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Duval County School Board votes in favor of consolidating elementary schools

After months of community discussion over school closures and consolidations, Tuesday night board members made their final decision on what schools to consolidate.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tuesday night, DCPS School Board made their final decision on the fate of six elementary schools in the district, after months of community meeting and public forums over the Masters Facility Plan.

The Schools Board voted in favor of consolidating Annie R. Morgan into Biltmore Elementary, Kings Trail consolidating into Beauclerc, and Susie Tolbert consolidating into Smart Pope Livingston.

Don Brewer and Merrill Road will also be consolidated, however the location of which school will be merging will be determined no later than August 2026.

Board Member Kelly Coker offered an amendment for both schools, so a traffic study can be conducted and questions can be answered to decide which school will be consolidating. 

George Washington Carver will consolidate into Rufus Payne, but an amendment was passed to consolidate Carver no later than August 2026-2027 school year. Board Member Warren Jones offered the amendment after saying parents were upset since they originally were under the impression that Payne was consolidating with Carver. 

Jones said this amendment also gives parents one year to work through their plans.

Hidden Oaks will consolidate into Cedar Hills but another amendment was passed by Board member Jones to not have the consolidation until 2026-2027.  

Before tonight's votes, many parents still made their final plea to save their school.

“That schools been my home for 15 years and I can’t get passed that we’re talking about numbers not students," said one Hidden Oaks parent.

“I urge the board to consider long term impacts of these closures on our students. Access to quality education is a fundamental right and it’s imperative that we ensure equitable opportunities for all students in the district," said another DCPS parent. 

Transportation and safety concerns arose during tonight's discussion from both parents and board members since many of these schools have students who walk. 

For students who live outside the 1.5 mile radius, Superintendent Dr. Bernier said he will make sure there is bus transportation for those students.

Superintendent Dr. Bernier explained how school utilization rates are driving these school consolidations, increasing enrollment at schools by consolidating them will "create additional opportunities." 

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