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Duval school board approves travel to SBAE summit after public objections
Summary
The Duval County School Board voted 4–3 to confirm district-funded travel to the School Boards for Academic Excellence summit (Jan. 22–24, 2025) after extended public comment and board debate about partisanship, cost and value of training.
The Duval County School Board on Dec. 9 approved travel for board members to attend the School Boards for Academic Excellence (SBAE) education policy training summit scheduled Jan. 22–24, 2025 in Orlando after heated public comment and a divided board discussion.
During the public-comment period, multiple residents asked the board not to spend district funds on the summit, arguing the SBAE is partisan. Parent Katie Hathaway said the conference’s social-media presence "actively promote[s] a right wing agenda, focusing on flipping school boards" and urged the board to "direct our taxpayer dollars where they are needed most, which is in our classrooms." Several other speakers made similar requests and noted the district’s current budget shortfall.
Board members who supported attendance said the training is a legitimate professional-development opportunity and that hearing diverse viewpoints makes them stronger trustees. One board member said, "I believe that the money being spent, to attend is a good investment of our tax payer dollars," noting the summit includes state education leaders and could help with upcoming legislative advocacy.
Opponents on the dais raised fiscal and optics concerns. Board member Willie said he was "concerned that a majority of our board is going to attend" and noted precedent in other Florida districts denying taxpayer-funded attendance to groups judged partisan; he added, "I won't be voting for it." Vice Chair Carney and others acknowledged the divisive national climate and argued exposure to different perspectives helps governance.
After discussion, the chair called the vote. The motion to confirm the travel passed, with the board announcing a final tally of 4 in favor and 3 opposed. The board chair also directed staff to consider a policy requiring a report-back at the next meeting from members who attend external trainings so the public and other board members know what was learned.
The vote does not change district classroom or budget decisions directly; it authorizes board members’ attendance to the summit. The board also approved several routine agenda items earlier in the meeting, including the Dec. 9 agenda and minutes for prior meetings.
The board is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 7, 2025.
