JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Supporters of Duval County School District Superintendent, Dr. Diana Greene voiced their concerns Monday night.
This comes after sources tell Action News Jax that Dr. Greene’s future with the district may be discussed in a meeting this Wednesday.
More than 50 people came out to the school board building rallying in support of her leadership Monday night. Many of them say it’s not just about the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Dr. Greene, but more about political power.
“This is not a unique scenario, Duval is just the newest battleground,” Former County School Board Chair, Elizabeth Andersen said.
Another supporter of Dr. Greene, former Duval County Teacher, Benjamin Dixon added, “I firmly believe this is a political hit job.”
In a letter to Dr. Green, the Florida Department of Education claimed previous incidents involving former Douglas Anderson teacher – Jeffrey Clayton - were never reported. But today, the district responded by saying that is not true.
“I think this is a time when, if people are not following a certain political agenda, then they are targeted until they are taken out,” Andersen said.
Greene’s supporters claim there is more to speculation about her job than what appears on the surface.
“They are using this as a scapegoat, as an excuse to attack her,” Dixon said about Clayton’s arrest.
Reports Action News Jax received from DCPS involving Clayton inappropriately touching students dates to the early 2000s. But he wasn’t arrested until March 22nd.
“Her priority has always been making sure that our district and our children could grow learn and succeed, but unfortunately these days Performance is taking a backseat to polarize politics,” Andersen said while speaking at the rally.
Elizabeth Andersen was the former school district Board Chair until she was unseated last year by a candidate backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. She worked with Dr. Greene for four years.
Knowing she was recognized as Florida’s Superintendent of the Year in 2021, supporters have heaped praise on Dr. Greene – saying she is an asset to the school district.
“She’s really been a steadfast, brave, and bold leader,” Andersen said. “I was honored to work with her during some really difficult times.”
The special meeting will be held Wednesday afternoon at one. The school board’s agenda lists a third-party investigation into Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
