County School Board unanimously adopted revisions to Chapter 6 of its board policies on Sept. 3, implementing language intended to clarify staff expectations around professional conduct and to tighten reporting and removal procedures for misconduct that affects student health, safety or welfare.

Superintendent Dr. Bernier described the initiative as an effort to make explicit the boundaries of acceptable behavior and to encourage reporting when staff or community members feel that something is "icky" — a shorthand he used during the meeting to describe conduct that may not be illegal but is inappropriate. "I have an official term for this. It's called icky," he said while explaining the policy's preventive and educational aspects.

The public hearing on the policy drew no speakers; board members praised the work and the policies passed 7–0. The revisions add language making clear that employees shall "conduct themselves at all times in an ethical manner" and extend some expectations to off-duty conduct where it affects the district.

What it means: The adopted language provides the administration with a clearer accountability framework and directs staff to continue education for employees, students and parents about reporting concerns; board members said the changes were a necessary step in addressing past incidents and improving student safety.

Next steps: The administration will roll out education and reporting measures and the chief of staff and general counsel will handle implementation and subsequent reporting to the board.