News Summary
The Duval County School Board is weighing the sale of its Southbank headquarters for $12.5 million and relocating to Prominence Park, facing financial and safety challenges. Board members express concerns over the fiscal implications and potential safety risks, including a rise in student pedestrian incidents, as the district grapples with a decline in enrollment and budget constraints. Discussions are ongoing about the best course for both properties, with a vote expected in October.
Jacksonville — The Duval County School Board is exploring the possibility of selling its Southbank headquarters and relocating to Prominence Park, amid growing financial and safety concerns. The proposed sale of the Southbank property is valued at $12.5 million, with an additional $7.5 million expected to be paid within three years. Under the current plan, the district can continue operating from its existing headquarters until late 2026 for just $1 in rent.
The new headquarters in Baymeadows is projected to be acquired for approximately $13.9 million, not including expenses such as furniture and equipment. However, the overlapping timeline for these transactions means the district would be financially responsible for both properties for at least one year, raising concerns among board members about the financial implications of the move.
Board member Cindy Buldoc has voiced particular concern over the potential tax implications associated with utilizing a loan for moving expenses, as well as the mismatched closing dates for both properties. Even Board Chair Joyce, who has previously supported the relocation, has expressed concerns about the logistics of the plan. The school board is expected to cast its vote on the sale and acquisition in October.
In addition to the headquarters discussion, Duval County Schools is currently facing critical challenges regarding pedestrian safety. There has been a noticeable rise in pedestrian-related incidents, with six students reportedly hit by cars thus far this school year, including one fatality. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier underlined the importance of addressing traffic safety in the community, as it is a matter of personal significance to him. Community leaders and parents are actively discussing possible solutions to enhance safety for students, including the installation of speed bumps and traffic signals.
Last year, Duval County experienced 43 students being struck by vehicles, leading to three fatalities. The alarming rise in these incidents has prompted discussions among stakeholders about improving safety measures around schools. In conjunction with this, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is coping with a decline in student enrollment, which has decreased by 1.9% this school year. As a result, the district is proactively cutting 115 teaching positions through reallocations, assuring stakeholders that while no teachers will lose their jobs, vacant positions will be eliminated based on current enrollment data.
The district’s financial challenges are exacerbated by rising costs and an increase in educational vouchers that are impacting the budget. DCPS is also planning facility changes, which include school consolidations based on a master facilities plan put in place in 2024. Community meetings are being organized to discuss proposed consolidations in 2026, such as merging Anchor Academy and Mayport Elementary.
The ongoing discussions regarding the potential sale of the Southbank property are stirring debate within the community, especially regarding the future use of the land and its impact on the development of downtown Jacksonville. Some board members are questioning whether converting the property into a retirement community is the best use of the land. District 3 board member Cindy Pearson has raised concerns about the potential repercussions on property tax revenue, considering the nonprofit status of the anticipated purchaser.
This multifaceted situation involving the Duval County School Board is unfolding at a critical time, as both financial strategy and student safety become increasingly prominent concerns for the district and the community it serves.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Duval County seeks solutions for student pedestrian safety
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian safety
- Action News Jax: Cafeteria inspection failures
- Google Search: Duval County school cafeteria inspections
- First Coast News: School bus driver arrested
- Google Scholar: Duval County school bus driver arrest
- Jacksonville.com: Duval County becomes an A school district
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- News4Jax: School board weighs Baymeadows move
- Google News: Duval County school board Baymeadows
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.
