News Summary
Duval County Public Schools is set to vote on relocating its headquarters from Jacksonville’s Southbank to a new site in Baymeadows, as part of negotiations to sell its existing headquarters building to Fleet Landing. The proposed site for the new headquarters will accommodate 600 employees and is set to be purchased for $14 million. This move raises concerns regarding accessibility for parents and families while promising a profit of $6 million from the transaction for district renovations. A final vote on the plan will occur by early October.
Jacksonville, Florida – Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is set to vote on the proposed relocation of its headquarters from its current site on Jacksonville’s Southbank to a new location in Baymeadows during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The move comes as the district is in negotiations to sell its existing headquarters building at 1701 Prudential Drive to Fleet Landing, a company that plans to develop a senior living community at the location. The sale has been valued at $20 million.
The Proposed New Headquarters
To facilitate this transition, DCPS is collaborating with Trinity Commercial Group (TCG) to finalize the sale and purchase of new properties. The new headquarters is proposed to be situated in the Southern Grocers building on Prominence Parkway, available for $14 million. This facility is designed to accommodate approximately 600 DCPS employees and will be fully furnished and operational upon acquisition.
Community Concerns
The proposed move has raised concerns among parents and community members regarding accessibility. Board member Darryl Willie has expressed worries that relocating the headquarters to Baymeadows may create barriers for parents accessing resources. In light of these concerns, board chair Charlotte Joyce emphasized the importance of the existing parent resource center located in Midtown, indicating that it would remain the primary support hub for parents.
Additionally, the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP has highlighted issues that may arise for residents who lack reliable transportation to the new headquarters. Dr. Christopher Bernier, the DCPS Superintendent, has reassured the community that essential resources for parents and families will continue to be available at the Shultz Center located in Midtown, thereby ensuring that support services remain accessible despite the headquarters’ relocation.
Financial Implications of the Move
If the school board approves the sale of the Southbank property and the purchase of the new Baymeadows site, DCPS is anticipated to profit $6 million from the transaction. This profit would be allocated to the district’s building program, which aims to modernize and enhance educational facilities across the district. If the deal proceeds, the closing of the sale is projected to take place in August 2026.
Background on the Southbank Headquarters
Duval County Public Schools has operated its headquarters at the Southbank location for 44 years. The facility encompasses nearly 123,000 square feet and has served as a central administrative hub for the district during that time. However, the school board has cited the need for modernization and cost-cutting measures as pivotal reasons for the relocation decision.
Fleet Landing’s proposal was selected over nine others because of its financial viability and potential benefits to the community. The existing headquarters is slated for demolition to make way for the planned senior living community, a project expected to enhance the neighborhood and provide necessary services to the growing senior population.
Next Steps
The DCPS school board will need to conduct a final vote on the contract negotiations by October 7, should the initial vote yield a favorable outcome. This timeline underscores the urgency and importance of personnel adjustments in light of the significant changes proposed for the district’s administrative structures and community services.
As the vote approaches, DCPS continues to encourage dialogue among community stakeholders to address any questions or concerns regarding the transition. An emphasis on maintaining support services at established locations reaffirms the district’s commitment to serving its families effectively during this process.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Duval County Public School Officials Answer Questions
- News4Jax: Plans for National Bible Study Program in Duval County Schools
- Jacksonville.com: Will Duval School Board Vote to Sell Southbank HQ?
- First Coast News: DCPS Southbank Building Move Vote
- Jax Daily Record: Report: Fleet Landing Wants to Buy Duval Schools Headquarters
- Wikipedia: Duval County Public Schools
- Google Search: Duval County Public Schools headquarters move
- Google Scholar: Duval County Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Duval County Public Schools
- Google News: Duval County Public Schools
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
