The Duval County School Board voted Monday to push back a decision on a proposed policy that would permit adults—employees, contractors and parents—to keep firearms in their vehicles on school property. The delay comes after the board terminated Baldwin High School principal Michael Smith, whose September firing sparked the policy debate.
Background on the district’s weapons rule
Duval Schools currently bans anyone other than law‑enforcement officers from bringing weapons onto school grounds. While Florida law allows open carry in most public places, it also permits local governments and school districts to enforce stricter prohibitions. Neighboring districts Clay and St. Johns maintain similar bans.
Principal’s dismissal
On Sept. 15, district police received an anonymous tip that Smith had a firearm in his truck. After Smith refused a voluntary search, officers used a specially trained weapons‑detecting dog, Maverick, to inspect the vehicle. A loaded handgun was discovered in the center console. The board’s agenda cited the district’s weapons policy and state administrative codes requiring educators to “exercise the best professional judgment and integrity” as grounds for termination.
Smith’s criminal charges were dismissed after he completed a pre‑trial intervention program. Superintendent Christopher Bernier said in a text to the board, “As in keeping with our protocols in all cases with handguns on a campus with employees the likely result will be employee dismissal.” He added at a press conference, “At no time is it safe for anyone to be on our campuses with a gun.”
Policy debate intensifies
Board Chair Charlotte Joyce immediately began texting policy director Cami Sams, asking whether the district could limit the rule to students while she worked on legislative changes to stop districts from disciplining teachers and administrators over firearms. Joyce did not clarify the nature of her legislative effort, and former state Rep. Wyman Duggan, R‑Jacksonville, said no district officials had approached him about such a change.
Board member Tony Ricardo also requested a revised policy that would allow adults—excluding students—to keep firearms in their cars. He cited recent incidents at Baldwin High School and other schools as reasons to reconsider the ban.
Board’s vote and next steps
During an October workshop, board member Cindy Pearson warned against fast‑tracking the policy, citing unanswered legal questions. Despite her concerns, the policy was placed on the agenda for a vote at the Nov. 9 meeting.
At the November meeting, several members expressed confusion over the rapid timeline. One public commenter said, “You can’t claim to prioritize student safety while allowing unnecessary risk into our school environments.” Board member Melody Bolduc moved to delay the vote, a motion that passed 5‑2. Joyce and April Carney voted against the delay.
The board will reconvene later this month for another workshop and could bring the policy back for a vote as early as January, when three new board members will replace Carney, Joyce and Darryl Willie.
Community reaction
Local residents remain divided. Some argue that allowing firearms in staff vehicles could enhance personal protection, while others fear it introduces unnecessary danger to students and staff. The debate underscores the broader tension between Second Amendment rights and school safety concerns in Florida’s public‑education system.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
