Dozens demand resignation of Clay County school board member Robert Alvaro after social-media remarks

Hundreds of residents filled a Clay County School Board meeting on Jan. 8, 2026, pressing the board to seek the resignation of board member Robert Alvaro after commenters said a Facebook live video and other posts included racial generalizations about Black people.

Speakers including Dawn Thompson, youth-council adviser for the Clay County NAACP, and Veil Davis, North Florida regional organizer for Black Voters Matter, described the remarks as dangerous for students and called on Alvaro to resign. Thompson said a "sitting school board member made remarks stating that 80% of the Black people I know are nasty, rude, problematic" and urged the board to hold leaders accountable. Davis said the community was "outraged" and demanded Alvaro be replaced.

The meeting featured sustained public comment: educators, faith leaders, parents and students recounted local incidents and linked them to the broader effects of a board member’s public statements. Reverend Dr. Brandon Frick said, "I am hard pressed to think of a clearer example of racism by an elected official in my lifetime," and urged swift action. Several speakers cited district harm including teacher turnover; one commenter said quarterly turnover rose from an average of about 35 educators to 69 for Oct. 1–Dec. 31, a figure raised during remarks by the CCA president.

Robert Alvaro offered a brief statement near the end of the meeting: "I have already addressed the false accusations against me in a press release on a social media post. I have nothing to add at this time." The board chair and other members responded that the board lacks legal authority to remove an elected member and noted that state officials — the governor or the commissioner of education — have the power to remove a board member. The chair said the board would continue to focus on students.

Superintendent [name on record] told attendees the district's "focus tomorrow morning is gonna be the same as every other morning. It's gonna be on the students because our students and our teachers and staff deserve that." He then moved to routine district business and student recognitions.

No formal disciplinary motion or vote concerning Alvaro took place at the meeting. Earlier the board took a voice vote to adopt the consent agenda, which carried 4-0. Several speakers urged the board to use available policy or to recommend removal; others called for state investigation or recall procedures. Rachel Clark referenced Florida statutes relevant to removal and board duties during public comment but did not offer a specific board motion.

What happens next is likely to be a matter for state officials and for continued public pressure. The board adjourned after thanking attendees for maintaining decorum and reiterating its focus on district operations and student welfare.

(Reporting note: quotes and attributions come from public commenters and board members who spoke during the Jan. 8, 2026 Clay County School Board meeting.)