The Duval County School Board voted 5-2 on Tuesday to move forward with a resolution that would allow the district to hire its own attorney—separate from Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel (OCG).

Currently, all city agencies, including the school board, must rely on the OGC for legal representation. Supporters of the change believe it could attract better candidates and potentially save the district money. However, some board members and community members worry the move is politically motivated.

Board Chair Charlotte Joyce explained that Duval is unique among Florida’s 67 school districts, which required the change.

“We are the only district in the state of Florida, out of 67 counties, that are not allowed to hire our own general counsel,” Joyce said.

Government law attorney Chri

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