Nov. 14, 2024 – Duval County Public Schools is taking steps to bring the district into financial wellness as it faces an operational budget shortfall by over $100 million dollars for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Leaders say a history of spending more revenue than what was received has led to this challenge.
“In recent years, we have been covering that gap with reserves, but we no longer have the reserves necessary to continue this practice,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Bernier.
The School Board took a step toward reducing operational costs on Monday, Nov. 4 by approving several consolidations during its regular board meeting. It’s a step Dr. Bernier says will be the first of many difficult decisions the district will face in this process.
“Consolidating schools is never an easy decision, but these mergers will generate significant savings and help us balance our budget next year,” he says.
The following consolidations will occur in the 2025-26 school year:
1. Annie R. Morgan Elementary into Biltmore Elementary
2. Kings Trail Elementary into Beauclerc Elementary
3. Susie E. Tolbert Elementary into Smart Pope Livingston Elementary
In addition to these consolidations, the School Board previously approved the consolidation of R.V. Daniels Elementary School into R.L. Brown Elementary School and Windy Hill Elementary School into a new Southside Estates Elementary School.
With further study, the following consolidations were approved to occur no later than August of the 2026-27 school year:
1. George Washington Carver Elementary and Rufus E. Payne Elementary
2. Hidden Oaks Elementary and Cedar Hills Elementary
3. Don Brewer Elementary and Merrill Road Elementary
District leaders will soon look at opportunities for additional cost savings, which will be discussed with the School Board, staff, and community at board workshops, and public town halls in the near future. Though not an easy task, Dr. Bernier is confident that student success will remain the priority.
“I’m grateful for the community’s remarkable dedication to our students,” shares Dr. Bernier. “I look forward to continuing this conversation and hearing their feedback at future events.”