JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Parents, teachers and elected officials called on Duval County Public School leaders to find solutions for the task the district is facing, from school closures to teacher cuts.
All eyes and ears were on DCPS Headquarters Tuesday evening, an hour before the School Board meeting began.
Chants rang out from community protesters calling for district leaders to save the dozens of DCPS schools at risk of closing.
While the LaVilla Middle School band played their instruments, protesting school budget cuts impacting their teachers.
An issue that was addressed early on in Tuesday night's School Board meeting by Interim Superintendent Dana Krizner, who said they've been able to allocate money from operating costs to the Middle Schools to save the 70 personnel on the chopping block.
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According to Board Chairman Darryl Willie, 81 people signed up to make public comment. The hour-long public comment started with Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford asking board members about the school resolution letter beach mayors sent to the district two weeks ago, that he said has still not received a response.
“But as of today I haven’t heard a peep, so my first request is can we at least get a response that you got the letter," said Ford.
Some DCPS teachers and staff members took to the podium continuing the school closure and consolidation conversation, with some teachers bringing letters from their students.
“In these letters I have here, not one of them mention wanting a new school building," said one Holiday Hill teacher.
Parents and students filled the seats at the meeting in their schools shirts saying they're all here to fight for their school.
"Jacksonville has woken up. People are upset to hear that their schools might be closed and that their community might be hit hard that it’s not just about the students but it’s about the teachers, parents and neighbors in the communities," said Emily McCarthy, a Atlantic Beach Elementary mom.
"It is a vital importance in our communities it changes our communities and when you take away a community school you disrupt that community and schools are the hub of a community," said another DCPS parent.
The district released the schedule for the seven community engagement meetings so concerned residents can come out and give their input.
May 21 - District 2 Community Meeting at Fletcher High School.
June 10 - District 3 Community Meeting at Main Administrative Building.
June 11 - District 4 Community Meeting at Stanton College Preparatory.
June 13 - District 6 Community Meeting at Ed White High School.
June 17 - District 7 Community Meeting at Atlantic Coast High School.
June 18 - District 5 Community Meeting at Paxon School of Advanced Studies.
June 20 - District 1 Community Meeting at Terry Parker High School.