Duval County parents stunned by proposal to close multiple schools

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public School parents are expressing shock and frustration over a proposal to close multiple schools.

The proposal, by outside consultants, is in its beginning stages as the district looks to fix its $1.4 billion budget gap. 

Still, parents say they’re stunned to learn their school could be on the chopping block since at least 10 elementary schools are named in the proposal, according to documents from the March 11 school board workshop.

“A little bit of panic,” said Fishweir Elementary School parent Valerie Boote when First Coast News asked how families like hers in the school district were feeling about the proposal.

“Panic, disappointment,” added Geoff Terry, another Fishweir Elementary School parent.

Schools proposed to close include Atlantic Beach Elementary, Mayport Elementary, San Pablo Elementary, Anchor Academy Elementary, Fishweir Elementary, John Stockton Elementary, Bayview Elementary, Ortega Elementary, West Riverside Elementary and Hyde Grove Elementary.

RELATED: Which schools will Duval close to manage soaring construction costs?

“We specifically chose our neighborhood so our children could go to John Stockton,” said Lauren Agresti.

A Facebook group created to save Atlantic Beach Elementary gained more than 900 members in less than two days. Parents say they worry about overcrowding, a strained school bus system, less individual attention to students and property values.

DCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Dana Kriznar told the school board in a meeting Tuesday the proposal was only meant to be a starting point for conversation.

“I admit I was a bit overwhelmed by the recommendation that came back,” she said. “To see the number of schools recommended for consolidation was heartbreaking to me both personally and professionally.”

School board members emphasized Tuesday this is just a proposal and they do not have a goal of closing schools. 

A district spokesperson called the proposal a “developing, conceptual proposal with a very long-term time horizon" and said it has not been recommended or approved by the board or school district.

The district spokesperson says they expect to have opportunities for people to learn more and give their input for a plan and that a community engagement plan will be presented at an upcoming workshop.

Q&A: Duval County parent questions; DCPS responses

Here are some questions parents had for the district, followed by their respective answers:

Question 1: What could happen to the student-teacher ratio at consolidated schools?

1. This is guided by state class-size standards. The district strives to adhere to those standards to the greatest degree possible. That would not change. 
2. What does happen when you close a school is that you save significant administrative overhead costs. Those dollars are then available to improve the student experience and support learning.

Question 2: How would all of the students fit into the consolidated school?

1. All final plans will be based on enrollment expectations and forecasts so that the size of the buildings is adequate for the enrollment. The new Rutledge Pearson Elementary School is a great example of that.

Question 3: Could school teachers and staff lose their jobs?

1. Again, this is a developing, conceptual proposal with a very long-term time horizon. Usually, natural turnover (retirements, resignations, etc.) provides job openings to accommodate staff of an impacted school. 

Question 4: What should parents do to voice their opinions?

1. Be ready to join us at the upcoming meetings where we will be providing that opportunity. We are crafting a process much like we did with the original Master Facilities Plan in 2018 and 2019. We will soon announce the ways people can become engaged and have their voices heard.