September 19, 2025

Community Voices Concern Over School Consolidation

News Summary

Duval County Schools is considering the consolidation of Mayport Elementary and Anchor Academy, prompting mixed reactions from parents, alumni, and local stakeholders. A recent community meeting provided a platform for discussions about the potential impacts of the merger, particularly for military families. While concerns were raised about maintaining support services, some participants expressed optimism that the consolidation could enhance student engagement. With further community feedback being sought, the future of these schools remains uncertain as decisions loom ahead.

Jacksonville, FL – Duval County Schools is currently exploring the possibility of consolidating Mayport Elementary and Anchor Academy, a proposal that has raised various opinions and concerns within the community. A community meeting was held recently to engage parents, alumni, and district officials in discussions regarding the potential impact of merging the two institutions.

During this event, a diverse group attended, contributing valuable insights and expressing differing viewpoints about the merger. Lillian Mikhalchuck, an alum of Anchor Academy, highlighted the importance of the supportive environment that the school offers for military families. She emphasized the sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among students, which is particularly significant for children whose parents are serving in the military.

Despite the discussion of consolidation, some attendees felt optimistic that military support would remain strong even if the schools merged. Kate Dewey, a parent of a student at Mayport Elementary and a Department of Defense employee, voiced her belief that consolidating the schools could enhance engagement among military students. It was noted that a larger student body might lead to more frequent visits from the school liaison officer, which could benefit families in the area.

Corey Wright, the Chief of Accountability, Research and Strategy for Duval County Schools, clarified at the meeting that no final decisions regarding the merger have been made. He assured those present that families from both schools are already collaborating to identify possible solutions. The district has committed to prioritizing student welfare in any outcomes related to the proposed consolidation.

In an effort to gather further community input, Duval County Schools will be soliciting feedback over the next two months. This input is critical in informing decisions related to the potential consolidation. Following this period of community engagement, a recommendation is expected to be made to the superintendent based on the feedback received. The school board may then vote on the proposal in November.

The conversation surrounding the potential consolidation of Mayport Elementary and Anchor Academy comes in the context of ongoing efforts within the education system to optimize resources and enhance student experiences. The outcome of this process could significantly impact the academic landscape for students currently enrolled, particularly those from military families who may benefit from more comprehensive support services.

As the situation develops, community members are encouraged to stay engaged and provide their insights, as the future of these schools may hinge on the collective voice of parents, alumni, and local stakeholders in the Duval County area.

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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.

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