Jacksonsville City Council member Tyrona Clark-Murray was removed from classroom duties in the Duval County Public Schools. | Campaign website for Tyrona Clark-Murray
Published on May 8, 2026 at 2:59 pm
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A Jacksonville city councilwoman has been removed from her classroom duties in the Duval County Public Schools during a human resources investigation, the school district confirmed.
Tyrona Clark-Murray, councilwoman for District 9, is currently employed as an ESE Site Coach at Alfred Dupont Middle School, according to the district’s website.
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The school district did not specify what led to Clark-Murray‘s removal from the classroom, but the district said she had been “temporarily reassigned to a role with no student contact pending the outcome of a human resources investigation.”
According to School Board member Melody Bolduc, Clark-Murray was reassigned for inappropriate physical contact. Bolduc released this statement:
While the investigation must be allowed to run its course, I think this moment also highlights a much larger issue that deserves public attention. Our ESE teachers and paraprofessionals work with some of our district’s highest-needs students every single day, often in extremely challenging circumstances.
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No student should ever be harmed by an adult. At the same time, many people do not realize that our educators are regularly bitten, kicked, slapped, pinched, scratched, groped, and physically assaulted while serving students with significant behavioral and emotional needs. These incidents happen far more often than the public understands.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, I believe it is important that we acknowledge not only the dedication of these educators, but also the intense demands placed upon them. Our teachers need stronger support systems, proper staffing, training, resources, and safe working environments so they can continue serving students with compassion and professionalism.
I also want to give a special shout out to our ESE teachers and paraprofessionals. I often tell them they are some of the most selfless, patient, and underappreciated heroes in public education. The work they do matters deeply, and many of them continue showing up every day with extraordinary love and commitment for students who need them most.
The school district said the investigation is active and no further information would be provided.
Nex4Jax reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to see if any reports had been filed, but the department said the agency was “unaware” of any report.
The Mayor’s Office referred any questions to the school district and Councilwoman Clark-Murray’s office. Clark-Murray declined to comment on the matter.
City Council President Kevin Carrico, in a statement, called the situation “disturbing.”
“As someone who works with children of all ages day in and day out, it’s obviously troubling to read. I will reserve judgment and action as council president when I have more facts and a report to review,” he said.
News4Jax asked Carrico whether Clark-Murray would continue to serve on the City Council in her usual capacity. He said a council member could be removed from office only if they face a criminal charge, and only Gov. Ron DeSantis has the ability to do that.
Councilman Matt Carlucci responded to the incident with praise for Clark-Murray, saying this situation should not tarnish her reputation.
Tyrona Clark-Murray is an outstanding person, a compassionate educator, and a dedicated public servant who truly cares about people. I cannot defend the reaction itself, because educators must be held to a high standard, but I also understand how difficult those classroom situations can be. What speaks to her character is that she immediately self-reported the incident, showing honesty and accountability. One mistake should not define a lifetime of service to others.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
