Lenny Curry urges Duval Schools to retain Interim Supe through academic year

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry had a symbiotic relationship with former Duval Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, including advocating for Vitti’s job security at one point when Vitti was under fire.

Vitti has moved on to Detroit. And now Curry is building relationships anew, as exemplified Wednesday morning when the Mayor met with current Interim Superintendent Pat Willis and School Board Chair Paula Wright.

Curry waded into Duval Schools’ politics earlier this summer, “concurring” with House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Rep. Jason Fischer that a state audit to account for $20M of spending over budget this fiscal year was necessary.

Though the state audit isn’t happening at this point, Curry invested political capital in calling for it.

We reached out to the Mayor’s Office Wednesday morning for a statement on the meeting, and Curry asserted that it went well.

Among other takeaways: Curry wants Superintendent Willis to stay in place throughout the year.

“I met today with the board chair and superintendent for Duval County Public Schools. We had a great discussion,” Curry related.

“As mayor and father to three Duval County students, I believe it’s important for me to understand their plans and priorities for improving the academic achievement levels of our city’s youth.  I expressed my optimism for the new year and encouraged the board to maintain the Interim superintendent throughout the school year to minimize distractions and disruptions to teaching and learning in schools.”

Curry’s statement jibes with feelings in the School Board building, where there is no rush to replace Willis.