JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene announced Tuesday she is recommending a new Executive Director to lead the district’s School Police Department.
Retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Gregory C. Burton has been selected by Dr. Greene following a nationwide search and over a dozen other applicants, DCPS said.
On July 12 at 6 p.m., the superintendent will make the recommendation to the Duval County School Board (DCPS). If approved by the board, Burton will begin his role later this summer, according to a spokesperson.
Dr. Greene cited Burton’s previous experience working with school resource officers as an important factor in making her decision.
“Mr. Burton has unique experience in the nuances of school policing and working with and around young people,” said Dr. Greene. “His school experience, his exceptional leadership career and strong relationships with JSO combine to make him the perfect candidate to lead our school police.”
“I am very excited about this opportunity to provide leadership and build on the strong capabilities of this department,” Burton said. “School campuses are a safe-haven for so many children in our community. I look forward to working with the officers and staff of the Duval County School Police Department to ensure we continue to enhance security and protect our schools so students, teachers, and administrators can all focus on learning and achievement.”
Burton started joined JSO as a patrol officer in 1994. He moved through the ranks, as a sergeant, lieutenant, and assistant and division chief. He holds a B.A. in Organizational Management from Edward Waters College and M.Ed. from Jacksonville University.
Earlier this year, Wayne Clark, who is the assistant chief and current acting executive director, told the district he planned to leave his position. Clark has agreed to stay with the school district through September 10 so the right candidate could be found.
In December 2020, Duval County School Police were called out in a scathing statewide grand jury report as an example of a district appearing ‘safer on paper’ and accusing the department of “outright fraud.”
The 27-page report also stated that Duval County’s school police chief was instructed by school administration that the agency’s officers are not required to report “‘petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors to a law enforcement agency.’ As the testimony we received confirmed, this meant all misdemeanor crimes.
Duval County Public Schools issued the following statement on the findings of the report:
“The safety and security of students and employees remains the highest priority of the district. The Interim report covers a number of years. During this time the district has made procedural improvements related to student behavioral incident reporting. We remain committed to examining current procedures to ensure strict compliance. To assure the School Board and the public, Duval County Schools will pursue an external review of district and school reporting practices to determine if further improvements are needed.
Earlier this year Burton’s wife, Lakesha, a 22-year veteran of JSO, announced she will run for Jacksonville sheriff in 2023. If elected, she would be the first Black woman to hold the office.
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