DCPS School Board members discuss new communicable diseases policy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Heated debate filled Duval County Public Schools’ headquarters Monday morning.

DCPS school board members held a special committee meeting to discuss a new communicable diseases policy.

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Board members said they’ve gathered inspiration from other school districts who have something similar.

The new policy would cover communicable diseases like coronaviruses, chicken pox, and others.

One of the provisions in the draft states Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene has the authority to put together a medical advisory committee, but some felt the board should appoint the committee.

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We spoke with one woman who sat in on the meeting.

“I think that it’s very important for everyone to have fair representation when it comes to the board or Dr. Greene,” Melissa Bernhardt said.

More discussion included a possible separate pandemic and epidemic section that provides more specific and strict procedures.

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“I really thought it was a great conversation. Nothing got voted on today and I look forward to the next time they continue this conversation,” Bernhardt said.

We’re told the language in the draft policy will be changed and brought to the board at the next regularly scheduled workshop. The plan right now is to vote on the policy during a special meeting on October 19. There will be public comment.

Nothing discussed in Monday’s meeting is set in stone. School officials will revisit the policy again on Tuesday.

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