Duval County Just Went Old School — And That’s a Good Thing

So here’s a headline that might surprise you: The Duval County School Board is bringing back single-gender health classes in middle school,

Yes, you read that right. In 2025, Duval County’s school board voted, 6 to 1, to do something wildly controversial by today’s standards — but incredibly normal just a couple decades ago.

They’re separating the boys and girls.

Not for discipline. Not for sports. But for health class. And along with that? An abstinence-based curriculum. You’d think the sky was falling.

Now before anyone gets too excited — or starts waving protest signs in the car line — let’s ask a simple question: Why was this ever controversial in the first place?

For most of American history, this was standard practice. Boys learned about their bodies, their responsibilities, their challenges — with other boys. Girls had the same opportunity. The goal wasn’t discrimination. It was understanding. It was comfort. And yes — it was basic biology.

Somewhere along the way, education became more about social engineering than common sense. Coed health classes became mandatory. Biological sex became a political debate. And middle schoolers? They got caught in the cultural crossfire.

But now? Duval County is quietly turning back the clock — and thank God.

Board Member Melody Bolduc said what most parents already know: kids are more comfortable asking questions when they’re not trying to impress or outwit the opposite sex. It’s not rocket science. It’s middle school. If you’ve met a 13-year-old boy, you know exactly what she means.

Of course, not everyone’s thrilled. Board Member Darryl Willie — the lone no vote — said it’s unnecessary and might cause “complications.” Yes, like the terrifying idea that boys and girls might get taught in different rooms for a few hours. The horror.

Critics are also whining about logistics — as if scheduling is more important than sanity.

But the district’s superintendent, Dr. Christopher Bernier, seems open-minded. He’s even researching how other school systems manage this kind of thing — probably because it’s been done before. For, you know, the first 200 years of public education.

Here’s the bigger picture: The School Board just did something rare. They looked at a problem, used common sense, and made a decision that reflects reality instead of ideology. Imagine that.

In a world where 6-year-olds are being asked their pronouns and parents are sidelined in the name of “equity,” it’s refreshing to see our school district say:
“Maybe we should just teach boys and girls like boys and girls again.”

Maybe it’s not progress that’s needed — maybe it’s remembering what used to work.

Eye sends a WINK to those who voted Yes! Good job!

Billie Tucker Volpe

Billie Tucker Volpe Founder of Eye on Jacksonville and Leadership Consultant to CEOs/Executives. She is a faith-driven communicator, truth-seeker, and advocate for principled leadership. Guided by her Christian values and a calling to serve, she uses the power of words to expose injustice, uplift community voices, and shine light in dark places. Whether she’s challenging government waste, amplifying entrepreneurs, or defending American ideals, her work is rooted in faith, integrity, and bold conviction. She believes every story has a purpose, and every platform is a chance to speak life, stir hearts, and spark change — all for the glory of God and the good of others.

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