JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a meeting Tuesday night, the Duval County Public Schools Board voted 5-2 to seek greater legal independence by amending the city charter to allow hiring its own independent general counsel.

The school board has relied on the City of Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) for legal services. City-employed attorneys have represented both the school board and city government under the supervision of the city’s legal office.

Chairwoman Charlotte Joyce, a leading advocate for the change, emphasized the board’s goal.

“We want the most qualified board attorney we can get,” Joyce said.

However, the proposal faced opposition from some board members and members of the public.

“This move to obtain your own legal representation is a long time coming, and fair-minded citizens can see that it’s not political,” one public commenter said. “It’s prudent.”

Another voiced skepticism.

“What is the reason we need a separate lawyer for the school board?” she asked. “There is an Office of General Counsel already. It hasn’t been explained why we need it. Lawyers are not cheap.”

Calls for a detailed cost-benefit analysis also surfaced, urging the board to delay a final decision.

Board members spent over an hour questioning Michael Fackler, General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville, reflecting deep uncertainty.

“This displays why we aren’t ready, lots of questions,” Darryl Willie, District 4 Rep, said.

Despite unresolved concerns, the board members who supported the resolution stressed the urgency of moving forward.

Next steps involve the Jacksonville City Council introducing and considering a supporting resolution. Following that, the Duval legislative delegation will hold a public hearing in Jacksonville to review the proposed changes.