JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – School is now out for summer in Duval County.
As students began summer break on Friday, there’s uncertainty over the future of some neighborhood schools as the district moves to consolidate and close some schools.
In Atlantic Beach, the beloved public elementary school is among dozens of schools a consultant has proposed closing.
Parents and students said they are concerned for the future of Atlantic Beach Elementary, but hopeful their voices will sway the district to save it.
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Buses, bicycles, and hugs were part of the scene from the last day of class before summer break at Atlantic Beach Elementary.
“This is the most amazing school. I cannot say how much I love this school. It’s heartbreaking to leave,” said Summer Morris, an Atlantic Beach Elementary parent.
Morris and her son left campus on his last day at the school Friday as an outgoing fifth-grader. Morris’s husband is also a teacher at the school.
She said the possibility of the school shutting down made the moment especially emotional.
“It certainly makes it even more scary or nervous. I don’t know. It feels like all the emotions are heightened I think from this. Obviously, it’s a sad day when your kids are growing up. But it’s also the thought of this not being here, it just brings tears to the eyes,” Morris said.
Atlantic Beach Elementary is among more than two dozen public schools being considered for closure in Duval County in the wake of rising costs for planned building improvements and dropping enrollment in an environment of expanded school choice.
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ABE parent Jenny Bezis said she doesn’t think alternative options to public schools are always better, noting ABE’s stellar academic credentials.
The implementation of school closures in Duval County could be years away.
The district is asking for the public’s feedback on their rightsizing efforts and it has a public survey and information on upcoming public meetings on this topic on its website.
The school district will also have a new superintendent next year after the school board voted unanimously earlier this month to choose Dr. Christopher Bernier, the former superintendent of Lee County Schools in Florida, to be the next leader of DCPS.