Dr. Christopher Bernier is a dedicated public servant with over 39 years of service in public education. On July 1, 2024, he was sworn in as the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, the sixth largest school district in Florida and the 18th largest in the United States with over 124,000 students and employing over 12,000 staff members.
Dr. Bernier leads with a student-centered philosophy, ensuring that the district’s strategic plan outcomes meet the academic, safety, and social-emotional needs of students. His mission also includes preparing students to be college and career ready citizens who drive the economic and social progress of the community.
In the first year, Dr. Bernier, together with school board and District leadership, team have led Duval County Public Schools to its first and historic “A-Rating” from the State of Florida. In that same year, 99% of the schools achieved an A, B, or C grade, high school Graduation Rates rose to 95%, and 45 schools increased one or two letter grades.
Dr. Bernier’s leadership is guided by his core values: Belief in Students, Excellence, Integrity, High Expectations, Accountability, and Professionalism.
Prior to joining Duval County, Dr. Bernier served as the Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Lee County. Under his leadership, the district supported over 100,000 students and 13,000 employees making the district the ninth largest school district in Florida and the 32nd largest in the United States. Under his purview, Lee County improved and increased outcomes in student achievement, school performance, and high school graduation rates. Dr. Bernier and his team were responsible for leading Lee County back to school in 17 days after the $350 million dollar aftermath from Hurricane Ian.
Dr. Bernier brings a wealth of experience from two of the nation’s largest school districts. Prior to his current role Dr. Bernier served as the Chief of Staff for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fifth largest school district in the country, supporting over 300,000 students and 42,000 employees. In this role, he led numerous strategic initiatives, including Emergency Operations and COVID Response Commander, Lead Member of the District’s Negotiation Team, Chairman and Digital One to One Project Lead, Chief Facilitator of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, and Chairman of the Community and School Safety Committee.
Dr. Bernier began his career serving Orange County Public Schools from 1987 to 2019. He was a devoted classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Professional Development, and Associate Superintendent. Dr. Bernier led the Office of School Choice, where he was responsible for all choice options, including Alternative Education, Charter Schools, Orange County Virtual School, K-12 Magnet Programs, School Age Services, Student Enrollment, Teen Parent Program, and Home Education. These responsibilities supported the vision and mission of Orange County Public Schools and influenced the trajectory for more than 200,000 students and 25,000 team members.
Dr. Bernier has received numerous recognitions for his work including:
Florida Principal of the Year by The Florida PTA
Cambridge Large School District of the Year
Member of the Carnegie Institute Learning Leadership Network
Servant Leader of the Year by the Lee County Chamber
Dr. Bernier holds a strong academic foundation in educational leadership. He holds an undergraduate degree in History and Education from LeMoyne College, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Residing in Jacksonville, Florida, he is proud of his wife Deborah, honored to be a father to five children, and blessed by six grandchildren. When not at home, you can find him on the beach or with his backpack on a mountain trail.